Design Engineering Specialist - Drivetrain NPI Project Execution

Caterpillar Inc.•Mossville, IL

2d•$128,470 - $192,710•Onsite

About The Position

Caterpillar is seeking a highly capable Design Engineering Specialist to join the Drivetrain Controls System Simulation and Validation (DCSSV) organization supporting Construction Industries Drivetrain Mechatronics. This role is focused on New Product Introduction (NPI) software development and product delivery, validation planning and execution, and technology transformation project execution that enables robust, scalable drivetrain control solutions for current and future machine platforms using powershift transmissions and torque converters. The successful candidate will provide technical leadership across software, controls, and validation activities, partnering with cross-functional teams to deliver drivetrain controls solutions from concept through production readiness. This position requires strong engineering judgment, systems-level thinking, and the ability to execute complex initiatives while ensuring software quality, integration readiness, and validation rigor.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in an accredited Engineering curriculum, preferably: Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Computer Engineering, Ag Engineering
Analytical Thinking: Fluent use of techniques and tools that promote effective analysis; ability to determine root cause, evaluate complex technical tradeoffs, and create practical solutions for software, controls, and system integration challenges.
Decision Making and Critical Thinking: Mastery of decision-making processes and associated tools; ability to assess technical risk, prioritize work, and make sound recommendations across development and validation activities.
Effective Communications: Understanding of communication concepts, tools, and techniques; ability to clearly convey technical direction, validation results, risks, and project status across cross-functional teams.
Project Management: Knowledge of effective project execution strategies and tactics; ability to plan, organize, monitor, and deliver technology transformation and product development workstreams.
Computer-Aided Controls Systems Development: Knowledge of tools and techniques used to develop, simulate, integrate, and validate embedded controls and mechatronic system solutions.
Product Testing: Expert knowledge of product testing approaches, techniques, and tools; ability to build and execute robust validation plans that ensure product quality and readiness.
Troubleshooting Technical Problems: Knowledge of troubleshooting approaches, tools, and techniques; ability to anticipate, detect, and resolve software, controls, and integration issues in product development environments.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated engineering experience in drivetrain controls, mechatronics, embedded software, or related product development disciplines.
Experience with New Product Introduction (NPI) processes and delivery of software-enabled product capabilities into production applications.
Strong mechanical and electronics aptitude, passionate about delivering the highest quality drivetrain system to Caterpillar customers.
Strong background 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.

Responsibilities

Lead and execute NPI software development activities for Construction Industries drivetrain mechatronics applications, including requirements definition, architecture alignment, implementation, integration, and product delivery.
Develop and integrate drivetrain control solutions supporting transmissions, actuators, sensors, and associated embedded software for machine systems.
Own validation planning and execution by defining verification strategies, test plans, success criteria, instrumentation needs, and data review approaches across simulation, bench, and machine environments.
Execute 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, functional safety, maintainability, and cost across drivetrain mechatronic solutions.
Coordinate with global and cross-functional teams to support design reviews, software releases, integration activities, and validation execution.
Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, controls, software, and validation teams to ensure seamless system integration and issue resolution.
Drive technical problem solving through data analysis, root cause investigation, and corrective action development during development and validation phases.
Contribute to standard work, best practices, and continuous improvement efforts that strengthen drivetrain mechatronics development and validation processes.