Machine Controls Engineer

Caterpillar Inc.; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 98,000 - 146,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

Paid time off plan

401(k) savings plans

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Career development

Incentive bonus

Tuition reimbursement

Disability benefits

Life Insurance

Parental leave

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. is seeking a senior machine controls leader for our Large Mining Truck product line, based in Tucson, AZ. You will steer control strategy development, simulations, and safety-compliant software, collaborating across engines, hydraulics, and powertrain domains.

You will validate with VPD, SIL, and HIL, lead cross-functional teams, and help drive NTI programs to advance Caterpillar’s technology roadmap. Domestic travel 5–10% applies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or equivalent education.

Responsibilities

• Analyze real-world machine operations to define control strategies.
• Develop simulations and trade-off analyses to optimize configurations.
• Influence electronic architecture decisions and long-term product planning.
• Ensure control software meets Functional Safety standards and supports condition monitoring.
• Provide detailed control requirements to subsystem teams for integration.
• Lead validation using Virtual Product Development, Software-in-the-Loop, and Hardware-in-the-Loop methodologies.
• Field-test to validate machine controls and develop risk mitigation plans for pilot machines.
• Drive NTI programs that shape Caterpillar’s product strategy.

Skills

Control systems

Systems engineering

Analytical thinking

Effective communications

Technical leadership

Presentation skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

Matlab/Simulink

Python

Multibody simulation tools

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.

Caterpillar’s Resource Industries Group is offering an opportunity to lead machine controls development for our flagship Large Mining Truck (LMT) product line. This is more than a job. It's a chance to engineer the next generation of intelligent, high-performance machines that power industries around the world.

With Caterpillar’s renewed focus on delivering industry-leading technologies that improve safety, productivity, and efficiency, this role is critical to the successful development and implementation of key machine technologies across multiple programs. The work you lead will help shape the future of our products and drive meaningful value for customers around the globe

What You’ll Do

• Impact: Analyze real-world machine operations and customer applications to define control strategies that elevate performance, efficiency, and operator experience.
• Customer Focus: Develop advanced simulations and trade‑off analyses to optimize configurations and control logic, leveraging expertise across Caterpillar.
• Architect the System: Influence electronic architecture decisions and contribute to long‑term product planning through (MGPP) Multi Generation Product/Process Planning development.
• Safety & Quality: Ensure control software meets rigorous Functional Safety standards and supports condition monitoring for customers and dealers.
• Collaborate Across Systems: Provide detailed control requirements to subsystem teams for seamless integration.
• Validation: Lead validation efforts using Virtual Product Development, Software‑in‑the‑Loop, and Hardware‑in‑the‑Loop methodologies.
• Field‑Test: Validate machine controls at proving grounds and customer sites and develop risk mitigation plans for pilot machines.
• Drive New Tech: Initiate and support New Technology Introduction (NTI) programs that shape the future of Caterpillar’s product strategy.

What Skills You Will Have

Technical Excellence: Experience in control systems and software requirements development, combined with strong systems engineering knowledge across areas such as (Engines, Powertrain, Hydraulics, etc.)

Process Management: Knowledge of business process improvement tools and techniques; ability to understand, monitor, update, control, or enhance existing business or work processes. Prior experience leading cross‑functional teams in matrix organization

Accuracy and Attention to Detail: Understanding the necessity and value of accuracy; ability to complete tasks with high levels of precision.

Analytical Thinking: Strong analytical skills with demonstrated problem‑solving ability.

Effective Communications: Ability to communicate technical information effectively with team members and others in a workgroup, as well as employees in other business units, customers and suppliers. Demonstrated record of being a self‑starter with strong technical leadership and presentation skills.

Education Requirement: Bachelor's degree in engineering or equivalent education.

Top Candidates Will Also Have

Machine controls requirements development and validation experience.

Machine/Vehicle Performance Requirements Development And Validation Experience.

Caterpillar Off‑Highway and Large Mining Trucks experience.

Hands on testing and data collection experience.

Machine performance and controls simulation experience.

Experience with Matlab, Simulink, Python, Multibody simulation tools (Caterpillar Dyansty)

Additional Information

The primary work location for this role is Tucson, AZ, with a requirement to work on‑site full‑time at a Caterpillar facility.

This position may require 5 - 10 % travel.

Domestic relocation assistance is available.

Visa sponsorship, international assignments, or payroll transfers are not available for this role.

Posting Date

09/14/2026 - 09/21/2026

Summary Pay Range

$97,530.00 - $146,290.00

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

This position requires working onsite five days a week.

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Posting Dates

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.