Control Systems Team Lead - Drivetrain Controls

Caterpillar Brazil; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 128,000 - 193,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

Paid time off

401(k)

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. seeks a Control System Team Lead for the IDES division to drive NPI drivetrain controls from concept through production readiness.

You will lead cross-functional teams across software, controls, and validation, ensuring embedded software quality, robust verification, and integration readiness for Large Track Type Tractor platforms. This role is onsite at Mossville, IL or Washington, IL with relocation assistance and strong growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an accredited Engineering curriculum (Electrical/Mechanical/Mechatronics/Computer Engineering or similar).
• Experience with New Product Introduction (NPI) and software-enabled product delivery into production.
• Strong systems engineering, embedded software, and drivetrain controls knowledge.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive validation through multiple environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead NPI controls development for Large Track Type Tractor applications from requirements to delivery.
• Develop and integrate drivetrain control solutions including transmissions, actuators, sensors, and embedded software.
• Own validation planning and execution with verification strategies across simulation, bench, and machine testing.
• Drive technology transformations to improve capability, quality, and efficiency.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, controls, software, and validation teams for system integration.
• Apply data analysis and root-cause investigation to resolve issues during development and validation.
• Contribute to standard work, best practices, and process improvements.

Skills

Embedded software

Controls systems development

NPI processes

Systems engineering

Data analysis

Project leadership

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

ATI Vision

CANape

Job description

Career Area: Engineering

Job Description: Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc. When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it. Hear about the Caterpillar Experience for yourself.

Role Definition

The Integrated Drivetrain Energy Solutions (IDES) Division is seeking a highly motivated Control System Team Lead to join the Drivetrain Controls System Simulation and Validation (DCSSV) organization supporting Construction Industries Drivetrain Controls. This role is focused on Large Track Type Tractor New Product Introduction (NPI) drivetrain controls development and product delivery, validation planning and execution, and technology transformation project execution that enables robust, scalable drivetrain control solutions for current and future machine platforms using powershift transmissions and torque converters. The successful candidate will provide technical leadership across software, controls, and development activities, partnering with cross-functional teams to deliver drivetrain controls solutions from concept through production readiness. This position requires strong engineering judgment, systems-level thinking, and the ability to execute complex initiatives while ensuring embedded software quality, integration readiness, and validation rigor.

What you will do

• Lead and execute NPI controls development activities for Large Track Type Tractor applications, including requirements definition, architecture alignment, implementation, integration, and product delivery.
• Develop and integrate drivetrain control solutions supporting transmissions, torque converters, actuators, sensors, and associated embedded software for machine systems.
• Own validation planning and execution by defining verification strategies, test plans, success criteria, instrumentation needs, and data review approaches across simulation, bench, and machine environments.
• Execute 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, functional safety, maintainability, and cost across drivetrain mechatronic solutions.
• Coordinate 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 issue resolution.
• Drive technical problem solving through data analysis, root cause investigation, and corrective action development during development and validation phases.
• Contribute to standard work, best practices, and continuous improvement efforts that strengthen drivetrain mechatronics development and validation processes.

Degree Requirement

Bachelor’s degree in an accredited Engineering curriculum, preferably: Electrical Engineering Mechanical Engineering Mechatronics Engineering Computer Engineering Ag Engineering

What you must have (skills)

• Analytical Thinking: Fluent use of techniques and tools that promote effective analysis; ability to determine root cause, evaluate complex technical tradeoffs, and create practical solutions for software, controls, and system integration challenges.
• Decision Making and Critical Thinking: Mastery 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 direction, validation results, risks, and project status across cross-functional teams.
• Project Management: Knowledge of effective project execution strategies and tactics; ability to plan, organize, monitor, and deliver technology transformation and product development workstreams.
• 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: Expert 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 anticipate, detect, and resolve software, controls, and integration issues in product development environments.
• Top Candidates will also have Track Type Tractor application knowledge.
• Demonstrated engineering experience in drivetrain controls, propulsion systems, 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, passionate about delivering the highest quality drivetrain system to Caterpillar customers.
• Strong background 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.

Additional Information

This posting will close on 9/11/2026 at 11:59 p.m. The location for this position is Mossville, IL (Technical Center Building G) or Washington, IL (Peoria Proving Grounds) and requires the employee to work a 5-day-a-week schedule onsite. Relocation assistance (domestic) is available for this position. Sponsorship is NOT available. This position may require less than 10% travel.

Summary Pay Range: $128,470.00 - $192,710.00

Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits*
• Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)*
• 401(k) savings plans*
• Health Savings Account (HSA)*
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)*
• Health Lifestyle Programs*
• Employee Assistance Program*
• Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts*
• Career Development*
• Incentive bonus*
• Disability benefits Life Insurance Parental leave Adoption benefits Tuition Reimbursement *
• These benefits also apply to part-time employees

Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.

Visa Sponsorship

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities.

Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.

Company Culture

There’s more to work at Caterpillar than just the work itself. We hire smart, friendly people and it shows in our culture. We hold ourselves to high standards and make sure our values of integrity, excellence, teamwork, commitment and sustainability come to life in the way we work. We make sure our employees feel continuously challenged while also supported. We provide professional growth opportunities, including leadership programs. We celebrate the diversity of our team, while also working together as one Caterpillar. Our culture, like everything at our company, is made possible by each employee’s contribution. Person by person, we create the environment we work in, and we are proud of the Caterpillar we’ve built.