Caterpillar, Inc

Senior Associate Engineer - Transmission Controls Development

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

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in a relevant Engineering discipline.
  • Experience in drivetrain or engine development, specifically powershift transmissions or torque systems.
  • Familiarity with control system software development and data acquisition processes.
  • Strong data analysis skills to interpret and summarize test data effectively.
  • Excellent communication and teamwork capabilities in diverse environments.
  • Willingness and ability to operate machinery in various settings with proper training.
  • Ability to travel up to 20% as needed.

Responsibilities

  • Operate and evaluate Caterpillar equipment for drivetrain testing and validation.
  • Execute on-machine tests to refine transmission control systems in field conditions.
  • Support software calibration and document findings for ongoing improvements.
  • Gain expertise in calibration tools and data acquisition techniques.
  • Analyze test data for system performance and provide actionable recommendations.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize drivetrain controls and hardware.
  • Drive continuous improvement in documentation and validation processes.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Paid time off including vacation and holidays
  • 401(k) savings plan
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) options
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Career development opportunities
  • Incentive bonus programs
  • Life insurance and disability benefits
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Parental leave and adoption benefits
Full Job Description
Career Area:
Engineering

Job Description:

Role Definition

Caterpillar is seeking a Senior Associate Engineer to join the Construction Industries Transmission Development team within the Drivetrain Control Systems & Validation organization. This role is located at the Peoria Proving Ground and provides onsite test, validation, and calibration support for transmission and torque converter control systems used in cycling and drawbar applications.

The successful candidate will operate Caterpillar equipment, acquire and analyze machine data, support control software calibration, and document results and recommendations. This position offers the opportunity to directly impact machine performance, durability, and reliability across a variety of drivetrain programs while working closely with design, systems integration, facility operations, software, and validation engineers.

What you will do
  • Operate Caterpillar equipment as a test and validation engineer to challenge drivetrain systems, develop robust calibration solutions, and identify durability and reliability concerns.
  • Plan and execute on-machine tests to optimize transmission control systems and calibrations in Proving Ground and other field environments.
  • Support control software calibration, component inspections, instrumentation setup, data collection, and documentation of results and recommendations.
  • Become proficient in the tools and processes used to calibrate transmission control systems and acquire data from machine applications.
  • Analyze test data to evaluate system performance, support root cause investigation, and recommend practical solutions for drivetrain controls issues.
  • Work with design, systems integration, facility operations, software, and validation engineers to develop and optimize hardware and controls for powershift transmissions.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement of test methods, calibration practices, documentation quality, 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)
  • Engineering Fundamentals: Bachelor's degree in an accredited Engineering curriculum and the ability to apply engineering principles to drivetrain controls, machine performance, and validation activities.
  • Drivetrain or Engine Development Experience: Previous experience with powershift transmission, torque converter, drivetrain, or engine design, development, test, or validation work.
  • Controls and Software Tools: Experience with control system software development, calibration, data acquisition, or machine test tools and processes.
  • Data Analysis: Ability to collect, interpret, and summarize test data to support calibration decisions, issue resolution, and engineering recommendations.
  • Communication and Teamwork: Strong oral and written communication skills with the ability to work effectively in cross-functional engineering, shop, lab, and field environments.
  • Machine and Field Test Aptitude: Desire and ability to work with machines in field, shop, and lab environments and become capable of operating machines independently with appropriate training.
  • Travel: Ability to travel up to 20% of the time.


Top Candidates will also have
  • Master's degree in Engineering.
  • Experience in the design, development, calibration, or validation of powershift transmissions or drivetrain control systems.
  • Lab, machine test, field test, or simulation experience.
  • Experience using DATK, ATI Vision, CANape, or similar data acquisition, calibration, and analysis tools.
  • Understanding of control systems theory.
  • Experience with FMEA, DVP&R, or proactive reliability processes.


Additional Information
  • This posting will close on 7/24/2026 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 up to 20% 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.

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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.

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Posting Dates:
July 6, 2026 - July 24, 2026

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

Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.

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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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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