Manufacturing Project Engineer - Controls and Automation

Career Area:

Manufacturing

Job 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.

ROLE DEFINITION:

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.

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

• 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.

WHAT YOU WILL HAVE:

Project Management: 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.

• Identifies project management tools and requirements within own function.
• Describes the key objectives, phases and deliverables of a current project.
• Explains the concepts of phase, activity, task, and deliverable.
• Gives examples of critical paths in projects.

Judgment and Decision Making: 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.

• Discerns between "signal" and "noise" when considering courses of action.
• Selects the right activities to work on from a range of competing priorities.
• Stands by decisions in the face of conflict or unexpected outcome.
• Makes the transition from evaluation to conclusion readily and in a timely manner.
• Revisits decisions when appropriate, but infrequently and without disrupting focus.

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.

• Identifies and documents specific problems and resolution alternatives.
• Examines a specific problem and understands the perspective of each involved stakeholder.
• Develops alternative techniques for assessing accuracy and relevance of information.
• Helps to analyze risks and benefits of alternative approaches and obtain decision on resolution.
• Uses fact-finding techniques and diagnostic tools to identify problems.

Controls Equipment: 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
• Monitoring system performance and making necessary adjustments to ensure optimal operation.
• Troubleshooting and repairing control systems as needed.
• Identify and implement process improvement opportunities.

TOP CANDIDATES MAY ALSO HAVE:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Computer Science or equivalent relevant work experience.
• 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.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• This position requires the selected candidate to work on-site five days a week in the Pontiac, IL facility.
• Domestic relocation assistance is available.
• Visa sponsorship is NOT provided.
• Please ensure you frequently sign in to your Candidate Home for any updates or correspondence for positions that you have applied for: https://cat.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/CaterpillarCareers

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Summary Pay Range:

$112,710.00 - $169,060.00

Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. 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 not available for this position.

 

 

Posting Dates:

June 25, 2026 - June 29, 2026

Any 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.

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