Caterpillar, Inc

Control Systems Engineer

Caterpillar, Inc$97K — $146K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Electrical/Electronics Engineering.
  • Experience with dynamic feedback control theory for spark-ignited engine systems.
  • Development and design of software for embedded systems across prototype and production stages.
  • Expertise in software architecture emphasizing modularity and usability.
  • Experience managing updates within complex software ecosystems.

Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with partners to refine control system requirements.
  • Design and evaluate control features using feedback control methodologies.
  • Implement and validate control software based on architectural design.
  • Perform engine verification and validation activities using Matlab/Simulink and GT-Power models.
  • Analyze data to provide actionable insights using advanced analysis tools.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits.
  • Paid time off (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.).
  • 401(k) savings plans.
  • Health Savings Account (HSA).
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).
  • Health Lifestyle Programs.
  • Employee Assistance Program.
  • Career Development programs.
  • Incentive bonus opportunities.
  • Life insurance and disability benefits.
Full Job Description
Career Area:
Engineering

Job Description:

Control Systems Engineer

Your Work Shapes the World

Whether it is groundbreaking products, best in class solutions or creating a lifelong career, you can do the work that matters at Caterpillar. With a 100 years of legacy of quality and innovation and 150 locations in countries around the world, your impact spans the globe. When you join Caterpillar, you are joining a team of makers, innovators, and doers. We are the people who roll up our sleeves and do the work to build a better world. We don't just talk about progress and innovation. We make it happen. And we are proud of that, because it helps our customers build and power the world we live in - the roads, hospitals, homes, and infrastructure. Without a dedicated workforce, Caterpillar could not effectively meet our customers' needs. Join us.

Role Description:

This role encompasses the design, development, and validation of electro-mechanical systems and mechatronic devices with the aim of optimizing engine performance and emissions. As an individual contributor within the Large Engine Controls team in the Large Power Systems Division (LPSD), you will be responsible for designing, building, and testing control strategies specific to LPSD engines. Working under the direction of technical team leads, you will apply your knowledge of engine systems, dynamic feedback control theory, software architecture, and integration tools to deliver control features in Matlab/Simulink that meet customer specifications. Key responsibilities include collaborating with colleagues to refine system requirements, developing and implementing control algorithms, optimizing software designs for scalability and maintainability, validating solutions through simulation and on-engine testing, as well as comprehensively documenting and presenting results.

Primary Responsibilities:
  • Collaborate with process partners to develop and refine engine control system requirements.
  • Utilize expertise in engines and dynamic feedback controls-including frequency and time domain design, Multi Input Multi Output (MIMO) systems, digital signal processing, filter design, and logical control methodologies-to design and evaluate control features.
  • Leverage knowledge of software architecture and design principles to implement and validate control software.
  • Employ Matlab/Simulink and GT-Power-based engine models to perform verification and validation activities.
  • Analyze and present data using advanced analysis and visualization tools such as Vector CANape, Matlab, and Python.
  • Deliver timely, high-quality simulation-driven design analyses and provide clear, actionable recommendations to stakeholders.


Education Requirements:
  • A Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Electrical/Electronics Engineering is required.
  • Professional experience should include:
    • Applying dynamic feedback control theory to the design and analysis of spark-ignited engine control systems
    • Developing and designing software for embedded systems hardware, both at prototype and production stages
    • Enhancing software architecture to ensure modularity, usability, and scalability
    • Managing and integrating content updates within a comprehensive software ecosystem


Skills you will have:
  • Analytical Thinking: Working 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.
  • Communicating Complex Concepts: Working knowledge of effective presentation tools and techniques to ensure clear understanding; ability to use summarization and simplification techniques to explain complex technical concepts in simple, clear language appropriate to the audience.
  • Problem Solving: Working knowledge of approaches, tools, and techniques for recognizing, anticipating, and resolving organizational, operational, or process problems; ability to apply knowledge of problem solving appropriately to diverse situations.
  • Embedded Systems: Working knowledge of dynamic feedback control theory, discrete-time embedded systems, digital signal processing, logical control (finite state machines), physics-based controls design, Matlab/Simulink based simulation and software design, and Git based software integration.
  • Requirements Analysis: Basic understanding of tools, methods, and techniques of requirements analysis; ability to elicit, analyze and record required business functionality and non-functionality requirements to ensure the success of a system or software development project.
  • Technical Troubleshooting: Basic understanding of technical troubleshooting approaches, tools, and techniques; ability to anticipate, recognize, and resolve technical issues on hardware, software, application or operation. Working experience with tools like Matlab/Simulink, Vector CANape, Git, etc., Apply knowledge of engines and control software to troubleshoot issues using fishbone diagrams.
  • Product Development in Manufacturing: Basic understanding of software build processes, tools and techniques; ability to design, build and manage software to support multiple complex engine products. Familiarity with NPI, NTI, and CPI process.
  • Product Testing: Basic understanding of product testing approaches, techniques and tools; ability to design, plan, and execute testing strategies and tactics to ensure product quality at all stages of manufacturing, including simulation and on-engine environments.


Top candidates will possess:
  • A master's degree in engineering accompanied by professional experience in engine control systems design and engine software architecture
  • Proficiency in classical control theory, specifically as applied to Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) systems using Sequential Loop Closure (SLC) using both the time and frequency domain
  • Demonstrated experience developing engine control systems for gas, diesel, and dual fuel engines, including aftertreatment solutions
  • Advanced expertise in Matlab/Simulink with a focus on designing modular, scalable, understandable, usable, and efficient software architectures
  • Deep familiarity with tools such as Matlab/Simulink, Git, Vector CANape, GT-Power, Dynasty, and co-simulation methods as they pertain to engine controls design
  • Experience working with CAN and SAE J1939 communication protocols for ECM integration
  • Strong background in modeling dynamic systems through physics-based white box models, black box approaches, and system identification techniques
  • Exceptional analytical abilities and comprehensive understanding of complex engineering concepts and applications
  • Proven self-motivation with the capacity to effectively communicate technical concepts to team members, cross-functional groups, management, and external suppliers
  • Prior involvement in Caterpillar product development processes (NPI, NTI, and CPI)
  • Familiarity with Caterpillar software development methodologies (Direct to Flash)


Additional Information:
  • This position is Mossville, IL.
  • Domestic relocation assistance is available for this position.
  • Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.


Summary Pay Range:

$97,530.00 - $146,290.00

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:
June 8, 2026 - June 21, 2026

Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.

Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.

About Caterpillar, Inc

Progress Rail Services Corporation, a Caterpillar company, is one of the largest integrated and diversified suppliers of railroad and transit system products and services worldwide. Since its acquisition by Caterpillar Inc. in 2006, Progress Rail has used the Caterpillar international footprint to gain quick and widespread notice and approval across the globe. Product technology, reliability and durability, along with legendary aftermarket parts and service support, have been their keys to success. Caterpillar is the world's leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines and industrial gas turbines. The technology and world reach of Caterpillar, combined with the service standard and historical reliability of Progress Rail, ensures their products and services make a growing impact on the world rail industry. With their acquisition of Electro-Motive Diesel (EMD), Progress Rail is the world's largest builder of diesel-electric locomotives for all commercial railroad applications including freight, intercity passenger, commuter, switching, industrial and mining. EMD is also a global provider of diesel power engines for marine propulsion, offshore and land based oil well drilling rigs and stationary power generation. Electro-Motive is the only diesel engine manufacturer of its size to have produced more than 70,000 engines. This success stems from product reliability, serviceability, load acceptance capability, low operating costs and ease of maintenance with standardized components.

Caterpillar, Inc. Careers

Join the robust team at Caterpillar, Inc., a global leader in construction and mining equipment, where innovation drives everything we do. As part of our team, you'll engage in work that improves the world and furthers your career with every project you touch.

Work You’ll Do

At Caterpillar, Inc., you will have the opportunity to contribute to a variety of groundbreaking projects that extend across the globe. Our commitment to leadership in the industry is unwavering, and we achieve it through a culture that fosters diversity and leadership development.

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Caterpillar offers a wide range of job opportunities and career paths, providing a platform for professional growth and development. Whether you're interested in engineering, sales, marketing, or management, Caterpillar has a position that will utilize your unique skills and talents. We are continuously hiring innovative minds to propel our mission forward and maintain our status as industry leaders.

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Kickstart your career with a Caterpillar internship. Our internships provide invaluable workplace experience and networking opportunities that often lead to full-time employment at our company. As an intern, you will work alongside experienced professionals and gain insights that will benefit you as you advance in your career.

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Choosing a career at Caterpillar means more than just having a job. It means you're part of a team that values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment. We offer competitive benefits to ensure the health and well-being of our employees and their families. These benefits include health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off, alongside unique perks like professional development and diversity training programs.

Innovation and Leadership

Drive innovation and industry leadership as part of the Caterpillar team. We empower our employees to lead from their first day on the job, encouraging continuous improvement and career advancement. At Caterpillar, your ideas will shape the future of our business and the industries we serve.

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Prepare for Your Interview

Make a great first impression. Prepare for your interview at Caterpillar by reviewing common questions and practicing your responses. Tailor your resume to highlight the experiences and skills that make you the ideal candidate for the position you are applying for. At Caterpillar, Inc., every role offers the chance to make an impact. Come be a part of our team and drive the future of our global industries. Your career at Caterpillar is not just about what you'll accomplish, but how you'll grow and the innovation you'll lead. Join us and build a career that matters.
Learn more about Caterpillar, Inc
Size
107,700 employees
Market Cap
$125.3 billion
Industry
Net Income
$2.9 billion
Founded
1925
5 Year Trend
+5.8%
Revenue
$41.7 billion
NASDAQ

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