Sr.Test & Validation Engineer (machine controls)

Caterpillar Inc.•East Peoria, IL

9d•$112,710 - $169,060•Onsite

About The Position

Caterpillar EMD’s Peoria Proving Ground division is hiring a Senior Test & Validation Engineer to plan, execute, and report results and recommendations from electronic and electrical system development and validation tasks. The work supports New Product Introduction and Continuous Product Improvement projects across machine subsystems such as steering, implements, transmission, braking, displays, off-board communications, remote control, and engines. The role involves troubleshooting complex electrical and electronic issues on heavy equipment; installing, configuring, and removing test hardware; and supporting machine software development. The engineer flashes software and conducts machine-level software validation and verification, analyzes results, identifies issues, and recommends corrective actions. They document validation activities and outcomes using established engineering standards and processes, and use development and diagnostic tools including CAT Electronic Technician (ET), CadetWin, and Vector CANape. The role collaborates with cross-functional product teams and applies expertise in electrical and electronic control systems, wiring modifications, and heavy equipment operation. This position is based in Peoria, Illinois and requires working onsite five days per week, Monday through Friday. Travel is 10% domestic and international. Domestic relocation assistance and visa sponsorship are not available.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in accredited Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
Knowledge of machine control system architecture, machine software, and electronic control systems.
Ability to use CAT ET and other diagnostic tools for validation and troubleshooting.
Working knowledge of CAN and Ethernet communication networks, including monitoring, analyzing, and interpreting network and system behavior.
Ability to read and interpret electrical and controls schematics and understand system interactions.
Ability to investigate complex machine software and controls issues, analyze information from multiple sources, identify root causes, assess technical and safety risks, and support issue resolution.
Ability to develop, plan, and execute validation activities aligned with program objectives and timelines.
Strong time-management and organizational skills, including the ability to balance multiple priorities and resources.
Ability to identify risks and obstacles early, communicate concerns in a timely manner, and support solutions that maintain progress toward milestones.
Knowledge of machine software, electronic controls, and system integration, and ability to evaluate test results and troubleshoot software- and controls-related issues through structured verification and validation.
Ability to investigate issues across software, electrical, hydraulic, and mechanical systems and provide meaningful technical feedback.
Clear technical communication and documentation skills for communicating machine behavior, software issues, system interactions, and validation findings.
Safety-first mindset when working around large equipment, with commitment to improving safe work practices and validation processes.

Nice To Haves

Experience with electronic development software tools such as CAT Electronic Technician, CadetWin, and Vector CANape.
Ability to communicate technical information effectively with team members and others in the work group, employees in other units, customers, and suppliers.

Responsibilities

Plan, execute, and report results and recommendations from electronic and electrical system development and validation tasks supporting New Product Introduction and Continuous Product Improvement projects.
Troubleshoot and resolve complex electrical and electronic system issues on heavy equipment.
Install, configure, and remove test hardware while supporting machine software development activities.
Flash software and execute machine-level software validation and verification testing.
Analyze test results, identify issues, and recommend corrective actions and next steps.
Document validation activities and test outcomes using established engineering standards and processes.
Use electronic development and diagnostic tools, including CAT Electronic Technician (ET), CadetWin, and Vector CANape.
Collaborate with cross-functional product teams on electrical and electronic control systems, wiring modifications, and heavy equipment operation.
Develop, maintain, and execute validation plans and test cases to verify machine control system functionality, performance, and interactions.
Investigate machine behavior and test data to identify probable root causes, assess risks, and provide technical feedback to development teams.
Communicate technical observations and findings to system integrators, software developers, cross-functional engineering teams, and other relevant stakeholders.
Contribute technical input, risk assessment, schedule feedback, and execution strategy to validation planning and program objectives.