Manufacturing Controls Engineer

Career Area Manufacturing Job Description Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc. When you join Caterpillar, you become part of a global team that cares not only about the work we do but also about each other. We are makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who create stronger, more sustainable communities. We don’t just talk about progress and innovation; we make it happen with our customers, where we work and live, building a better world for everyone. Manufacturing Controls Engineer Primary Location: Decatur, IL (East Peoria, IL – SS/LL) Travel: Up to 40% Relocation Assistance: Available Visa Sponsorship: Not Available Role Overview As a Manufacturing Controls Engineer based in Decatur, IL, you will provide technical expertise to design and improve manufacturing performance across production, cost, quality, safety compliance, and environmental requirements. You will lead enhancements to complex equipment and processes, monitor reliability to eliminate downtime and chronic losses, and coach operations technical staff and support teams to strengthen shop‑floor capability. Key Responsibilities Define software and hardware requirements to control and enhance production equipment and processes in collaboration with manufacturing and quality engineering. Select and lead the implementation of new control devices and sensors into IIoT platforms and manufacturing execution systems. Create, troubleshoot, and modify PLC programming and ladder logic of production equipment to optimize manufacturing performance. Lead and support automation projects with complex system designs and integrated controls software. Monitor advanced equipment performance and process reliability; apply mature problem‑solving skills to improve consistency and repeatability. Provide technical expertise and guidance in major manufacturing projects, working with internal and external suppliers to support and improve manufacturing productivity and cost effectiveness. Ideal Candidate In‑depth knowledge of API integration. Experience in IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) deployment and leadership. Siemens and Allen‑Bradley software skills. Knowledge of embedded AI technologies. Experience with robotics (Fanuc, ABB, Kuka, Cloos). Education/Experience: Degree or equivalent experience desired. Key Skills Manufacturing Engineering (Manufacturing Environment): Ability to design and implement manufacturing processes safely and effectively, following standards, policies, and practices. Manufacturing Processes: Ability to execute, plan, manage, and monitor manufacturing processes; document standards; and integrate new technologies into existing processes. Lean Manufacturing: Ability to apply lean principles and tools to improve flow, reduce waste, and strengthen work cell design and performance measurement. Problem Solving + Critical Thinking: Ability to organize data, clarify priorities, evaluate alternatives, and use diagnostic tools to drive durable countermeasures. Project Management: Ability to help build detailed project plans (cost/schedule/resources), gather stakeholder inputs, and produce standard status reports. Robotic Process Automation (RPA): Working knowledge of developing and deploying automation solutions, analyzing workflows, testing, and using common RPA platforms such as Pega, Automation Anywhere, Blue Prism, and UiPath. Pay Range $97,530.00 – $146,290.00 Benefits Summary 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. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr Caterpillar