Manufacturing Project Engineer - Controls and Automation

Caterpillar Inc.•Pontiac, IL

6d•$112,710 - $169,060•Onsite

About The Position

Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc. When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it. The Controls Project Engineer is responsible for leading machine upgrade initiatives across a large population of manufacturing assets, with a primary focus on PLC-based control systems. This role requires expert-level proficiency in PLC ladder logic, including writing new logic, modifying existing programs, and troubleshooting complex control and communication issues. The engineer will assess and upgrade how machines are driven, improve connectivity between machines and databases, and serve as a technical authority for controls-related problem solving. This position plays a critical role in modernizing equipment, ensuring reliable system communication, and supporting the ongoing performance and validation of automated and semi-automated manufacturing processes.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Computer Science or equivalent relevant work experience.
Knowledge of effective project management strategies and tactics; ability to plan, organize, monitor, and control projects, ensuring efficient utilization of technical and administrative resources to achieve project objectives.
Working knowledge of the decision-making process; ability to carefully evaluate the impact of emerging business situations and choose the best path forward communicating actions and activities that maximize organizational performance.
Knowledge of approaches, tools, techniques for recognizing, anticipating, and resolving organizational, operational or process problems; ability to apply knowledge of problem solving appropriately to diverse situations.
Working knowledge of the electrical and mechanical components as well as software used in manufacturing controls.
Functional knowledge of machine level robotics, vision systems, OT infrastructure, HMI, and PLCs.

Nice To Haves

Direct experience in automation in a manufacturing facility.
Knowledge of industrial communication systems such as Ethernet IP, DeviceNET, Profibus, Profinet, etc.
Knowledge of Rockwell Automation Software Suite including but not limited to: FactoryTalk View ME & SE, Studio 5000, RSLogix 500, RSLogix 5000, and FactoryTalk Transaction Manager.
Knowledge of Siemens PLC (TIA Portal).
Knowledge of MES / SCADA applications (Best if experienced with Ignition).
Knowledge of Vision Systems (Best if experienced with Cognex and Keyence).
Knowledge of SQL databases.
Knowledge of NPI project Work and APQP documentation.
Experience in CAN network and PLC Allen Bradley.

Responsibilities

Design and implement control systems to optimize production processes.
Develop and implement protocols for the operation of control systems.
Provide technical support and training to other staff on the use of control systems.
Work with other engineers and professionals in the design and implementation of new processes.
Update and maintain documentation on control systems and processes.
Evaluate the performance of control systems and making recommendations for improvements.
Keep up to date with the latest advancements in process control technology and industry trends.
Analyze, design, and implement Robotic Process Automation (RPA) solutions.
Assist with the development of technical reports or related documents.
Act as the technical consultant for capital projects.
Develop control system graphics and configure control system databases.
Provide input to the project lessons learned process.
Partner with cross-functional teams to define sensor, computing, network, and redundancy requirements.
Assist in the development of machine specifications.
Recommend hardware and software changes as well as upgrades to existing systems.
Monitoring system performance and making necessary adjustments to ensure optimal operation.
Troubleshooting and repairing control systems as needed.
Identify and implement process improvement opportunities.