Control Systems Engineer

Caterpillar•East Peoria, IL

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Caterpillar is seeking a Control Systems Engineer for its Drivetrain Controls System Simulation and Validation (DCSSV) organization. The role supports machines with powershift transmissions and focuses on new product introduction (NPI) drivetrain controls development and product delivery, validation planning and execution, and technology transformation projects. The goal is to deliver robust, scalable drivetrain control solutions for current and future machine platforms using powershift transmissions and torque converters. The engineer develops software for powershift transmission controls and executes software, controls, and development activities in partnership with cross-functional teams, taking drivetrain control solutions from concept through production readiness. The role requires sound engineering judgment, systems-level thinking, and the ability to execute complex initiatives while ensuring embedded software quality, integration readiness, and rigorous validation. The position is located in Mossville, Illinois (Technical Center Building G), or Washington, Illinois (Peoria Proving Grounds), and requires working onsite five days per week. Domestic relocation assistance is available. The role may require less than 10% travel. Visa sponsorship is not available.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in an accredited engineering curriculum.
Analytical thinking skills, including the ability to determine root causes, evaluate technical tradeoffs, and develop practical solutions for software, controls, and system integration challenges.
Decision-making and critical-thinking skills to assess technical risk, prioritize work, and make sound recommendations across development and validation activities.
Effective communication skills to convey technical issues, validation results, risks, and project status to cross-functional teams.
Knowledge of computer-aided controls systems development tools and techniques for developing, simulating, integrating, and validating embedded controls and mechatronic solutions.
Strong knowledge of product-testing approaches, techniques, and tools, and the ability to build and execute robust validation plans.
Troubleshooting skills to detect, analyze, and resolve software, controls, and integration issues in product development environments.

Nice To Haves

Machine application knowledge.
Engineering experience in drivetrain controls design, embedded software development, mechatronics, calibration, or validation for powershift transmission, torque converter, or large machine applications.
Experience with NPI processes and delivering software-enabled product capabilities into production applications.
Strong mechanical and electronics aptitude and an interest in delivering high-quality drivetrain systems.
Experience 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.
A degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Agricultural Engineering.

Responsibilities

Execute NPI software development activities for drivetrain controls design and validation applications, including requirements definition, implementation, integration, and product delivery using established development processes.
Develop and integrate drivetrain control solutions for transmissions, torque converters, actuators, sensors, and associated embedded software for machine systems.
Plan and execute validation by defining verification strategies, test plans, success criteria, instrumentation needs, and data-review approaches across simulation, bench, and machine environments.
Support 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, maintainability, and cost across drivetrain mechatronic solutions.
Work with global and cross-functional teams on design reviews, software releases, integration activities, and validation execution.
Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, controls, software, and validation teams to support seamless system integration and timely issue resolution.
Use data analysis and root-cause investigation to solve technical problems and develop corrective actions during development and validation.
Follow and strengthen standard work, engineering best practices, and continuous improvement efforts for drivetrain mechatronics development and validation.