Automation & Controls Engineer

About the role

The Automation & Controls Engineer position will have a clear focus on automation and controls, then expand to develop deeper knowledge of Heat Treat equipment, processes, and overall system operation. The selected candidate will be given training and mentoring to support successful development. Both experienced professionals and early-career candidates will be considered for this opportunity. Much of this position's work day will be spent on the manufacturing floor using machine logic, electrical drawings, diagnostic software, equipment data, and hands-on troubleshooting.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot and support industrial automation and control systems
• Improve equipment reliability, performance, and uptime
• Support, develop, and troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, robotics, and related technologies
• Lead root cause investigations and implement permanent solutions
• Support equipment upgrades, capital projects, and continuous improvement efforts
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, and engineering teams to solve complex technical challenges
• Develop expertise in industrial automation, controls, and manufacturing systems
• Build troubleshooting skills while working alongside experienced technical professionals
• Support equipment reliability, performance, and continuous improvement efforts
• Contribute to projects that have a direct impact on safety, quality, and production
• Grow your technical knowledge and advance your career in a highly automated manufacturing environment

Training, mentoring, and hands-on development will be provided to help the successful candidate build technical expertise and grow within the role.

Qualifications

Degree Requirement: Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, Mechatronics Technology, Automation Technology, Industrial Electronics Technology or equivalent experience desired.

Required Competencies:

• Accuracy and Attention to Detail: Understanding the necessity and value of accuracy; ability to complete tasks with high levels of precision
• Effective Communications: Understanding of effective communication concepts, tools and techniques; ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through the application of appropriate communication behaviors
• Engineering - MFG: Knowledge of processes, techniques and methods of engineering in a manufacturing environment; ability to design and implement materials, structures, machines, devices, systems and processes that safely realize a desired objective or invention
• Problem Solving: 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
• Technical Troubleshooting: Knowledge of technical troubleshooting approaches, tools, and techniques; ability to anticipate, recognize, and resolve technical issues on hardware, software, application, or operation

Preferred Qualifications:

• Technical education, training, or experience in engineering, automation, controls, electrical systems, robotics, industrial maintenance, or a related field
• Strong technical aptitude, curiosity, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to learn new technologies and troubleshoot complex equipment
• Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with a variety of teams
• Willingness to work in a manufacturing environment and support a rotating AWS night shift schedule, including assigned weekends and holidays
• Strong technical depth in one or more industrial automation platforms, combined with the ability to troubleshoot and learn unfamiliar systems, is more important. Experience with every system is not required.

Skills

Technologies you will learn and support:

• Allen-Bradley PLC and HMI platforms
• FANUC robotics and automation systems
• Industrial networking and communications systems
• Vision systems and inspection technologies
• Variable frequency drives and motion control systems
• Process control and instrumentation systems

Work Schedule and Environment

• Alternate Work Schedule (AWS) - Night Shift (6:00 PM - 6:00 AM)
• Week 1: Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
• Week 2: Wednesday, Thursday
• Repeating two-week schedule
• Includes assigned weekends and holidays
• Overtime opportunities available for additional shifts worked
• Primarily based in an active manufacturing environment
• Regular hands-on troubleshooting on the production floor

Pay

Pay Range: $81,370.00 - $122,060.00. Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. 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.

Additional Details

• This position will close at 11:59 p.m. on 11/11/2026.
• This position will be located onsite in East Peoria, IL (Building KK).
• Relocation (domestic) assistance is available for this position.
• Sponsorship is NOT available.
• This position may require less than 10% travel.
• This position requires working onsite five days a week.
• Posting Dates: October 28, 2026 - November 11, 2026
• Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.