Development & Research Engineering Specialist

Career Area:

Engineering

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.

Hear about the Caterpillar Experience for yourself

Role Definition

Caterpillar’s Advanced Materials Technology Department is currently seeking a Development & Research Engineering Specialist to support heat treat operations, induction processing systems, and advanced manufacturing technologies across multiple facilities. This role blends metallurgical engineering expertise with automation, process control, and manufacturing systems integration to optimize product quality, process capability, equipment reliability, and operational efficiency.

What You Will Do

PLC, Controls & Automation Systems

• Own troubleshooting, modification, and support of PLC-controlled manufacturing systems in production environments

• Maintain and optimize PLC ladder logic, HMI/SCADA systems (including Wonderware), and controls architecture

• Integrate new equipment, sensors, and systems into existing PLC frameworks

• Diagnose system faults and implement corrective actions to restore uptime

Heat Treat & Induction Equipment

• Provide controls and electrical support for heat treat furnaces, induction systems, and related equipment

• Support commissioning, startup, and troubleshooting of furnace cells and automation systems

• Execute control revisions and upgrades for new and existing heat treat technologies

Manufacturing Systems Integration

• Lead integration of automation systems including robotics, MECCO printers, vision systems, and material handling

• Configure communication between PLCs, HMIs, databases, and enterprise systems

• Support recipe management, data collection systems, and plant-level automation architecture

On-Floor Diagnostics & Troubleshooting

• Perform advanced troubleshooting of electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems in live production environments

• Provide rapid response support to minimize downtime across multiple facilities

• Deliver both on-site and remote technical support across geographically distributed operations

Energy Monitoring & Digital Systems

• Design, install, and integrate power and gas metering systems into manufacturing equipment

• Develop and maintain Power BI dashboards for energy monitoring and reporting

• Enable data-driven decision making through system integration and reporting tools

Capital Projects & Commissioning

• Support implementation of capital projects including furnace installations, automation upgrades, and new production cells

• Perform equipment commissioning, system validation, and startup support

• Bridge manpower gaps on high-impact projects to ensure successful delivery

Training & Cross-Site Support

• Train maintenance teams on troubleshooting PLC and automation systems to increase plant self-sufficiency

• Provide technical mentorship and knowledge transfer to operations and engineering teams

• Support multiple facilities across the U.S. and Mexico through travel and remote engagement

Degree Requirement

• Bachelor's degree in Computer or Electrical Engineering required.

What you must have (skills)

• Controls Engineering: Strong PLC, HMI/SCADA, and industrial automation experience

• Troubleshooting: Ability to diagnose and resolve complex production system issues under pressure

• Systems Integration: Experience connecting equipment, PLCs, databases, and enterprise systems

• Manufacturing Engineering: Knowledge of industrial equipment, particularly heat treat and automated systems

• Data & Analytics: Experience with data collection and visualization tools (e.g., Power BI)

• Project Execution: Ability to support commissioning, upgrades, and capital projects

• Communication: Ability to work across sites, teams, and functions effectively

• Self-Directed Execution: Comfortable operating as a primary or sole controls resource across multiple locations

Additional Information

• This position posting will close on 8/12/2026 at 11:59 p.m.

• This position will be located onsite 5 days a week in East Peoria, IL (Building KK).

• Domestic relocation is Available

• VISA Sponsorship is NOT Available

• Travel requirements will be less than 10%.

Final details

Please frequently check the email associated with your application, including the junk/spam folder, as this is the primary correspondence method. If you wish to know the status of your application – please use the candidate log-in on our career website as it will reflect any updates to your status.

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Summary Pay Range:

$128,470.00 - $192,710.00

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

 

 

This position requires working onsite five days a week.

 

 

Relocation is available for this position.

 

 

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

 

 

Posting Dates:

July 29, 2026 - August 12, 2026

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.

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