Senior Design Engineer - Drivetrain Controls

Caterpillar•East Peoria, IL

17h•Onsite

About The Position

Caterpillar is seeking a highly capable Senior Design Engineer to join the Drivetrain Controls System Simulation and Validation (DCSSV) organization supporting Construction Industries Drivetrain Mechatronics. This role is focused on delivering high-quality outcomes across New Product Introduction (NPI) software development and product delivery, validation planning and execution, and technology transformation project execution using disciplined engineering practices and standard processes to support robust, scalable drivetrain control solutions for current and future machine platforms using powershift transmissions and torque converters. The successful candidate will apply strong technical judgment across software, controls, and validation activities while partnering with cross-functional teams to deliver drivetrain controls solutions from concept through production readiness. This position requires systems-level thinking, strong attention to detail, and consistent execution of standard engineering processes to ensure 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: knowledge of techniques and tools that promote effective analysis; ability to determine root cause, evaluate technical tradeoffs, and create practical solutions for software, controls, and system integration challenges.
Decision Making and Critical Thinking: Knowledge 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 issues, validation results, risks, and project status across cross-functional teams.
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: Strong 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 detect, analyze, 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 with a passion for delivering high-quality drivetrain systems to Caterpillar customers.
Experience 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

Execute NPI software development activities for Construction Industries drivetrain mechatronics applications, including requirements definition, implementation, integration, and product delivery using established development processes.
Develop and integrate drivetrain control solutions supporting transmissions, actuators, sensors, and associated embedded software for machine systems.
Support validation planning and execution by defining verification strategies, test plans, success criteria, instrumentation needs, and data review approaches across simulation, bench, and machine environments.
Support 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, maintainability, and cost across drivetrain mechatronic solutions.
Work 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 timely issue resolution.
Solve technical problems through data analysis, root cause investigation, and corrective action development during development and validation phases.
Follow and strengthen standard work, engineering best practices, and continuous improvement efforts that support high-quality drivetrain mechatronics development and validation processes.