Internship Automation Programmer Jobs in Illinois

Career Area:

Manufacturing

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.

Job Description

Your Impact 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 the Role

Caterpillar's Leadership and Technical Development Program (LTDP) for Automation and Robotics is approximately a three-year rotational program designed to accelerate development of entry-level talent and provide a solid foundation for meeting challenges within operations and manufacturing. Being part of the LTDP team offers you a broad exposure to Caterpillar, presents diverse project responsibilities, engages you in a global team, provides cross-functional job experiences and includes valuable networking opportunities with all levels of Caterpillar leadership. This program provides the opportunity to build foundational technical and leadership skills for future success within the organization.

Caterpillar's Automation and Robotics track is focused on building manufacturing automation technical competency in process design and analysis, research and development, technology introduction, and automation integration. This opportunity advances your development and training to build future technical experts and leaders within Automation and Manufacturing.

What You Will Do

Professionals within the program will complete two 18-month rotations, which are defined based on business needs. You must be willing to travel and relocate to any participating facility in North America upon hire and throughout each rotation while in the program. You'll join a team with diverse project responsibilities and have experiences including (but not limited to):

• Foundational Automation role
• Manufacturing Engineering
• Product Development
• Supplier Engagement role

What You Have - Skills and Experiences

In this role, you will have the opportunity to contribute your unique skills and experiences. Below are some of the most critical skills.

• Analytical skills, initiating ideas, troubleshooting, root cause analysis, problem-solving, and critical thinking capabilities.
• Knowledge of engineering principles, theory, and engineering experience gained through projects, internships, and/or relevant work experiences.
• Fundamental understanding of engineering for a manufacturing environment, ability to design and implement automation technology, solutions, systems, and processes that safely realize a desired objective or invention.
• Organize and manage multiple projects simultaneously, ability to quickly gain, and effectively apply new skills & knowledge.
• Success in collaborating with others of diverse cultures, interpersonal styles, and abilities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Participate in, and build on our inclusive, constructive, and productive work environment.
• Ensure all team member's contributions are recognized and valued.

Program Qualifications

• Completed degree from a university/college by the start of the program in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering Technology, Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering Technology, Mechatronics, or Robotics or other relevant Engineering or Technology degrees
• Minimum cumulative Grade Point Average of 2.8/4.0 (no rounding)
• Must be willing to relocate domestically based upon business need for each rotation and for post-program assignment
• Program Start Dates: January & June 2027

Top Candidates May Also Have

• 0-2 years of relevant manufacturing or robotics experience, which may include internships or academic projects
• Project or Team Leadership experience
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ideal for those building foundational skills in manufacturing & automation, generally within the first 0-2 years of their career

Additional Information:

• Please attach your resume and an unofficial copy of your transcript to your application.
• Applicants will be considered for positions throughout the United States.
• Rotation locations can be anywhere in the U.S., including but not limited to the Midwest, Southeast, Texas, and Southern California.
• Relocation is available.
• Sponsorship is NOT available for this position.
• This position requires working onsite five days a week.

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.

Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.

Recent graduates should explore our direct hire positions at www.caterpillar.com/careers . For more information, visit caterpillar.com. To connect with us on social media, visit caterpillar.com/social-media.

Summary Pay Range:

$81,370.00 - $122,060.00

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 1, 2026 - February 28, 2027

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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