Operations Automation Engineer

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.

Operations Automation Engineer – Decatur, IL

Location: Decatur, Illinois
Travel: Up to 10%
Relocation Assistance: Available
Visa Sponsorship: Not Available
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Level: Individual Contributor
Industry: Manufacturing / Industrial Automation
Function: Engineering / Automation / Robotics

Job Summary

Join our team at Caterpillar's Decatur, IL facility, where we manufacture and assemble Large Mining Equipment. As an Operations Automation Engineer, you will support and lead the deployment of advanced robotic and automated systems across our manufacturing operations. This role focuses on designing, programming, and maintaining automation technologies including PLCs, industrial robots, AI, machine learning, and 3D vision systems.

You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement smart factory solutions, optimize production processes, and ensure the reliability and performance of automation systems. This is an ideal opportunity for a technically skilled engineer passionate about industrial automation and digital transformation.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and integrate automation systems including layouts, equipment selection, and specifications.
• Lead manufacturing automation projects using robotics, AI, machine learning, and 3D vision systems.
• Program PLCs and industrial robots; configure automation software platforms.
• Develop and execute testing procedures; analyze production test data to ensure product quality.
• Calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot automation equipment and systems.
• Build data systems that collect, manage, and convert raw data into actionable insights; connect to cloud sources and develop dashboards.
• Implement AGVs, AMRs, cobots, and sensor-based solutions across manufacturing operations.

Required Skills & Competencies

Software Product Technical Knowledge & Troubleshooting

• Define technical requirements, conduct acceptance testing, and configure environments; monitor bugs and implementation issues.
• Diagnose and resolve hardware, software, and communication problems; coach others on advanced diagnostics and distribute release reports.

Robotics & Industrial Automation

• Program and implement robotic systems; follow safety protocols and troubleshoot issues.
• Operate and maintain industrial automation systems; regulate control loops and debug failures.

Computer-Controlled Machinery

• Load programs and resolve common robotics problems; assess automation potential and analyze space/cost requirements.

Preferred Background

• Experience in manufacturing environments with exposure to automation systems.
• Project management experience in industrial or automation settings.
• Familiarity with AI, machine learning, and 3D vision technologies.
• Bachelor's degree in a technical field (preferred).

Additional Information

• This position is based full-time in Decatur, IL.
• Relocation assistance is available.
• Visa sponsorship is not available.
• We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

Summary Pay Range:

$95, $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.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:

October 16, November 2, 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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