Automation Engineer

Career Area:

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.

About EPD

Caterpillar's Electric Power Division (EPD) offers integrated solutions, parts, and services to meet the needs of our various commercial and industrial electric power customers. EPD supports a wide range of customer applications across the globe, including providing back-up power to hospitals, providing emergency power when natural disasters strike, and supporting critical infrastructure for data centers, municipalities, and more. With a rich history of more than 95 years in the electric power business, our team has world-class expertise and a proven ability to adapt to changing demands. We're committed to providing sustainable and reliable solutions to our customers. Join our team to help build a better, more sustainable world for future generations

Job Summary:

Join the Electric Power Division at Caterpillar as an Automation Engineer and play a key role in shaping the future of generator control switchgear systems In this dynamic role, you'll design, develop, and implement cutting-edge software solutions that power critical electric systems. You'll work with a mix of established guidelines and innovative thinking to bring projects to life—often independently, but with the support of a collaborative team when needed. If you're passionate about automation and ready to make an impact, this is the opportunity for you

What You Will Do:

• Identify retrofit opportunities, scope projects, and support proposal creation via Dealer and Factory teams

• Perform technical risk management for field performance of assigned projects.

• Convert legacy PLC projects to new platforms and validate for accuracy.

• Execute and support design, test, manufacture and commissioning of low and medium voltage switchgear controls retrofits for systems that control multiple generators which parallel to one or more utility sources.

• Provide direction to CAD designers to create wiring and assembly drawings for generator paralleling controls.

• Utilize templates or modify PLC programs for control of generator paralleling switchgear.

• Modify template HMI programs to coincide with project-specific PLC programs.

• Provide Engineering/Technical support to AES (Advanced Electrical Services) Sales Group.

• Submit daily project reports and expenses in a timely manner.

• Assist the Product Support Center help desk to resolve customer issues that cannot be handled locally.

• As needed, assist or train technicians, and both internal and external customers, in preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, and testing of equipment under contract with Caterpillar Switchgear. 

What You Will Have:

• Experience in dealing with multiple disciplines such as contractors, consultants, engineers, end users, etc.

• Working knowledge of the following:

  • Installation, troubleshooting, and design of switchgear, ATS, and generator systems.

  • Reading schematics and blueprints for power control and automation at a Power Systems level

  • Installation, troubleshooting, design and programming of automated control systems using Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC's), Human Machine Interfaces (HMI's), PC controls, and distributed processing.

  • Computer and software troubleshooting

• PLC Software Experience

  • Modicon / Schneider Electric

  • Rockwell / Allen Bradley

  • Siemens

  • GE

• HMI Software Experience (a plus, but not required)

  • Rockwell – RSView / FactoryTalk

  • Siemens

  • Vijeo

  • iFix

  • Wonderware

Additional Requirements:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering (BSEE), Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology (BSEET)

• Minimum of 2 years of experience or minimum of 4 years equivalent work experience.

• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record

Additional Information:

• This is a remote position based in the U.S.

• Company vehicle provided, including insurance, towing, and personal use

• Phone allowance included

• Hourly exempt role with paid overtime

• Travel required: (estimated) 35–50% to support projects and team members

• Relocation assistance is NOT available

• Sponsorship is NOT available

Driving Innovation Through These Product Lines:

• Caterpillar Switchgear – Utilizing various manufacturers' low and medium voltage switchgear, Caterpillar Switchgear provides systems that integrate switchgear with Caterpillar engine-generators.

• Caterpillar Automatic