Caterpillar, Inc

Data & Controls Engineer

Caterpillar, Inc$89K — $133K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
  • 5-7 years of experience in hydraulic systems, controls, and system simulation.
  • Familiarity with hydraulic components like valves, cylinders, and pumps.
  • Experience in embedded control systems for mobile or automotive applications.
  • Knowledge in data science, engineering, and machine learning disciplines.

Responsibilities

  • Validate hydraulic system performance through simulations and field testing.
  • Lead data collection and analytics to diagnose hydraulic performance issues.
  • Ensure designs comply with Caterpillar standards and application needs.
  • Direct the design and development of hydraulic systems and components.
  • Collaborate with engineers and suppliers on product development.
  • Transform product data into actionable insights for engineering solutions.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits.
  • Paid time off including vacation, holidays, and volunteer days.
  • 401(k) savings plan.
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) options.
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA).
  • Career development opportunities.
  • Disability benefits and life insurance.
Full Job Description
Career Area:
Engineering

Job Description:

Caterpillar's Earthmoving division is hiring for hydraulic system and controls engineer.

Role Summary: As a Hydraulic Systems & Controls Engineer, you will support the design, development, validation, and continuous improvement of hydraulic systems and electro-hydraulic controls for Caterpillar Earthmoving products.
This role blends components, systems, controls and data analytics to deliver high-performance, reliable, and cost-effective system solutions. You will work with global cross-functional teams to translate machine-level requirements into robust, data-informed engineering solutions.
You will also perform analytical tasks such as leading initiatives to generate insights from vehicle end-of-line data or connected assets that can help diagnose and improve hydraulic system performance and reliability.

What You'll Do (Job Duties)
  • Validate hydraulic system performance through simulation, testing, and field validation activities. Tune Hydraulic system controls on machine to meet hydraulic machine performance requirements.
  • Lead data gathering, data mining, data cleansing, and processing activities for end of line testing as well as connected assets. Use data analytics, simulation and testing to diagnose hydraulic performance and reliability issues.
  • Ensure designs meet Caterpillar standards, regulatory requirements, and application Needs. Diagnose and resolve any hydraulic system issues using on-machine testing.
  • Direct and participate in the concept, design and development of hydraulic systems and components (including valves, cylinders, pumps, motors, and fluid routing systems), ensuring products provide superior performance, durability, quality, and serviceability while meeting cost and delivery targets.
  • Collaborate with other engineers on development activities with internal and external suppliers of mechanical and electro-hydraulic components through New Product Development (NPI) or Continuous Product Improvement (CPI) programs. Collaborate with cross-functional teams across manufacturing, purchasing, supply chain, validation, and simulation to deliver robust solutions.
  • Use your technical expertise, product knowledge and cutting-edge technologies to extract data from our products and systems and transform it into valuable insights to create integrated solutions that help customers solve their greatest challenges.


What You Have (Core Skills)
  • Analytical Thinking: Approaches complex hydraulic system challenges by breaking them into manageable components and identifying root causes. Uses data, testing results, and prior experience to evaluate performance, risks, and trade-offs between cost, quality, and reliability. Identifies multiple solution paths and selects the most effective approach based on structured analysis and sound engineering judgment.
  • Effective Communications: Communicates technical concepts clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Collaborates across cross-functional and global teams to drive alignment and achieve project goals. Prepares technical documentation and presentations, using strong communication skills to influence decisions, support recommendations, and resolve issues with internal partners and suppliers.
  • Technical Excellence: Knowledge of hydraulic systems and components as well as hands-on experience in testing. Knowledge of advanced technologies like AI, data analytics, and simulations. Ability to perform data analytics on connected asset data.
  • Product Design - MFG: Designs hydraulic components and systems with a focus on manufacturability, cost, and quality. Applies DFM/DFA and APQP principles to align designs with production capabilities and business objectives. Works closely with manufacturing, procurement, and suppliers to optimize designs, evaluate feedback, and drive improvements based on production and field performance.


Top Candidates Will Also Have
  • Requires a bachelor's degree (or international equivalent) or higher in mechanical Engineering discipline, along with engineering experience in hydraulics, controls and system simulation.
  • Knowledge of hydraulic system and components (including valves, cylinders, pumps, motors, and fluid routing systems) and their performance.
  • Experience in embedded control systems for mobile equipment or automotive applications.
  • Experience in Data Science, Data Engineering, Analytics Engineering, and Machine Learning disciplines.
  • Experience in system performance simulation and modeling.


Additional Details
  • Work location: Building AH, alternatives: PPG and building AB
  • Domestic relocation assistance IS available for this role
  • Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this role.
  • Travel: Upto 10% domestic and international
  • This position requires 5 days per week in the office (M-F)


Summary Pay Range:

$89,210.00 - $133,810.00

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 2, 2026 - July 17, 2026

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

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.

Explore Job Opportunities and Growth

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.

Internship Programs

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.

Benefits and Culture

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.

Join Our Team

Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We are looking for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players. Ready to start your journey at Caterpillar, Inc.? Explore our career portal for the latest job opportunities.

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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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