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Facilities Project Engineer - Automation…
- Caterpillar, Inc. (East Peoria, IL)
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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.
Hear about the Caterpillar Experience for yourself (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wf0PVJdUOWo&list=PLwAXbfivFg0jmiNqqgFLeQJpRB\_i-UVln&index=2)
Role Definition
The Facilities Project Engineer position is focused on **Automation Integration** for industrial manufacturing processes and equipment. They will lead the design and implementation of new automation systems from inception and optimize existing systems to enhance efficiency and reliability. This role will bring strong robotics and PLC expertise to bridge mechanical, electrical, and software systems for seamless operation in line with world-class standards. This position will also collaborate with leading CNC machine tool OEMs—including Mazak, Klingelnberg, Liebherr, Okuma, Gleason, and others—to design and implement advanced automation solutions that seamlessly integrate robotics, PLCs, and data connectivity into complex machining environments, ensuring optimized workflow, precision, and lights-out capability.
What you will do
+ Design, program, implement, and commission complete automation solutions incorporating robotics, PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, and industrial networks
+ Collaborate with CNC machine tool OEMs to integrate automation systems into new and existing equipment
+ Conduct detailed assessments of existing systems, identify opportunities for automation and integration improvements, and develop enhancements to optimize production
+ Lead project scope definition, scheduling, budgeting, risk assessment, and execution lifecycle for automation initiatives
+ Partner with engineering, operations, IT, vendors, and integrators to align automation solutions with operational goals, safety standards, and best practices
+ Develop and execute test plans, validation protocols, commissioning procedures, and troubleshooting methodologies for new and retrofitted systems
+ Maintain comprehensive documentation including design specifications, logic diagrams, code repositories, training materials, and performance reports
+ Provide hands-on mentorship and technical guidance to staff and contractors on PLC logic, robotic systems, troubleshooting, and maintenance best practices
+ Ensure all automation activities align with applicable safety and regulatory standards, including cybersecurity and process safety requirements
+ Monitor system performance, analyze data, recommend enhancements, and drive continuous improvement initiatives
Degree Requirement
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Automation Engineering (or related field) or equivalent experience desired.
Skills you must have
+ Collaborating: Knowledge of collaborative techniques; ability to work with a variety of individuals and groups in a constructive and collaborative manner.
+ Decision Making and Critical Thinking: Knowledge of the decision-making process and associated tools and techniques; ability to accurately analyze situations and reach productive decisions based on informed judgment.
+ 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.
+ Plant Facilities Management: Knowledge of processes, methodologies and techniques used to manage plant facilities; ability to handle the full spectrum of activities for managing and maintaining physical facilities and infrastructure.
+ 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.
+ Process Management: Knowledge of business process improvement tools and techniques; ability to understand, monitor, update, control, or enhance existing business or work processes.
+ 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.
+ Technical Troubleshooting: Knowledge of technical troubleshooting approaches, tools, and techniques; ability to anticipate, recognize, and resolve technical issues on hardware, software, application, or operation.
Top candidates will also have
+ Minimum 5 years’ experience in industrial automation, robotics integration, or PLC/control system engineering
+ Advanced proficiency in PLC programming (e.g., Rockwell, Siemens) and ladder logic, plus HMI/SCADA configuration
+ Proven experience integrating industrial robots (ABB, FANUC, KUKA) including hardware bring-up, control integration, and validation
+ Solid understanding of industrial communication protocols (Ethernet/IP, Modbus, EtherCAT) and control system architecture
+ Skilled in test plan creation, commissioning, and debugging across multi-disciplinary systems
+ Excellent project management skills with ability to manage scope, timeline, and budget
+ Strong analytical skills with ability to evaluate system data, identify issues, and implement continuous improvements
+ Effective communicator with experience collaborating across engineering, production, IT, and vendor teams
Additional Information
+ This position posting will close on 12/22/2025 at 11:59 p.m.
+ The location for this position is East Peoria, IL (Building KK) and requires the employee to work a 5-day-a-week schedule onsite.
+ Relocation assistance is **NOT** available for this position.
+ Sponsorship is **NOT** available.
+ This position may require less than 10% travel
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:
$110,520.00 - $165,840.00
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.
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 www.caterpillar.com/careers.
Posting Dates:
December 17, 2025 - December 22, 2025
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.
Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community (http://flows.beamery.com/caterpillarinc/talcom) .
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