Machine Performance & Controls Engineering specialist

Caterpillar Inc.•Clayton, NC

4d•$128,470 - $192,710•Onsite

About The Position

Caterpillar’s Building Construction Products division is seeking a Control Systems Engineering Specialist for the Small Wheel Loaders team. The position is based at the Clayton Machine Design Center and supports the design, development, and support of construction equipment. The specialist collaborates with cross-functional teams to define requirements and integrate mechanical, hydraulic, and electronic systems to improve machine performance, operator experience, and system connectivity. The role supports New Product Introduction (NPI), Continuous Product Improvement (CPI), and New Technology Introduction (NTI) initiatives. The position requires working onsite five days per week, with 5–10% domestic and international travel expected. Domestic relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates. Visa sponsorship is not available. The posted salary range is $128,470–$192,710; compensation may vary based on factors including job level, location, skills, performance, and experience. Offers are conditioned on successful completion of a drug screen.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Computer Science; Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Robotics, or a related field is preferred.
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, using initiative, data analysis, and 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.

Nice To Haves

Experience tuning complex control and hydraulic systems on machines, including system-level ownership of requirements, performance, and customer outcomes.
Experience translating customer, competitive, field, and engineering insights into product improvements.
Demonstrated success leading complex technology, performance, or integration projects from concept through production and aligning stakeholders across engineering, product, commercial, and manufacturing organizations.
Software and controls design experience, including interpreting and evaluating implementations developed in MATLAB, C, and Simulink.
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.
Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Robotics, or related engineering or computer science degree background.

Responsibilities

Support 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 assess feasibility and performance.
Drive continuous improvement in control system architecture, diagnostics, and operator interface.
Stay current with emerging technologies in autonomy, electrification, connectivity, and machine automation.
Support product development activities spanning requirements, design, integration, testing, production, and support.