Career Area:

Job Description:

Job Summary

The MMT – Physical Automation Research & Development role sits at the intersection of automation engineering, manufacturing process optimization, and technology deployment. The incumbent will research, evaluate, develop, and industrialize automation solutions that improve People, Quality, Velocity, and Cost outcomes across manufacturing platforms.

Engineers in this role are expected to analyze data, identify relationships, predict and manage failures, and champion new technologies that challenge the status quo and advance Caterpillar’s manufacturing capabilities.

What You Will Do

• Research, develop, and deploy physical automation technologies to improve manufacturing process capability, efficiency, quality, and cost
• Support projects across robotics, automation systems, asset connectivity, machine learning, and vision‑based manufacturing applications
• Lead or contribute to automation initiatives supporting New Product Introduction (NPI), Continuous Product Improvement (CPI), and manufacturing transformation efforts
• Evaluate existing manufacturing processes and equipment to identify automation opportunities, gaps, and improvement potential
• Design, develop, test, and validate automation concepts, prototypes, and pilot systems prior to production deployment
• Support installation, commissioning, ramp‑up, and stabilization of automation equipment in manufacturing and supplier environments
• Apply structured problem‑solving techniques to identify root causes and implement corrective actions addressing Safety, Quality, Velocity, and Cost
• Collaborate with design engineering to influence Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Automation (DFA)
• Propose, lead, and support research projects aligned with MSODLF and STLF objectives
• Communicate technical findings, recommendations, and results to engineering teams, operations, leadership, suppliers, and internal customers
• Provide technical guidance and mentoring to technicians and less‑experienced engineers
• Stay current with emerging technologies and represent Caterpillar in external technical forums, supplier engagements, and benchmarking activities

Role Scope & Development

• Engineers may have multiple assignments during their tenure
• Assignments increase in technical complexity, scope, and autonomy over time
• Work may include reviewing the work of technicians or support personnel and providing technical guidance across organizational levels
• Engineers are expected to manage their own development, continuously learning through hands‑on experience, experimentation, and technology exploration
• Project management skills are developed and refined at this level

Education Requirement

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Robotics Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline or demonstrate equivalent knowledge through professional expertise.

What Skills You Will Have

Decision Making & Critical Thinking:

• Applies structured decision‑making techniques
• Identifies, organizes, and evaluates relevant data and alternatives
• Assesses risks and tradeoffs impacting manufacturing performance

Engineering – MFG:

• Assists with manufacturing problem resolution and supports drafting engineering specifications and standard practices.
• Works with routine manufacturing engineering tools, equipment, and processes.
• Performs basic installation, maintenance, and repair activities within a defined engineering function.
• Follows established engineering standards, policies, and procedures.
• Identifies and escalates unusual manufacturing or engineering issues to senior staff.

Project Management:

• Uses standard project management tools to estimate cost, timelines, and resource needs.
• Plans, organizes, and monitors manufacturing projects to meet scope, schedule, and cost objectives.
• Identifies project risks and develops mitigation and contingency plans.
• Leads project reviews with cross‑functional teams and stakeholders.
• Maintains clear communication and reporting throughout the project lifecycle.

Robotics & Computer‑Controlled Machinery:

• Loads and updates robot programs and operating instructions.
• Troubleshoots common robotics and automation issues.
• Supports basic robotic systems performing manufacturing tasks.
• Evaluates processes for automation opportunities and researches alternative solutions.
• Assists with space, cost, and feasibility analysis for robotic equipment.

Technical Troubleshooting:

• Diagnoses automation, controls, hardware, software, and connectivity issues
• Uses vendor tools, diagnostics, and standard troubleshooting procedures
• Supports root cause analysis and corrective action implementation
• Develops effective technical solutions to automation and manufacturing challenges
• Applies engineering standards, procedures, and best practices
• Supports automation system design, integration, testing, and optimization
• Helps others resolve technical or procedural issues

Top candidates will also have:

• Experience with robot programming and/or PLC programming
• Experience with machine tool connectivity and networked manufacturing systems
• Experience with 3D modeling or simulation tools
• Experience with machine learning or vision systems in manufacturing
• General knowledge of automation concepts, robotics, and industrial networks
• Familiarity with data analytics and data extraction tools
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

Additional Information

• Location: Building TC‑K, Mossville, Illinois – 5 Days a Week Onsite
• Domestic relocation assistance is available
• Visa sponsorship is NOT available with this position
• Up to 30% travel may be required

Summary Pay Range:

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

Posting Dates:

Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.