Sr. Hydraulic System Controls Engineer

Caterpillar Inc.•Peoria, IL

1d•$112,710 - $169,060•Onsite

About The Position

Caterpillar’s Earthmoving division is hiring a Sr. Hydraulic System Controls Engineer in Peoria, IL. This role provides the opportunity to develop industry-leading hydraulic systems and controls to deliver high-performance, reliable, and cost-effective system solutions. You will work with global cross-functional teams to help shape the next generation of Earthmoving products. You will also perform analytical tasks such as leading initiatives to generate insights from vehicle end-of-line data or connected assets that can help diagnose and improve hydraulic system performance and reliability. If you're motivated by developing machine complex systems and controls that directly impact performance, productivity, and operator experience, this is a role for you!

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: Knowledge of effective presentation tools and techniques to ensure clear understanding; ability to use summarization and simplification techniques to explain complex technical concepts in simple, clear language appropriate to the audience.
Problem Solving: Knowledge of approaches, tools, techniques for recognizing, anticipating, and resolving organizational, operational or process problems; ability to apply knowledge of problem solving appropriately to diverse situations.
Technical Excellence: Knowledge of hydraulic systems and components as well as hands-on experience in testing. Knowledge of advanced technologies like AI, data analytics, and simulations. Ability to perform data analytics on connected asset data.
Product Design - MFG: Designs hydraulic components and systems with a focus on manufacturability, cost, and quality. Applies DFM/DFA and APQP principles to align designs with production capabilities and business objectives. Works closely with manufacturing, procurement, and suppliers to optimize designs, evaluate feedback, and drive improvements based on production and field performance.
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.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or related field
Experience with off-highway, heavy equipment or agricultural
Working knowledge of hydraulic systems and control such as implement, steering, brake and fan.
Willingness to support hands-on testing and field validation
Extensive MATLAB Simulink software or similar controls tools
Knowledge of Data Links (CAN/Ethernet) and Calibration/Diagnostic tools (i.e. CANape, CANalyser/CANoe).
Prior experience in control software development gained in vehicle or construction equipment control or an associated environment
Knowledge of AI tools and experience in developing AI agents

Responsibilities

Develop controls and tuning of hydraulic systems such as implement, steering, fan and brake in collaboration with performance engineers, hydraulic system and components engineers and expert operators.
Support advanced engineering projects (including NTI) developing new solutions to improve efficiency, autonomy, and comfort on our vehicles (simulation, control, performance evaluation, concept definition, testing, ….).
Validate hydraulic system performance through simulation, testing, and field validation activities. Tune Hydraulic system controls to meet system and machine performance requirements, regulatory and Caterpillar standards.
Diagnose and resolve any hydraulic system issues through analysis or on-machine testing.
Support development of systems and components (including valves, cylinders, pumps, and motors), ensuring products provide superior performance, durability, quality, and serviceability while meeting cost and delivery targets.
Collaborate with global internal and external teams including software, machine controls, performance, and technology teams.
Develop AI agents to improve the efficiency of hydraulic system development.