Logistics Automation Engineer

Career Area: Supply Chain and Logistics 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. Logistics Automation Engineer Location: East Peoria , Illinois Travel: Up to 10% Relocation Assistance: Available Visa Sponsorship: Not Available   Job Summary As a Logistics Automation Engineer you will design, implements, integrates, and continuously improves automated logistics solutions that enhance safety, material availability, operational efficiency, capacity, quality, and cost performance. This position supports automated material handling systems throughout their lifecycle—from opportunity identification and business-case development through installation, commissioning, operational handoff, and sustained performance.

Identifies, evaluates, and implements logistics automation solutions for material movement, storage, picking, replenishment, and point-of-use delivery using technologies such as AGVs, AMRs, ASRS, VLMs, robotics, machine vision, RFID, and conveyance systems. Analyzes operational data, material flow, capacity, labor, and production requirements to develop automation concepts and validate solutions with vendors. Develops equipment specifications, process flows, layouts, capacity models, risk assessments, business cases, and project requirements. Leads automation projects from concept through vendor selection, design, installation, testing, commissioning, validation, and operational handoff. Integrates automation systems with warehouse, manufacturing, ERP, and fleet-management platforms. Ensures compliance with safety, ergonomic, and risk-management standards while monitoring system performance, troubleshooting issues, and driving continuous improvement. Develops standard work, training, maintenance expectations, documentation, and operational support processes. Manages multiple projects, communicates progress and risks to stakeholders, and evaluates emerging automation technologies for manufacturing logistics operations. Preferred Background Experience in manufacturing logistics, warehouse operations, material flow, or supply chain engineering. Experience implementing logistics automation technologies, including AGVs, AMRs, ASRS, VLMs, robotics, conveyance, and automated identification systems. Knowledge of integrated operational systems, including ERP, WMS, MES, fleet-management platforms, APIs, and automated equipment controls. Experience developing automation requirements, layouts, process flows, business cases, and implementation plans. Understanding of Lean principles, capacity planning, root-cause analysis, standard work, and continuous improvement methodologies. Strong analytical skills with experience using Excel, Power BI, SQL, or similar data-analysis tools. Ability to lead cross-functional projects involving operations, engineering, IT, safety, facilities, procurement, and external suppliers. Working knowledge of AutoCAD. Strong communication, project management, problem-solving, and organizational skills.

You Will Have Analytical Thinking: Knowledge of techniques and tools that promote effective analysis; ability to determine the root cause of organizational problems and create alternative solutions that resolve these problems. Data Gathering & Analysis: Knowledge of data gathering and analysis tools, techniques, and processes; ability to collect and synthesize data from a variety of stakeholders and sources in an objective manner to reach a conclusion, goal, or judgment. Decision Making and Critical Thinking: Knowledge of