Caterpillar, Inc

Design Engineering Specialist - Drivetrain NPI Project Execution

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

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Computer, or Agricultural Engineering
  • 5-7 years of experience in drivetrain controls or related product development
  • Strong analytical, decision-making, and communication skills
  • Proficiency in project management and computer-aided control systems development
  • Expertise in product testing and validation planning
  • Solid troubleshooting skills for software and hardware issues

Responsibilities

  • Lead NPI software development for drivetrain mechatronics applications
  • Develop and integrate control solutions for transmissions and actuators
  • Own and execute validation planning and testing strategies
  • Drive modernization of technology and development practices
  • Apply systems engineering to optimize drivetrain solutions
  • Coordinate cross-functional teams for design reviews and integration
  • Perform technical problem-solving through data analysis and root cause investigations

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)
  • Career development opportunities
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Incentive bonus
  • Tuition reimbursement
Full Job Description
Career Area:
Engineering

Job Description:

Role Definition

Focus: Drivetrain Existing New Project Introduction (NPI) Execution

Caterpillar is seeking a highly capable Design Engineering Specialist to join the Drivetrain Controls System Simulation and Validation (DCSSV) organization supporting Construction Industries Drivetrain Mechatronics. This role is focused on New Product Introduction (NPI) software development and product delivery, validation planning and execution, and technology transformation project execution that enables robust, scalable drivetrain control solutions for current and future machine platforms using powershift transmissions and torque converters.

The successful candidate will provide technical leadership across software, controls, and validation activities, partnering with cross-functional teams to deliver drivetrain controls solutions from concept through production readiness. This position requires strong engineering judgment, systems-level thinking, and the ability to execute complex initiatives while ensuring software quality, integration readiness, and validation rigor.

What you will do
  • Lead and execute NPI software development activities for Construction Industries drivetrain mechatronics applications, including requirements definition, architecture alignment, implementation, integration, and product delivery.
  • Develop and integrate drivetrain control solutions supporting transmissions, actuators, sensors, and associated embedded software for machine systems.
  • Own validation planning and execution by defining verification strategies, test plans, success criteria, instrumentation needs, and data review approaches across simulation, bench, and machine environments.
  • Execute technology transformation projects that modernize controls, software workflows, and development practices to improve capability, quality, and efficiency.
  • Apply systems engineering principles to balance performance, durability, functional safety, maintainability, and cost across drivetrain mechatronic solutions.
  • Coordinate with global and cross-functional teams to support design reviews, software releases, integration activities, and validation execution.
  • Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, controls, software, and validation teams to ensure seamless system integration and issue resolution.
  • Drive technical problem solving through data analysis, root cause investigation, and corrective action development during development and validation phases.
  • Contribute to standard work, best practices, and continuous improvement efforts that strengthen drivetrain mechatronics development and validation processes.


Degree Requirement
Bachelor's degree in an accredited Engineering curriculum, preferably:
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Mechatronics Engineering
  • Computer Engineering
  • Ag Engineering


What you must have (skills)
  • Analytical Thinking: Fluent use of techniques and tools that promote effective analysis; ability to determine root cause, evaluate complex technical tradeoffs, and create practical solutions for software, controls, and system integration challenges.
  • Decision Making and Critical Thinking: Mastery of decision-making processes and associated tools; ability to assess technical risk, prioritize work, and make sound recommendations across development and validation activities.
  • Effective Communications: Understanding of communication concepts, tools, and techniques; ability to clearly convey technical direction, validation results, risks, and project status across cross-functional teams.
  • Project Management: Knowledge of effective project execution strategies and tactics; ability to plan, organize, monitor, and deliver technology transformation and product development workstreams.
  • Computer-Aided Controls Systems Development: Knowledge of tools and techniques used to develop, simulate, integrate, and validate embedded controls and mechatronic system solutions.
  • Product Testing: Expert knowledge of product testing approaches, techniques, and tools; ability to build and execute robust validation plans that ensure product quality and readiness.
  • Troubleshooting Technical Problems: Knowledge of troubleshooting approaches, tools, and techniques; ability to anticipate, detect, and resolve software, controls, and integration issues in product development environments.


Top Candidates will also have
  • Demonstrated engineering experience in drivetrain controls, mechatronics, embedded software, or related product development disciplines.
  • Experience with New Product Introduction (NPI) processes and delivery of software-enabled product capabilities into production applications.
  • Strong mechanical and electronics aptitude, passionate about delivering the highest quality drivetrain system to Caterpillar customers.
  • Strong background in validation planning and execution, including test strategy development, data analysis, and issue resolution.
  • Test, data collection, and analysis capabilities using ATI Vision, CANape, or similar calibration, measurement, and analytics tools.


Additional Information
  • This posting will close on 6/29/2026 at 11:59 p.m.
  • The location for this position will be both Mossville, IL (Technical Center Building G) and Washington, IL (Peoria Proving Grounds) and requires the employee to work a 5-day-a-week schedule onsite between the two sites.
  • Relocation assistance is NOT available for this position.
  • Sponsorship is NOT available.
  • This position may require less than 10% travel


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.

#LI #MilitaryMonday #Letsdothework #caterpillarinc #Iamcaterpillar

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

Posting Dates:
June 15, 2026 - June 29, 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.

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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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