Lead Engineer – Switchgear

Caterpillar Inc.•Mossville, IL

7d•$128,470 - $192,710•Onsite

About The Position

When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it. About E&ES: Caterpillar’s Electrification & Energy Solutions (E&ES) Division will focus on delivering advanced electrified power train, zero-emissions products/technologies, and the solutions and services associated with these technologies. Focus areas include batteries, fuel cells, motors, inverters, micro grid controllers, charging, energy storage systems, lifecycle solutions/services and integration of components for ePowertrain solutions across industries. We are looking for top talent to build and scale the next generation of technologies, products and services to help our customers build a better—more sustainable—world. We need self-motivated, intelligent and team-oriented individuals to make our plans a reality. Individuals with high emotional intelligence, humility and openness to discovery will thrive in the teams we are building. Job Summary: The Lead Engineer – Switchgear is a key technical design owner within the electrical system of advanced power converter platforms. This role is responsible for the architecture, selection, sizing, and validation of cabinet-level switchgear and auxiliary electrical components, ensuring safe, reliable, and compliant operation across product variants. The engineer will provide technical leadership from early concept through validation and production release, working closely with mechanical, controls, manufacturing, and systems engineering teams. This role is critical to ensuring the safety, reliability, and scalability of power converter platforms. The Lead Engineer – Switchgear directly influences system performance, regulatory success, and long-term product robustness.

Requirements

Extensive experience and knowledge of the decision-making process and associated tools and techniques for charging systems.
Evaluates past decisions for insights to improve decision-making process.
Assesses and validates decision options and points and predicts their potential impact.
Advises others in analyzing and synthesizing relevant data and assessing alternatives.
Extensive experience and understanding of effective communication concepts, tools and techniques; ability to effectively translate technical knowledge to diverse audiences.
Adapts documents and presentations for the intended audience.
Demonstrates both empathy and assertiveness when communicating a need or defending a position.
Employs appropriate methods of persuasion when soliciting agreement.
Extensive experience and knowledge of working in charging systems, hardware, and controls: AC/DC power distribution and protection Low-voltage switchgear and control components Cabinet-level thermal management Electrical safety and grounding practices Proven experience with component selection, derating, and validation Regulated or safety-critical environments
Extensive experience and knowledge of effective project management strategies and tactics; ability to plan, organize, monitor, and control complex projects.
Identifies risks and vulnerabilities; creates contingency plans.
Conducts regular and ad-hoc project reviews with project team, sponsors, and clients.
Communicates reporting requirements; creates monitoring and control mechanisms.
Extensive experience and expertise in charging systems, testing approaches, techniques, and tools.
Leads the evaluation, selection, and implementation of testing approaches, tools, and scenarios.
Mentors others in improving the throughput and efficiency of manufacturing test processes.
Oversees the testing processes of multiple products in a high-volume manufacturing environment.
Consults on product-testing costs, tools, approaches, and benefits.
Extensive experience and knowledge of troubleshooting approaches, tools and techniques; ability to anticipate, detect and resolve technical problems in a manufacturing or charging systems development environment.
Evaluates business impact of failure and the criticality and timing of needed resolution.
Resolves difficult or high-impact equipment and systems problems.
Monitors machine performance and history; addresses excessive maintenance or repair needs.
Uses advanced diagnostic techniques and tools for unusual or performance-related problems.
A degree in an accredited Engineering, Computer Science, or Materials Science curriculum.

Responsibilities

Act as the design authority for cabinet-level switchgear within power converter systems
Define electrical architectures and design strategies aligned with system-level requirements
Lead component selection and sizing for: Low-voltage and control power supplies Circuit breakers, disconnects, fuses Relays and contactors Cabinet-level cooling systems (fans, heat exchangers, thermal interfaces)
Ensure robustness of designs for electrical, thermal, and environmental operating conditions
Develop and execute verification and validation plans for switchgear and cabinet assemblies
Support and review: Electrical, thermal, and fault analysis (short circuit, inrush, derating) Environmental and reliability testing
Ensure compliance with applicable industry standards and codes (e.g., UL, IEC, NEC, IEEE)
Interface with certification bodies and support compliance documentation
Collaborate closely with: Power electronics and system engineering Mechanical and thermal engineering Controls and software teams Manufacturing, sourcing, and quality teams
Provide technical guidance and mentorship to contributing engineers and designers
Support supplier technical reviews and component qualification discussions
Support design transitions from development to production
Drive design improvements related to cost, manufacturability, reliability, and serviceability
Participate in root-cause analysis and corrective actions for field or production issues