Facilities Project Engineer - Automation Integration

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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.

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Role Definition

The Facilities Project Engineer position is focused on Automation Integration for industrial manufacturing processes and equipment. They will lead the design and implementation of new automation systems from inception and optimize existing systems to enhance efficiency and reliability. This role will bring strong robotics and PLC expertise to bridge mechanical, electrical, and software systems for seamless operation in line with world-class standards. This position will also collaborate with leading CNC machine tool OEMs—including Mazak, Klingelnberg, Liebherr, Okuma, Gleason, and others—to design and implement advanced automation solutions that seamlessly integrate robotics, PLCs, and data connectivity into complex machining environments, ensuring optimized workflow, precision, and lights-out capability.

What you will do

• Design, program, implement, and commission complete automation solutions incorporating robotics, PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, and industrial networks

• Collaborate with CNC machine tool OEMs to integrate automation systems into new and existing equipment

• Conduct detailed assessments of existing systems, identify opportunities for automation and integration improvements, and develop enhancements to optimize production

• Lead project scope definition, scheduling, budgeting, risk assessment, and execution lifecycle for automation initiatives

• Partner with engineering, operations, IT, vendors, and integrators to align automation solutions with operational goals, safety standards, and best practices

• Develop and execute test plans, validation protocols, commissioning procedures, and troubleshooting methodologies for new and retrofitted systems

• Maintain comprehensive documentation including design specifications, logic diagrams, code repositories, training materials, and performance reports

• Provide hands-on mentorship and technical guidance to staff and contractors on PLC logic, robotic systems, troubleshooting, and maintenance best practices

• Ensure all automation activities align with applicable safety and regulatory standards, including cybersecurity and process safety requirements

• Monitor system performance, analyze data, recommend enhancements, and drive continuous improvement initiatives

Degree Requirement

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Automation Engineering (or related field) or equivalent experience desired.

Skills you must have

• Collaborating: Knowledge of collaborative techniques; ability to work with a variety of individuals and groups in a constructive and collaborative manner.

• Decision Making and Critical Thinking: Knowledge of the decision-making process and associated tools and techniques; ability to accurately analyze situations and reach productive decisions based on informed judgment.

• Effective Communications: Understanding of effective communication concepts, tools and techniques; ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through the application of appropriate communication behaviors.

• Plant Facilities Management: Knowledge of processes, methodologies and techniques used to manage plant facilities; ability to handle the full spectrum of activities for managing and maintaining physical facilities and infrastructure.

• Problem Solving: Knowledge of approaches, tools, techniques for recognizing, anticipating, and resolving organizational, operational or process problems; ability to apply knowledge of problem solving appropriately to diverse situations.

• Process Management: Knowledge of business process improvement tools and techniques; ability to understand, monitor, update, control, or enhance existing business or work processes.

• Project Management: Knowledge of effective project management s