Operations Automation Specialist
Caterpillar
Operations Automation Specialist
Job Description
Career Area:ManufacturingJob 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.Caterpillar is seeking an In Process Validation (IPV) Automation Specialist to join our factory-based team in Sanford, NC. This role is critical in the design, development and support of hardware and software systems that enable factory calibrations and testing processes, ensuring our machines meet performance requirements.In this role, you will:Lead the design, development, deployment and continual improvement of automated solutions for factory calibration and testing.Program, debug, and troubleshoot automated systems in operation.Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure seamless integration of automation solutions.Maintain detailed documentation for all automation processes and systems.Drive innovation through technical expertise and problem-solving.Stay current with industry trends and best practices in automation.Align with Caterpillar standard operating procedures including compliance with safety and quality standards.A successful candidate in this role will showcase their skills in: 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.Hardware and Software Product Technical Knowledge: Knowledge of technical aspects of hardware and software products; ability to design, configure and integrate technical aspects of hardware and software products.Technical Troubleshooting: Knowledge of technical troubleshooting approaches, tools, and techniques; ability to anticipate, recognize, and resolve technical issues on hardware, software, application, or operation.Industrial Automation/Automatic Control: Knowledge of various industrial automatic control systems, processes and methodologies in a manufacturing environment; ability to design, implement and maintain automatic production systems/processes to improve productivity and efficiency, as well as minimizing human intervention.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 judgmentJudgment and Decision Making: Ability to carefully evaluate the impact of emerging business situations and choose the best path forward communicating actions and activities that maximize organizational performance. Top candidates for this position may also have: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering or relevant technical disciplineDemonstrated knowledge of CAN and J1939 communication protocolExperience with Data Acquisition and PLC logicKnowledge of electro-hydraulic machine systems and componentsDemonstrated experience designing complex testing equipmentExcellent communication and interpersonal skillsStrong project management and documentation skillsAbility to design and follow electrical schematicsAdditional Information:The primary location for this position is Sanford, NC.Domestic relocation assistance IS availableSponsorship is not available Summary Pay Range:$97,530.00 - $146,290.00Compensation 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 benefitsLife InsuranceParental leaveAdoption benefitsTuition Reimbursement * These benefits also apply to part-time employees Posting Dates:August 19, 2026 - September 2, 2026Any 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.Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.
Locations
- North Carolina, Sanford
Skills Required
- CANintermediate
- Data Acquisitionintermediate
- electro-hydraulic machine systemsintermediate
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering or relevant technical discipline (degree in computer science)
- Demonstrated knowledge of CAN and J1939 communication protocol (experience)
- Experience with Data Acquisition and PLC logic (experience)
- Knowledge of electro-hydraulic machine systems and components (experience)
- Demonstrated experience designing complex testing equipment (experience)
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills (experience)
- Strong project management and documentation skills (experience)
- Ability to design and follow electrical schematics (experience)
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering or relevant technical discipline (degree in computer science)
- Demonstrated knowledge of CAN and J1939 communication protocol (experience)
- Experience with Data Acquisition and PLC logic (experience)
- Knowledge of electro-hydraulic machine systems and components (experience)
- Demonstrated experience designing complex testing equipment (experience)
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills (experience)
- Strong project management and documentation skills (experience)
- Ability to design and follow electrical schematics (experience)
Responsibilities
- Lead the design, development, deployment and continual improvement of automated solutions for factory calibration and testing.
- Program, debug, and troubleshoot automated systems in operation.
- Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure seamless integration of automation solutions.
- Maintain detailed documentation for all automation processes and systems.
- Drive innovation through technical expertise and problem-solving.
- Stay current with industry trends and best practices in automation.
- Align with Caterpillar standard operating procedures including compliance with safety and quality standards.
- Lead the design, development, deployment and continual improvement of automated solutions for factory calibration and testing.
- Program, debug, and troubleshoot automated systems in operation.
- Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure seamless integration of automation solutions.
- Maintain detailed documentation for all automation processes and systems.
- Drive innovation through technical expertise and problem-solving.
- Stay current with industry trends and best practices in automation.
- Align with Caterpillar standard operating procedures including compliance with safety and quality standards.
- 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.
- Hardware and Software Product Technical Knowledge: Knowledge of technical aspects of hardware and software products; ability to design, configure and integrate technical aspects of hardware and software products.
- Technical Troubleshooting: Knowledge of technical troubleshooting approaches, tools, and techniques; ability to anticipate, recognize, and resolve technical issues on hardware, software, application, or operation.
- Industrial Automation/Automatic Control: Knowledge of various industrial automatic control systems, processes and methodologies in a manufacturing environment; ability to design, implement and maintain automatic production systems/processes to improve productivity and efficiency, as well as minimizing human intervention.
- 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
- Judgment and Decision Making: Ability to carefully evaluate the impact of emerging business situations and choose the best path forward communicating actions and activities that maximize organizational performance.
- 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.
- Hardware and Software Product Technical Knowledge: Knowledge of technical aspects of hardware and software products; ability to design, configure and integrate technical aspects of hardware and software products.
- Technical Troubleshooting: Knowledge of technical troubleshooting approaches, tools, and techniques; ability to anticipate, recognize, and resolve technical issues on hardware, software, application, or operation.
- Industrial Automation/Automatic Control: Knowledge of various industrial automatic control systems, processes and methodologies in a manufacturing environment; ability to design, implement and maintain automatic production systems/processes to improve productivity and efficiency, as well as minimizing human intervention.
- 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
- Judgment and Decision Making: Ability to carefully evaluate the impact of emerging business situations and choose the best path forward communicating actions and activities that maximize organizational performance.
Benefits
- general: 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.
- general: Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of benefits.
- general: Medical, dental, and vision benefits*
- general: Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)*
- general: 401(k) savings plans*
- general: Health Savings Account (HSA)*
- general: Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)*
- general: Health Lifestyle Programs*
- general: Employee Assistance Program*
- general: Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts*
- general: Career Development*
- general: Incentive bonus*
- general: Disability benefits
- general: Life Insurance
- general: Parental leave
- general: Adoption benefits
- general: Tuition Reimbursement
- general: Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)*
- general: 401(k) savings plans*
- general: Health Savings Account (HSA)*
- general: Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)*
- general: Health Lifestyle Programs*
- general: Employee Assistance Program*
- general: Career Development*
- general: Incentive bonus*
- general: Tuition Reimbursement
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