Marine Electrical Integration Engineer

Caterpillar Inc.•Mossville, IL

23h•Onsite

About The Position

As a Marine Electrical Integration Engineer, you are responsible for the detailed configuration, electrical design, and systems integration of Cat Marine hybrid applications. You will execute the engineering work required to integrate propulsion engines and gensets with advanced power components, including electric motors, battery energy storage, and VFDs. This role focuses on the hands-on delivery of integrated electrical packages, ensuring every custom solution is engineered for performance, regulatory approval, and seamless vessel installation.

Requirements

Analytical Thinking: Knowledge of techniques and tools that promote effective analysis; ability to determine the root cause of organizational problems and create alternative solutions that resolve these problems.
Effective Communications: Understanding of effective communication concepts, tools and techniques; ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through the application of appropriate communication behaviors.
Project Management: Knowledge of effective project management strategies and tactics; ability to plan, organize, monitor, and control projects, ensuring efficient utilization of technical and administrative resources to achieve project objectives.
Computer-Aided Design & Engineering: Knowledge of tools and techniques of specialized graphics programs; ability to produce, analyze, simulate and test product design drafts.
Product Testing: Knowledge of product testing approaches, techniques and tools; ability to design, plan and execute testing strategies and tactics to ensure product quality at all stages of manufacturing.
Troubleshooting Technical Problems: Knowledge of troubleshooting approaches, tools and techniques; ability to anticipate, detect and resolve technical problems in a manufacturing or product development environment.

Responsibilities

Electrical System Design: Execute the selection, sizing, and configuration of electrical hardware for hybrid engine rooms. You will integrate the complete Cat Marine scope, focusing on AC/DC distribution, switchgear, battery management system (BMS) interfaces, and motor-drive synchronization.
Technical Documentation & Schematics: Develop and deliver high-precision electrical technical packages. This includes creating detailed wiring schematics (AutoCAD Electrical), 3D electrical models (Creo), one-line diagrams, and technical specifications for system installation.
Regulatory Compliance Support: Prepare technical submittals and design documentation to ensure systems meet Classification Society rules (e.g., ABS, DNV, Lloyd's Register). You will ensure designs comply with USCG electrical requirements (e.g., 46 CFR Subchapter J) and manage technical correspondence with the Marine Safety Center (MSC).
Project Engineering & Validation: Manage engineering activities for assigned projects from concept through validation. This includes hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing, system-level validation, and managing the electrical Bill of Materials (BOM) to ensure a fully functional customer solution.
Techno-Economic Analysis: Support the sales organization by performing value-based benchmarking. You will analyze how specific electrical architecture affects a ship operator's CAPEX and OPEX, providing the technical data needed to recommend the most cost-effective solution.
Component Evaluation: Conduct "Make vs. Buy" analyses for electrical components and evaluate partner technologies (batteries, motors, inverters) to ensure they meet Caterpillar's rigorous marine-ruggedized standards.
Technical Expertise: Power Systems Engineering: Strong proficiency in AC/DC power distribution, power electronics, and the application of Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) and Energy Storage Systems (ESS).
Control Interfaces: Understanding of marine control systems and communication protocols (e.g., J1939, Modbus, Ethernet/IP) for engine-room-to-bridge integration.
Engineering Software: Advanced skills in AutoCAD Electrical and Creo Schematics for creating high-fidelity system documentation.
Regulatory Knowledge: Working knowledge of USCG federal regulations and International Class rules for electrical installations on vessels