About this Controls & Automation Engineering Specialist role at Caterpillar
Career Area:
EngineeringJob Description:
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.
Hear about the Caterpillar Experience for yourself
Role Definition
Caterpillar’s Advanced Materials Technology Department is currently seeking a Controls & Automation Engineering Specialist to support heat treat operations, induction processing systems, and advanced manufacturing technologies across multiple facilities. This role blends metallurgical engineering expertise with automation, process control, and manufacturing systems integration to optimize product quality, process capability, equipment reliability, and operational efficiency.
What You Will Do
PLC, Controls & Automation Systems
Own troubleshooting, modification, and support of PLC-controlled manufacturing systems in production environments
Maintain and optimize PLC ladder logic, HMI/SCADA systems (including Wonderware), and controls architecture
Integrate new equipment, sensors, and systems into existing PLC frameworks
Diagnose system faults and implement corrective actions to restore uptime
Heat Treat & Induction Equipment
Provide controls and electrical support for heat treat furnaces, induction systems, and related equipment
Support commissioning, startup, and troubleshooting of furnace cells and automation systems
Execute control revisions and upgrades for new and existing heat treat technologies
Manufacturing Systems Integration
Lead integration of automation systems including robotics, MECCO printers, vision systems, and material handling
Configure communication between PLCs, HMIs, databases, and enterprise systems
Support recipe management, data collection systems, and plant-level automation architecture
On-Floor Diagnostics & Troubleshooting
Perform advanced troubleshooting of electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems in live production environments
Provide rapid response support to minimize downtime across multiple facilities
Deliver both on-site and remote technical support across geographically distributed operations
Energy Monitoring & Digital Systems
Design, install, and integrate power and gas metering systems into manufacturing equipment
Develop and maintain Power BI dashboards for energy monitoring and reporting
Enable data-driven decision making through system integration and reporting tools
Capital Projects & Commissioning
Support implementation of capital projects including furnace installations, automation upgrades, and new production cells
Perform equipment commissioning, system validation, and startup support
Bridge manpower gaps on high-impact projects to ensure successful delivery
Training & Cross-Site Support
Train maintenance teams on troubleshooting PLC and automation systems to increase plant self-sufficiency
Provide technical mentorship and knowledge transfer to operations and engineering teams
Support multiple facilities across the U.S. and Mexico through travel and remote engagement
Degree Requirement
Bachelor's degree in Computer or Electrical Engineering required.
What you must have (skills)
Controls Engineering: Strong PLC, HMI/SCADA, and industrial automation experience
Troubleshooting: Ability to diagnose and resolve complex production system issues under pressure
Systems Integration: Experience connecting equipment, PLCs, databases, and enterprise systems
Manufacturing Engineering: Knowledge of industrial equipment, particularly heat treat and automated systems
Data & Analytics: Experience with data collection and visualization tools (e.g., Power BI)
Project Execution: Ability to support commissioning, upgrades, and capital projects
Communication: Ability to work across sites, teams, and functions effectively
Self-Directed Execution: Comfortable operating as a primary or sole controls resource across multiple locations
Additional Information
This position posting will close on 9/18/2026 at 11:59 p.m.
This position will be located onsite 5 days a week in East Peoria, IL (Building AD).
Domestic relocation is Available
VISA Sponsorship is Available
Travel requirements will be less than 10%.
Final details
Please frequently check the email associated with your application, including the junk/spam folder, as this is the primary correspondence method. If you wish to know the status of your application – please use the candidate log-in on our career website as it will reflect any updates to your status.
#LI #MilitaryMonday #Letsdothework #caterpillarinc #Iamcaterpillar
Summary Pay Range:
$128,470.00 - $192,710.00Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar.
Benefits:
Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of benefits.
Medical, dental, and vision benefits*
Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)*
401(k) savings plans*
Health Savings Account (HSA)*
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)*
Health Lifestyle Programs*
Employee Assistance Program*
Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts*
Career Development*
Incentive bonus*
Disability benefits
Life Insurance
Parental leave
Adoption benefits
Tuition Reimbursement
* These benefits also apply to part-time employees
This position requires working onsite five days a week.
Relocation is available for this position.
Visa sponsorship is available for eligible applicants.
Posting Dates:
September 11, 2026 - September 18, 2026Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.
Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.
Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.
