Automation and Controls Engineer
Caterpillar · Mapleton, IL
- Level
- Engineer
- Team
- Controls
- Base pay
- $113k–$169k
- Degree
- Required
- Certification
- Black Belt preferred
- Industry
- Industrial
- Posted
- Yesterday
The role in 30 seconds
An engineer-level controls role at Caterpillar (industrial) in Mapleton, IL. 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.
- They ask for
- degree required · Black Belt preferred
- Tools it names
- Lean, Six Sigma, Root cause, FMEA, Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ), PLC
- Base pay
- $113k–$169k
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
How this role compares
Against 28 other live controls postings in Illinois.
- Base pay
- About 32% above similar roles
- Experience asked
- Not stated
Typical $87k–$127k, from 17 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ Automation 79%
- ✓ PLC 72%
- ✓ Root cause 41%
- ✓ Robotics 38%
- ✓ Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ) 34%
- Team leadership 21%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
Stands out: this posting asks for MES, which few similar roles mention. If you have it, lead with it.
At a glance
Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.
How to get in at this plant
Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.
- 1
Pick 2–3 people on the Controls team at Caterpillar
We found 15 people at this company and state: 11 on the team, 4 leaders, plus 3 likely hiring managers. Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. See them ↓
- 2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
Write to Scott → (free) - 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- The posting mentions a Black Belt. Does the company sponsor certification?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
- 5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.
This plant: Caterpillar in Mapleton
1 other open role at this site · 15 people we found on the controls team.
- Industrial Electrician- 2nd or 3rd shift · Reliability · Technician
Full description from CaterpillarAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
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.
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
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.
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 corrective and preventive actions that improve equipment reliability and process performance.
- •Advanced problem-solving skills with the ability to independently resolve complex operational and technical challenges.
Process Management
- •Knowledge of manufacturing process optimization techniques that improve safety, quality, throughput, and cost performance.
- •Experience applying Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement principles to improve operational efficiency.
- •Ability to monitor and interpret process performance metrics to support process stability and operational excellence.
- •Familiarity with process validation, change management, and implementation of new manufacturing technologies.
- •Understanding of process documentation, standard work, and best practice deployment to support consistency and scalability.
Project Management
- •Experience leading automation, controls, digital manufacturing, or capital projects from concept through implementation and operational handoff.
- •Knowledge of project planning principles, including scope development, scheduling, resource coordination, budgeting, and risk management.
- •Ability to coordinate cross-functional teams, contractors, equipment suppliers, and system integrators to achieve project objectives.
- •Experience supporting project startup, commissioning, testing, validation, and performance verification activities.
- •Strong communication skills with the ability to provide project updates, manage stakeholder expectations, and drive project execution.
Technical Troubleshooting
- •Advanced knowledge of troubleshooting automation, controls, software, network, and equipment performance issues in a manufacturing environment.
- •Experience diagnosing and resolving complex PLC, HMI, SCADA, robotics, industrial network, and control system failures.
- •Proven ability to analyze system logs, alarms, and performance data to restore equipment functionality and minimize downtime.
- •Advanced troubleshooting skills with the ability to identify, isolate, and resolve technical issues across integrated manufacturing systems.
- •Experience providing technical leadership and support duri