Manufacturing Project Engineer – 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.

Location: Decatur, IL

Relocation Assistance: Offered

Visa Sponsorship: Not offered

Travel: Up to 15%

Work Arrangement: On-site

Job Summary

Join Caterpillar’s Decatur team as a Manufacturing Project Engineer – Automation
, where you’ll lead critical projects to improve safety, quality, velocity, and cost in our manufacturing operations. This role focuses on driving process improvements, integrating automation solutions, and introducing new products and capital equipment into production. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams and suppliers to optimize performance, implement advanced automation technologies, and ensure seamless system integration. Caterpillar offers the resources and support to help you succeed in a dynamic environment where your expertise makes a global impact.

If you thrive on solving challenges and delivering results, this is your opportunity to shape the future of manufacturing.

• Lead major manufacturing projects to enhance productivity and cost efficiency.
• Drive automation initiatives to improve process reliability and reduce manual operations.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external suppliers on process development and continuous improvement.
• Evaluate and integrate complex automated systems into plant operations.
• Direct suppliers to optimize product and process designs for feasibility and performance.
• Mentor engineers and operators to ensure high-quality outcomes and adoption of automation technologies.
• Champion safety, quality, velocity, and cost improvements across operations.

• Robotics/Computer Controlled Machinery: Ability to implement and operate robotics and computer controlled machinery in an automated manufacturing environment.
• Technical Troubleshooting: Ability to anticipate, recognize, and resolve technical issues on hardware, software, application, or operation.
  Level Working Knowledge:
• Decision Making: Ability to analyze complex systems and implement effective solutions.

• Experience in manufacturing environments with exposure to automation systems.
• Project management experience in industrial settings.
• Familiarity with AI scan and plan
  , machine learning
  , and 3D vision technologies.
• Experience with PLC programming and troubleshooting.

Summary Pay Range:

$ - $

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.

• 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. This employer is not currently hiring foreign national applicants that require or will require sponsorship tied to a specific employer, such as, H, L, TN, F, J, E, O. As a global company, Caterpillar offers many job opportunities outside of the U.S

which can be found through our employment website at

Posting Dates:

December 17, 2025 - January 11, 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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