Machine Performance & Controls Engineering specialist

Caterpillar•Clayton, NC

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Caterpillar’s Building Construction Products division is seeking a Control Systems Engineering Specialist to support the Small Wheel Loaders team at its Clayton Machine Design Center. The role focuses on defining, integrating, developing, and supporting control systems and user interface features that improve machine performance, operator experience, reliability, and connectivity. It supports New Product Introduction, Continuous Product Improvement, and New Technology Introduction initiatives, as well as product lifecycle activities. The specialist collaborates with engine, hydraulic, mechanical, and software engineering teams to translate machine-level functional requirements into detailed software and hardware specifications. The role includes evaluating controls, automation, and user interface solutions on machines, improving control architecture and diagnostics, and keeping current with developments in autonomy, electrification, connectivity, and machine automation. The position is onsite five days a week and involves an expected 5–10% domestic and international travel. Domestic relocation assistance is available to qualified candidates; visa sponsorship is not available.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Computer Science.
Extensive controls engineering experience, preferably in off-highway, construction, mining, or automotive equipment.
Strong understanding of hydraulic systems, electronic control modules, and embedded software development.
Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with the ability to communicate technical information effectively to a culturally diverse work group.
Ability to identify critical gaps and next actions and resolve issues with minimal oversight.
Initiative, data analysis capability, and strong technical insight.
Ability to evaluate alternatives with multiple stakeholders, distinguish technical content from organizational context, anticipate risks, and make timely, informed recommendations.
Knowledge of product-development methodologies and the requirements, design, integration, testing, production, and support activities involved in delivering new or enhanced products.
Willingness to work onsite five days a week and travel 5–10% domestically and internationally.

Nice To Haves

Degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, or Robotics Engineering, or a related field.
Experience tuning complex control and hydraulic systems on machines, with system-level ownership of requirements, performance, and customer outcomes.
Experience translating customer, competitive, field, and engineering insights into product improvements.
Experience leading complex technology, performance, or integration projects from concept through production and influencing stakeholders across engineering, product, commercial, and manufacturing organizations.
Software and controls design experience, including interpreting and evaluating implementations developed in MATLAB, C, and Simulink.
Previous experience with hydraulic system design or testing.
Experience using Vector CANape to adjust control parameters and operating construction machines to validate machine behavior.
Experience with ADAS systems or machine collision mitigation system development.
Ability to facilitate collaboration across global teams and resolve complex technical issues.

Responsibilities

Support the definition, execution, and delivery of control systems and user interface/experience features for New Product Introductions and Small Wheel Loader product lifecycle support.
Collaborate with engine, hydraulic, mechanical, and software engineering teams to optimize Small Wheel Loader system performance and reliability.
Translate machine-level functional requirements into detailed software and hardware specifications.
Evaluate controls, automation, and user interface solutions on machines to verify feasibility and performance targets.
Drive continuous improvement in control system architecture, diagnostics, and operator interfaces.
Stay current with emerging technologies in autonomy, electrification, connectivity, and machine automation.
Contribute to New Product Introduction, Continuous Product Improvement, and New Technology Introduction initiatives.