Caterpillar Inc.
Senior Operations Automation Engineer
Caterpillar Inc., Decatur, Illinois, United States, 62523
Senior Operations Automation Engineer – Decatur, IL
Location:
Decatur, Illinois
Job Type:
Full‑Time |
Travel:
Up to 10% |
Relocation Assistance:
Available
Job Summary:
Join our team at Caterpillar’s Decatur, IL facility, where we manufacture and assemble Large Mining Equipment. As a Senior 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.
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
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.
Program and implement robotic systems; follow safety protocols and troubleshoot issues.
Operate and maintain industrial automation systems; regulate control loops and debug failures.
Load programs and resolve common robotics problems; assess automation potential and analyze space/cost requirements.
Preferred Background
Extensive 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.
Benefits
Medical, dental, and vision benefits
Paid time off
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
Salary:
$110,520.00 – $165,840.00 (subject to location and experience)
Posting Dates:
October 16, 2025 – November 2, 2025
Relocation is available. Visa sponsorship is not available. This employer is not currently hiring foreign national applicants that require or will require sponsorship tied to a specific employer. As a global company, Caterpillar offers many job opportunities outside of the U.S. Find more at https://www.caterpillar.com/careers.
Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.
Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.
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Decatur, Illinois
Job Type:
Full‑Time |
Travel:
Up to 10% |
Relocation Assistance:
Available
Job Summary:
Join our team at Caterpillar’s Decatur, IL facility, where we manufacture and assemble Large Mining Equipment. As a Senior 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.
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
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.
Program and implement robotic systems; follow safety protocols and troubleshoot issues.
Operate and maintain industrial automation systems; regulate control loops and debug failures.
Load programs and resolve common robotics problems; assess automation potential and analyze space/cost requirements.
Preferred Background
Extensive 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.
Benefits
Medical, dental, and vision benefits
Paid time off
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
Salary:
$110,520.00 – $165,840.00 (subject to location and experience)
Posting Dates:
October 16, 2025 – November 2, 2025
Relocation is available. Visa sponsorship is not available. This employer is not currently hiring foreign national applicants that require or will require sponsorship tied to a specific employer. As a global company, Caterpillar offers many job opportunities outside of the U.S. Find more at https://www.caterpillar.com/careers.
Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.
Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.
#J-18808-Ljbffr