Controls Systems Engineering Specialist

Caterpillar Inc.; Mossville (IL); On-site; USD 128,000 - 193,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

Paid time off

401(k) savings plans

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Career Development

Incentive bonus

Disability benefits

Life Insurance

Parental leave

Adoption benefits

Tuition Reimbursement

Relocation available

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. seeks a Controls Engineering Specialist in Mossville, IL to lead the development of advanced ePowertrain control systems. You will guide software, architecture, and validation from concept through field deployment, aligning with machine platforms and customer needs.

The role demands collaboration across disciplines, data-driven decisions, and a commitment to durable, high-quality solutions in a dynamic, evolving environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, Computer Engineering or related curriculum.
• Embedded systems experience and application knowledge for machine control.
• Experienced in requirement analysis for software projects.
• Analytical thinking to identify root causes and improve systems.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities.
• Ability to articulate complex technical concepts clearly.

Responsibilities

• Develop control strategies, software, requirements, algorithms, and scalable architectures for battery, diesel electric, and hybrid platforms.
• Lead architecture, design, development, integration, and validation of machine control systems from concept to field.
• Drive development through simulation, lab validation, machine testing, and field learning.
• Collect and analyze system data to identify opportunities and guide decisions.
• Lead cross-functional teams, mentor engineers, and adapt to evolving requirements.

Skills

Embedded Systems

Requirements Analysis

Analytical Thinking

Problem Solving

Communicating Complex Concepts

CAN/J1939/XCP

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, Computer Engineering or related curriculum

Tools

CAN/J1939/XCP

Job description

Career Area:

Engineering

Job Description:

Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.

When you join Caterpillar, you’rejoining 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’tjust 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.

About IDES:

Caterpillar’s Integrated Drivetrain Energy Solutions (IDES) Division delivers advanced electrified powertrain and zero-emissions products, technologies, solutions, and services. Focus areas include batteries, motors, inverters, microgrid controllers, charging, energy storage systems, lifecycle management and the integration of components into ePowertrain solutions across multiple industries.

We are building and scaling the next generation of technologies, products, and services to help customers build a better, more sustainable world by solving their toughest challenges. Self-motivated, team-oriented individuals who demonstrate sound judgment, emotional intelligence and openness to discovery will thrive in this environment.

Job Summary:

The Controls Engineering Specialist position provides technical leadership in the development of advanced machine ePowertrain control systems, leading controls architecture, software, and feature development from concept through field implementation. This role is responsible for translating machine and business objectives into scalable technical software solutions, driving program execution across the product development lifecycle, and guiding cross-functional teams through complex technical challenges. The successful candidate will thrive in environments with evolving requirements, leverage data-driven decision making, and deliver innovative, high-quality solutions that influence current and future machine platforms.

What You Will Do:

• Develop control strategies, software, requirements, algorithms, and scalable architectures that support current and future battery, diesel electric, and hybrid machine platforms.

• Lead the architecture, design, development, integration, and validation of advanced machine control systems from concept through field implementation.

• Drive control system development through simulation, laboratory validation, machine testing, and field learning to deliver high-quality, reliable solutions.

• Collect and analyze system data to identify opportunities, validate software, diagnose issues, and guide technical decisions.

• Lead cross-functional teams through complex technical challenges, mentor engineers, and operate effectively in environments with evolving requirements, ambiguity, and continuous discovery.

What you have:

• Degree Requirement: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, Computer Engineering or related curriculum.

• Embedded Systems: Extensive experience and 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.

• Requirements Analysis: Extensive experience and 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.

• Analytical Thinking: Extensive experience and 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.

• Problem Solving: Extensive experience and 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.

• Communicating Complex Concepts: Extensive experience and 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.

Top Candidates Will Also Have

• Significant experience with Caterpillar machine controls, machine development, machine validation, or machine integration activities.

• Deep knowledge of powershift transmission operation, transmission calibration, drivetrain controls, and machine productivity features.

• Experience conducting on-machine or drivetrain simulator development, troubleshooting, calibration, and validation activities.

• Experience with CAN/J1939/XCP communication networks, electronic control modules, and distributed embedded control systems.

• Proven success leading technical efforts in environments with rapidly changing priorities, emerging technologies, and evolving requirements.

• Demonstrated curiosity, adaptability, and a growth mindset, with a willingness to challenge assumptions and pursue technical discoveries as system understanding evolves.

• Experience mentoring engineers and serving as a recognized technical expert within a controls, software, or systems engineering organization.

Additional Information:

• This position is located in Mossville, IL and requires 5-day a week on-site availability

• Domestic relocation is available

• Visa Sponsorship is not avaialbe

• 20% or less travel expected for this role

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:

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 2, 2026 - September 16, 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.