Caterpillar, Inc

Engineering Project Team Lead

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

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering or equivalent education
  • 5-7 years of experience in machine/vehicle controls
  • Strong knowledge of functional safety concepts and regulations
  • Prior leadership experience in engineering teams and projects
  • Hands-on experience with large mining or quarry trucks
  • Expertise in controls systems, electronic integration, and software development
  • Familiarity with industry safety standards and best practices

Responsibilities

  • Lead development of machine/vehicle control systems across teams
  • Manage and delegate tasks to sub-team members
  • Coach junior engineers on safety and controls concepts
  • Establish controls requirements with safety considerations early on
  • Evaluate functional safety concepts for new product initiatives
  • Support development of enhanced solutions like Collision Mitigation
  • Validate control systems through comprehensive testing

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits
  • Paid time off (vacation, holidays, volunteer)
  • 401(k) savings plans
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Career Development opportunities
  • Incentive bonuses
Full Job Description

Career Area:

Engineering

Job Description:

Engineering Project Team Leader – Machine / Vehicle Controls and Functional Safety

Caterpillar's Resource Industries Division is seeking an Engineering Project Team Leader to lead efforts in architecting Rigid Frame Trucks controls systems ensuring thorough evaluation of Functional Safety concepts and requirements. In this highly visible role, you will drive the development of control systems for next generation of machines, support solution layer development (Collision Mitigation Systems, Autonomous operation, etc.) influence product strategy, and collaborate across the matrix (RFT engineering teams, electronics/software teams, commercial & product support teams, product compliance and regulatory teams) to deliver innovative solutions that enhance safety, productivity, and machine performance for customers around the world.

What You’ll Do:

  • Lead the development of machine/vehicle level controls by working with various teams across the organization.

  • Manage workload and task delegation for sub-team and extended team members.

  • Coach junior engineers on controls systems and functional safety concepts

  • Ensure controls and electronics requirements are established with functional safety considerations, early in the programs.

  • Lead development and evaluation of functional safety concepts and SISTEMA calculations for various NPI programs.

  • Support the development and functional safety evaluation of solution layers added to the base machine such as Collision Mitigation Systems, Autonomous operations, Dynamic Energy Transfer system, etc.

  • Ensure thorough and efficient validation of control systems and functional safety concepts – SIL/HIL/Proving Grounds.

  • Work with functional safety experts to support RIOP wide functional safety evaluations, participate in industry standards/regulatory conferences.

  • Review current production software change requests and support software bundle development, verification and validation activities.

  • Ensure functional safety impact analysis is performed for any controls/software changes for current production machines.

  • Collaborate with product value streams, proving grounds, and cross-functional teams to identify machine performance and controls improvements and resolve product issues.

  • Influence machine architecture decisions and support Multi-Generation Product Planning (MGPP) and New Technology Introduction (NTI) initiatives.

What Skills Will You Have:

Technical Excellence
Deep expertise in machine controls, applications, electronic systems integration, software development and functional safety process. Provides technical direction, solves challenging engineering problems, and mentors engineering teams to deliver innovative solutions that improve machine performance, efficiency, and customer value.

Decision Making & Critical Thinking
Ability to utilize data-driven analysis, sound judgment, and systems thinking to evaluate complex technical and business challenges. Assesses alternatives, manages risk, and drives decisions that support customer needs, product requirements, and organizational objectives.

Influencing Through Expertise:
Experience partnering with customers, dealers, and internal stakeholders to understand application requirements, market trends, and business priorities. Leverage customer insights and machine performance data to influence product improvements and future technology investments.

Project & Program Management
Skilled at leading cross-functional projects from concept through implementation. Coordinate engineering, software, validation, and product development activities to deliver business-critical initiatives on time, within budget, and aligned with strategic objectives.

Effective Communication & Collaboration
Demonstrate strong communication and stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence technical decisions and build alignment across engineering teams, leadership, customers, and global partners. Effectively translate complex technical concepts into actionable business solutions.

Requirements Analysis:
Experience utilizing machine data, simulation tools, performance analytics, and data acquisition systems to identify trends, resolve issues, and support strategic decision-making. Drive continuous improvement through fact-based analysis and measurable results.

Education Requirement: Bachelor’s degree in engineering or equivalent education.

Top Candidates Will Have:

  • Prior machine/vehicle level controls software development, tuning and validation experience.

  • Prior experience in Functional Safety assessments

  • Prior experience with Large Mining Trucks or Quarry Trucks and knowledge of worldwide applications

  • Team leadership and project management skills.

Additional Information:

The primary work location for this role is Tucson, AZ, with a requirement to work on-site full-time at a Caterpillar facility.

This position may require 10% travel.

Domestic relocation assistance is available. 

Visa sponsorship, international assignments, or payroll transfers are not available for this role.

Posting Dates: 09/01/2026 - 09/15/2026

 

 

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

 

 

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:

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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