Caterpillar, Inc

Electronic Components Engineering Specialist

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

Qualifications

  • 5-7 years of experience in electrical engineering, focusing on embedded systems and sensors.
  • Master of Science in Electrical Engineering (MSEE) or Bachelor's Degree (BSEE) with relevant experience.
  • Proficiency in circuit design with Orcad and Altium and testing for embedded systems.
  • Strong communication skills to prepare technical specifications and presentations.
  • Experience with inertial measurement units (IMUs) and machine control systems.

Responsibilities

  • Architect and implement PCB-level sensor interface circuitry for harsh environments.
  • Select and evaluate IMU hardware components against performance criteria.
  • Support development of signal conditioning and sensor fusion middleware.
  • Design validation test plans and procedures for accuracy and endurance.
  • Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers.

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)
  • Career Development
  • Disability benefits
  • Tuition Reimbursement
Full Job Description
Career Area:
Engineering

Job Description:

CTCT develops advanced machine control, guidance, and positioning systems for the heavy construction, earthmoving, and mining industries. By combining Trimble's precision positioning technologies (like GNSS/GPS, lasers, optics, and sonics) with Caterpillar's heavy machinery expertise, CTCT builds software and hardware that automates and optimizes equipment operations. The core focus of CTCT is Grade Control Solutions (such as the Cat Grade 3D and Trimble Earthworks platforms). These systems give machine operators precise, real-time vertical and horizontal guidance inside the cab, allowing bulldozers, excavators, scrapers, and graders to cut, fill, and level earth to exact 3D design specifications.

What You Will Do:
We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Electrical Engineer specializing in embedded systems and sensors to architect, implement, and validate electrical designs for advanced machine control applications. In this role, you will be developing inertial sensor technology (IMUs) from initial prototyping through to production.
You will collaborate closely with system, controls, firmware, and mechanical teams to deliver robust hardware solutions capable of thriving in harsh, high-vibration, and weather-exposed environments. Additionally, you will drive circuit analysis, lead design reviews, establish rigorous validation test plans, and ensure seamless transition of products to manufacturing.
IMU System Design & Hardware Engineering
• Circuit Design & Analysis: Architect and implement PCB-level sensor interface circuitry, including power regulation, EMI shielding, and noise isolation tailored for harsh environments.
• Sensor Selection & Evaluation: Select, evaluate, and qualify IMU hardware components (accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers) from external vendors against strict performance criteria (bias stability, noise density, vibration tolerance).
• Algorithmic Integration: Support the development of signal conditioning, filtering (Kalman, complementary, Madgwick), and sensor fusion middleware to deliver accurate orientation data.
Calibration, Testing & Validation
• Test Procedures & Fixtures: Design and comprehensive validation test plans covering static/dynamic accuracy, thermal cycling, vibration endurance, and environmental testing.
• Data Analysis: Utilize simulation and analysis tools to evaluate design performance and drive iterative improvements.
• Production Readiness: Define factory and in-field calibration procedures. Generate Engineering Change Notices (ECNs) and design production-level test fixtures to support the successful transition of products to manufacturing.
Technical Non Managerial Leadership, Compliance & Documentation
• Technical Leadership: Assume a leadership role in resolving complex technical problems. Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and technicians.
• Regulatory & Standards Compliance: Ensure designs comply with Functional Safety standards ISO 19014 and IEC 65108, CE/FCC/IC certifications, and OEM-specific guidelines. Support safety analysis such as FMEA
• Documentation & Lifecycle Management: Produce and maintain high-quality circuit schematics, Bills of Materials (BOM), wiring harness specifications, and test reports.
• Stakeholder Communication: Lead and contribute to internal design reviews and present technical updates, program status, and design concepts to customers and cross-functional stakeholders.

What You Will Have:
Effective Communications: Understanding of effective communication concepts, tools and techniques; ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through the application of appropriate communication behaviors.

Technical Excellence: Knowledge of a given technology and various application methods; ability to develop and provide solutions to significant technical challenges.

Project Management: Knowledge of effective project management strategies and tactics; ability to plan, organize, monitor, and control projects, ensuring efficient utilization of technical and administrative resources to achieve project objectives.

Electronics Engineering - HTH: Knowledge of electronics engineering; ability to design, test and manufacture electronic circuits, components and devices.

Product Design - HTH: Knowledge of and the ability to utilize design tools (e.g. CAD) to convert customer and market requirements into a product design.

Reliability Management - HTH: Knowledge of reliability management; ability to utilize various tools, techniques, methodologies and metrics to meet and manage hardware product performance and reliability objectives.

Mechanical Engineering - MFG: Knowledge of mechanical engineering processes, techniques and methods; ability to design and implement machines and other mechanical devices that safely realize a desired objective or invention.

Supplier Management - MFG: Knowledge of processes and methods to effectively manage business relationships and transactions with suppliers of raw materials or product components; ability to apply related knowledge, experience and skills into real practice.

Essential Skills & Experience:
• Solid exposure to electronic circuit design, research, and debugging for embedded systems and sensors.
• Experienced with Orcad and Altium or similar technologies, along with circuit design and testing experience.
• Robust expertise in analog and exposure to digital electronic circuit design, component research, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Strong communicator capable of writing technical specifications and presenting to customers and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Matlab and SPICE (PSpice) simulation software, alongside familiarity with C and C++ firmware development.
• Master of Science in Electrical Engineering (MSEE) or a Bachelor's Degree (BSEE) with equivalent experience.

Top Candidates Will Have:
• You have a proven track record working with Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs), specifically with accelerometers and gyroscopes.
• You have worked with Machine Control Systems.
• Experience using Agile PLM and Oracle ERP systems.
• Advanced proficiency in MS Office or Google Workspace for BOM creation, statistical data analysis, and technical report writing.
• You have experience designing Functional Safety products or transferable experience.

Additional Information:
• This position is on site 5 days per week.
• Relocation assistance is available for this position.
• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position
• Travel is up to 10%

#LI

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:
September 3, 2026 - September 28, 2026

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

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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.

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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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