Controls System Senior Engineer

Caterpillar Inc.; Peoria (IL); On-site; USD 113,000 - 169,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays

401(k) savings plans

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Career Development

Incentive bonus

Disability benefits

Life Insurance

Parental leave

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. is seeking a senior Controls System Engineer for the MWL Performance & Controls team in Peoria, IL.

You will develop, integrate, and validate advanced machine control systems that impact productivity, safety, and operator experience across global platforms. You will collaborate with software, electronics, hydraulics, drivetrain, and machine integration teams, perform hands-on testing and tuning, and mentor junior engineers while exploring emerging technologies like AI-based

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or computer science.
• Experience with embedded control systems is preferred.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.
• Ability to collaborate across global teams.
• Knowledge of C/C++ and Python is desirable.
• Familiarity with model-based software like Matlab/Simulink.

Responsibilities

• Develop, validate, and integrate machine control systems.
• Perform tests and tuning on prototype and production machines.
• Collaborate across software, electronics, hydraulics, and drivetrain teams.
• Analyze data to drive performance improvements.
• Mentor junior engineers and lead small projects.
• Stay current with automation technologies.

Skills

Embedded systems

Troubleshooting

Problem solving

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Requirements analysis

C/C++ programming

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or computer science

Tools

Matlab/Simulink

LabVIEW

Python

Job description

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.

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. The Medium Wheel Loaders (MWL) Product Group, part of Caterpillar's Earthmoving Division (EMD), is seeking an innovative and highly motivated Controls System Senior Engineer to join the MWL Performance & Controls team. In this role, you will develop, integrate, and validate machine control systems that directly impact machine productivity, performance, operator experience, and advanced technology capabilities. You will work across the complete product development lifecycle, from concept development and requirements definition through controls implementation, machine integration, validation, and production support. This position provides the opportunity to work hands‑on with industry‑leading equipment while helping deliver next‑generation technologies in automation, operator assist, connectivity, payload systems, autonomy, and electrification. Your work will directly influence the performance, safety, comfort, and productivity of Caterpillar Medium Wheel Loaders used around the world.

What You Will Do

• Support New Technology Introduction (NTI) projects to deliver technology Multi-Generational Product Plans (MGPP) solutions in operator assist & coaching and aftermarket on-board & off-board offerings.
• Support the definition, execution, and delivery of various control systems and user interface/experience features to meet performance requirements for New Product Introductions (NPI) and product lifecycle support for MWL.
• Perform hands‑on machine testing, controls tuning, troubleshooting, and data analysis on prototype and production machines to ensure performance targets are met or exceeded.
• Collaborate with software, electronics, hydraulics, drivetrain, and machine integration teams to deliver robust machine control solutions.
• Continually learn and stay abreast of innovative technologies such as machine learning algorithms, payload systems, adaptive controls, and vision and perception systems.
• Apply emerging technologies including machine learning, adaptive controls, perception systems, automation, connectivity, and advanced operator assistance technologies to solve customer challenges.
• Leading small projects and mentoring junior engineers in the team.

What You Have (Basic Qualifications)

• Embedded Systems: Knowledge of embedded systems and their applications; ability to develop embedded systems with varying levels of complexity to control the operations of the machine it is embedded within.
• Technical Troubleshooting: Candidate will have working knowledge of control systems of Caterpillar Medium Wheel Loaders (MWL) or other construction, mining, agricultural, or automotive systems.
• 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.
• Analytical Thinking: Ability to identify critical gaps, next actions, and act to resolve issues with minimal oversight. An emphasis on initiative, data analysis, and strong technical insight.
• Communicating Complex Concepts: Must have strong problem-solving and analytical skills with the ability to communicate technical information effectively to a culturally diverse work group.
• Requirements Analysis: Knowledge of tools, methods, and techniques of requirement analysis; ability to elicit, analyze and record required business functionality and non-functionality requirements to ensure the success of a system or software development project.
• Degree requirement: Bachelor’s degree in engineering or computer science. (Robotics, electrical, computer, mechanical, or mechatronics engineering degree is strongly preferred)

Top Candidates Will Have

• Experience developing machine, vehicle, automation, robotics, agricultural, construction, mining, or automotive control systems.
• Experience with machine testing, controls calibration, validation, and data analysis.
• Experience integrating and validating complex systems involving electronics, software, hydraulics, powertrain, sensing, or machine controls.
• Experience with Matlab / Simulink or similar model-based software development.
• Understanding of embedded programming languages (C or C++) and analytical languages (Python).
• Ability to facilitate highly collaborative worldwide teams in multiple organizations and functions to drive results and resolve complex issues.
• Test engineering experience in automotive or construction equipment.

Additional Info

• Office Model: This position requires the candidate/employee to work a 5-day-a-week schedule in the office.
• Travel: 5-10% domestic and international travel is expected.
• Relocation: Domestic relocation will be available to those who qualify.
• ISE: Not available.
• Visa Sponsorship: Not available.

Summary Pay Range

$112,710.00 - $169,060.00

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

Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of 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

This position requires working onsite five days a week.

Relocation is available for this position.

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Posting Dates

September 8, 2026 - September 22, 2026

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

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.