Caterpillar, Inc

Controls Systems Engineering Specialist

Caterpillar, Inc$128K — $192K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, Computer Engineering or related field.
  • Extensive experience with embedded systems and their applications.
  • Knowledge of requirement analysis tools and techniques.
  • Strong analytical thinking skills with problem-solving expertise.
  • Proficient in communicating complex concepts clearly.

Responsibilities

  • Develop software and control strategies for machine ePowertrain systems.
  • Lead design, development, integration, and validation of control systems.
  • Drive system development through simulations and real-world testing.
  • Collect and analyze data for effective problem resolution.
  • Guide cross-functional teams in tackling technical challenges.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits
  • Paid time off plan (including vacation and holidays)
  • 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 support
  • Incentive bonus
  • Disability benefits
  • Life Insurance
  • Parental leave
  • Adoption benefits
  • Tuition Reimbursement
Full Job Description

Career Area:

Engineering

Job Description:

Job Summary:

The Controls Engineering Specialist position provides technical leadership in the development of advanced machine ePowertrain control systems, leading controls architecture, software, and feature development from concept through field implementation. This role is responsible for translating machine and business objectives into scalable technical software solutions, driving program execution across the product development lifecycle, and guiding cross-functional teams through complex technical challenges. The successful candidate will thrive in environments with evolving requirements, leverage data-driven decision making, and deliver innovative, high-quality solutions that influence current and future machine platforms.

What You Will Do:

  • Develop control strategies, software, requirements, algorithms, and scalable architectures that support current and future battery, diesel electric, and hybrid machine platforms.

  • Lead the architecture, design, development, integration, and validation of advanced machine control systems from concept through field implementation.

  • Drive control system development through simulation, laboratory validation, machine testing, and field learning to deliver high-quality, reliable solutions.

  • Collect and analyze system data to identify opportunities, validate software, diagnose issues, and guide technical decisions.

  • Lead cross-functional teams through complex technical challenges, mentor engineers, and operate effectively in environments with evolving requirements, ambiguity, and continuous discovery.

What you have:

  • Degree Requirement: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, Computer Engineering or related curriculum.

  • Embedded Systems: Extensive experience and knowledge of embedded systems and their applications; ability to develop embedded systems with varying levels of complexity to control the operations of the machine it is embedded within.

  • Requirements Analysis: Extensive experience and knowledge of tools, methods, and techniques of requirement 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.

  • Analytical Thinking: Extensive experience and 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.

  • Problem Solving: Extensive experience and 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.

  • Communicating Complex Concepts: Extensive experience and 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.

Top Candidates Will Also Have

  • Significant experience with Caterpillar machine controls, machine development, machine validation, or machine integration activities.

  • Deep knowledge of powershift transmission operation, transmission calibration, drivetrain controls, and machine productivity features.

  • Experience conducting on-machine or drivetrain simulator development, troubleshooting, calibration, and validation activities.

  • Experience with CAN/J1939/XCP communication networks, electronic control modules, and distributed embedded control systems.

  • Proven success leading technical efforts in environments with rapidly changing priorities, emerging technologies, and evolving requirements.

  • Demonstrated curiosity, adaptability, and a growth mindset, with a willingness to challenge assumptions and pursue technical discoveries as system understanding evolves.

  • Experience mentoring engineers and serving as a recognized technical expert within a controls, software, or systems engineering organization.

Additional Information:

  • This position is located in Mossville, IL and requires 5-day a week on-site availability

  • Domestic relocation is available

  • Visa Sponsorship is not avaialble

  • 20% or less travel expected for this role


Summary Pay Range:

$128,470.00 - $192,710.00

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

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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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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