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.

Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.
 

When you join Caterpillar, you’re joining a global team who care not just about the work we do – but also about each other.  We are the makers, problem solvers and future work 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.

Our Product Support and Logistics Division (PSLD) is one of the most innovative divisions within Caterpillar. In PSLD, as within all of Caterpillar, our priority is our customers and helping them build a better world. We touch nearly every element of the services value stream from procurement to design and manufacturing to distribution. PSLD is responsible for Aftermarket Parts Distribution of Cat Parts, Integrated Logistics, segment Procurement and the design and manufacture of Wear Components (Undercarriage and GET) and Maintenance Components (Seals, Tubes & Hardware, Hose & Couplings, Fluids and Filters). 

As an Operations Automation Specialist, you will be responsible for ensuring the operation, upgrade/update, installation and maintenance of automation systems, controls and related equipment.  You will also be managing projects related to the design/redesign of facility automation with collaboration across multiple departments.

Additional Information:

Location:  Morton, IL (United States)Required Travel: Less than 10% (Domestic)Relocation Assistance Offered: None.US Work Sponsorship Offered: None.

What You Will Do:

• PLC Programming 

• Troubleshooting issues and resolving problems in the most efficient and cost-effective way 

• Support of maintenance personnel in continued operation of automated conveyors and cranes

• Upgrading obsolete automation equipment

• Recommending changes to resolve design and system communication problems 

• Project Management

• Estimating costs for equipment, materials, programming and installation 

• Creating/Approving drawings, specifying equipment and writing purchase requisitions 

• Designing the most economical, efficient systems, deciding what or which equipment should be purchased, making recommendations and keeping up-to-date on technical advances in the design field 

What You Have (Basic Requirements):
• Education Requirement: ABET accredited Engineering/Technology degree or 5+ years of previous experience in facility controls engineering or related discipline

• Availability for off-hours support: Operations Automation Specialists are subject matter experts for the facility and have an expectation to be on-call for evenings or weekends as needed (coverage is rotating)

• Automation Programming & Troubleshooting - PLC control logic

• Experience with Industrial Communications (ModbusTCP, TCP, OPC, Sockets, ASCII, etc.)

• Automation Installation – Hardware Troubleshooting/Replacement

• Project Administration: Knowledge of project administration best practices and ability to use organizational strategies, practices and tools for administering projects.

• Quality Management: Knowledge of quality management methods, tools, and techniques and ability to create and support an environment that meets the quality goals of the organization.

• 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.

• Software Product Technical Knowledge: Knowledge of technical aspects of a software products; ability to design, configure and integrate technical aspects of software products.

• Technical Troubleshooting: Knowledge of technical troubleshooting approaches, tools, and techniques; ability to anticipate, recognize, and resolve technical issues on hardware, software, application, or operation.

• Knowledge of Robotics: Knowledge of designing, programming, and operating robots for various applications; ability to utilize programming languages and robotics knowledge to automate the necessary operations of the organization.

• Industrial Automation/Automatic Control: Knowledge of various industrial automatic control systems, processes and methodologies in a manufacturing environment; ability to design, implement and maintain automatic production systems/processes to improve productivity and efficiency, as well as minimize human intervention.

• Robotics/Computer Controlled Machinery: Knowledge of robotics technologies and computer controlled machinery; ability to implement and operate robotics and computer controlled machinery in an automated manufacturing environment.
 

What Will Set You Apart (Top Candidates Will Have):

• Prior experience working in a manufacturing or warehousing environment 

• Automation Programming - Modicon {Proworx32 (984), Unity, and Vijeo Designer}

• Automation Programming - Ladder, Structured Text, Function Block

• Knowledge of OPC servers (Kepware preferred)

• Experience with Archestra/Wonderware

• Allen Bradley Experience also desired

• Working knowledge of variable frequency drives

• Familiarity with conveyor and AS/RS crane interactions with a Warehouse Management System

• Industrial Networking - Familiar with Host / PLC interaction

• Work experience and expertise in electrical and/or computer applications

• Ability to work with a diverse group of employees and customers

• Good analytical skills and the ability to quickly and accurately identify problems 

• Good communication, interpersonal and teamwork skills

What You Will Get:

Through it all, we are one team – creating and delivering world-class components and solutions superior to the competition.  Learn more about the Caterpillar Experience.

About Caterpillar:

Caterpillar Inc. is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. For nearly 100 years, we’ve been helping customers build a better, more sustainable world and are committed and contributing to a reduced-carbon future. Our innovative products and services, backed by our global dealer network, provide exceptional value that helps customers succeed.

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Summary Pay Range:

$95,640.00 - $143,520.00

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:

July 24, 2025 - August 7, 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.

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