Marine Hybrid Controls & Software Integration Engineer (Design Engineering Specialist)

Caterpillar Inc.•Mossville, IL

2d•$112,710 - $169,060•Onsite

About The Position

As a Marine Hybrid Controls & Software Integration Engineer, you are responsible for the logic, architecture, and functional integration of Cat Marine hybrid systems. This role moves beyond physical wiring to focus on the "brains" of the vessel. You will support the design and implement the software and control strategies that govern how propulsion engines and gensets interact with electric motors, battery systems, and VFDs. Your goal is to deliver high-performance, automated power management solutions that are regulatory-compliant and optimized for complex vessel duty cycles.

Requirements

Deep understanding of power management logic, energy storage optimization, and state-machine programming for complex industrial or marine systems.
Advanced proficiency in marine data protocols (NMEA 2000, J1939, CANbus) and industrial networking (TCP/UDP, Managed Switches).
Experience with PLC programming (IEC 61131-3), MATLAB/Simulink for model-based design, or C++/Python for embedded system integration.
Technical knowledge of how software parameters affect VFD performance, motor torque curves, and battery discharge rates.
Familiarity with Marine Classification Society and USCG functional safety standards.
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.
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.
Knowledge of a given technology and various application methods; ability to develop and provide solutions to significant technical challenges.
Knowledge of processes, approaches, tools and techniques of product design; ability to convert customer and market requirements into product design.
Knowledge of product features; ability to design, build, and develop a new product, technology, or service from concept through to production.

Responsibilities

Design and configure the control architecture for hybrid power systems.
Develop functional sequences for power transitions (e.g., zero-emission mode to diesel-mechanical) and load-sharing logic.
Work with internal engineering teams to execute the programming and parameterization of Hybrid Control Units and Power Management Systems (PMS).
Optimize energy flows between battery systems, engines, generators and the bus.
Manage the seamless communication between diverse subsystems using J1939, Modbus TCP/RTU, and Ethernet/IP.
Ensure the Battery Management System (BMS), VFDs, and Engine Control Modules (ECMs) communicate effectively.
Lead system level Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing and software-in-the-loop simulations.
Validate control algorithms, fault-handling responses, and safety interlocks using HIL and simulation tools.
Develop system level DFMEA’s and validation test plans and execute system level testing.
Prepare documentation for software functional safety and cyber-resiliency to meet Classification Society rules (ABS, DNV, Lloyd’s).
Ensure that software-based safety functions comply with USCG and International Marine requirements.
Develop software-based diagnostic tools and telemetry interfaces.
Support the commissioning of hybrid systems, perform real-time software tuning and troubleshoot during sea trials.