Automation and Controls Engineer

Location: Mapleton

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.

Job Summary:

The Automation and Controls Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and optimizing advanced manufacturing technologies that improve safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance across the operation. In this role, you will help drive automation, controls engineering, digital manufacturing, and Industry 4.0 initiatives by leveraging connected systems, robotics, data analytics, and smart factory technologies to enhance operational performance and accelerate digital transformation.

Working closely with Manufacturing, Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, Information Technology, and external partners, you will deliver innovative and scalable solutions that increase productivity, improve equipment reliability, and enable data-driven decision making.

This role offers the opportunity to lead impactful automation projects, influence manufacturing strategy, and help shape the future of smart manufacturing.

What You Will Do:

Design, develop, program, commission, and support manufacturing automation systems, including PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, robotics, machine vision, industrial networks, and motion control technologies.

Lead automation, controls, and equipment modernization projects that improve safety, quality, throughput, reliability, and operational efficiency.

Troubleshoot and resolve complex controls, software, network, and equipment issues to minimize downtime and optimize manufacturing performance.

Drive Industry 4.0 and digital manufacturing initiatives through machine connectivity, IIoT technologies, data integration, and advanced analytics.

Partner with Operations, Engineering, and IT teams to integrate manufacturing systems with MES, ERP, cloud, and enterprise platforms.

Lead automation and capital projects from concept through design, installation, commissioning, validation, and operational handoff, ensuring delivery on time and within budget.

Ensure compliance with machine safety, electrical, cybersecurity, and engineering standards while providing technical guidance to manufacturing, maintenance, and engineering teams.

Lead root cause investigations and implement sustainable corrective actions to improve equipment reliability, process stability, and manufacturing performance.

Develop and maintain controls standards, electrical schematics, specifications, and technical documentation to ensure consistency and scalability across manufacturing operations.

Collaborate with equipment suppliers, system integrators, and cross-functional teams while ensuring compliance with safety, electrical, cybersecurity, and engineering standards.

Education requirement:

Bachelor's degree in Automation Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.

What skills you will have:  Problem Solving:

Advanced knowledge of root cause analysis methodologies, including RCA, 5 Why, Fishbone, and FMEA.Demonstrated ability to analyze complex manufacturing, automation, and equipment performance issues using data-driven decision making.

Experience interpreting system data, performance metrics, and operational trends to identify root causes and drive sustainable improvements.

Proven ability to develop and implement…