Sr. Hydraulic System Controls Engineer

Caterpillar Brazil; Peoria (IL); Hybrid; USD 113,000 - 169,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

401(k) savings plans

Relocation assistance

Visa sponsorship available

Paid time off

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. is seeking a Sr. Hydraulic System Controls Engineer in Peoria, IL to shape hydraulic systems for Earthmoving products. You will design, validate, and tune controls for implement, steering, fan and brake systems across multiple machines.

You will work with global teams to develop high-performance, reliable solutions, leveraging simulations, testing, and data from field validation to drive improvements and support new technology initiatives.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Controls or related field.
• Experience with off-highway heavy equipment or agricultural machinery.
• Working knowledge of hydraulic systems and control such as implement, steering, brake and fan.
• Willingness to support hands-on testing and field validation.
• Extensive MATLAB Simulink software or similar controls tools.
• Knowledge of AI tools and experience in developing AI agents.

Responsibilities

• Develop controls and tuning of hydraulic systems for implement, steering, fan and brake with engineers and operators.
• Support advanced engineering projects for efficiency, autonomy, and comfort (simulation, testing, validation).
• Validate hydraulic system performance via simulation, testing, and field activities.
• Diagnose and resolve hydraulic system issues through analysis or on-machine testing.
• Support development of components (valves, cylinders, pumps, motors) meeting cost and durability targets.
• Collaborate with global teams including software, performance, and technology.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Technical excellence

AI tools

Data analytics

Control software development

Hydraulic systems knowledge

Education

Advanced degree in Mechanical/Electrical/Controls

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

CANape

CANalyser/CANoe

Data links (CAN/Ethernet)

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. Caterpillar’s Earthmoving division is hiring a Sr. Hydraulic System Controls Engineer in Peoria, IL.

Role Summary: As a Hydraulic System control Sr. engineer, you will support design, development, validation, and continuous improvement of hydraulic systems and controls for implement, steering, fan and brake for Caterpillar Earthmoving products on Medium Wheel Loaders, Motor Grader and Track-type Tractors. This role provides the opportunity to develop industry-leading hydraulic systems and controls to deliver high-performance, reliable, and cost-effective system solutions. You will work with global cross-functional teams to help shape the next generation of Earthmoving products. You will also perform analytical tasks such as leading initiatives to generate insights from vehicle end-of-line data or connected assets that can help diagnose and improve hydraulic system performance and reliability. If you're motivated by developing machine complex systems and controls that directly impact performance, productivity, and operator experience, this is a role for you!

What You Will Do:

• Develop controls and tuning of hydraulic systems such as implement, steering, fan and brake in collaboration with performance engineers, hydraulic system and components engineers and expert operators.
• Support advanced engineering projects (including NTI) developing new solutions to improve efficiency, autonomy, and comfort on our vehicles (simulation, control, performance evaluation, concept definition, testing, ….)
• Validate hydraulic system performance through simulation, testing, and field validation activities. Tune Hydraulic system controls to meet system and machine performance requirements, regulatory and Caterpillar standards.
• Diagnose and resolve any hydraulic system issues through analysis or on-machine testing.
• Support development of systems and components (including valves, cylinders, pumps, and motors), ensuring products provide superior performance, durability, quality, and serviceability while meeting cost and delivery targets.
• Collaborate with global internal and external teams including software, machine controls, performance, and technology teams.
• Develop AI agents to improve the efficiency of hydraulic system development.

What You Will Have:

• Analytical Thinking: 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.
• Effective Communications: 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.
• 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.
• Technical Excellence: Knowledge of hydraulic systems and components as well as hands‑on experience in testing. Knowledge of advanced technologies like AI, data analytics, and simulations. Ability to perform data analytics on connected asset data.
• Product Design - MFG: Designs hydraulic components and systems with a focus on manufacturability, cost, and quality. Applies DFM/DFA and APQP principles to align designs with production capabilities and business objectives. Works closely with manufacturing, procurement, and suppliers to optimize designs, evaluate feedback, and drive improvements based on production and field performance.
• Product Testing: Knowledge of product testing approaches, techniques and tools; ability to design, plan and execute testing strategies and tactics to ensure product quality at all stages of manufacturing.

Top Candidates Will Have:

• Advanced degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or related field
• Experience with off-highway, heavy equipment or agricultural
• Working knowledge of hydraulic systems and control such as implement, steering, brake and fan.
• Willingness to support hands‑on testing and field validation
• Extensive MATLAB Simulink software or similar controls tools
• Knowledge of Data Links (CAN/Ethernet) and Calibration/Diagnostic tools (i.e. CANape, CANalyser/CANoe).
• Prior experience in control software development gained in vehicle or construction equipment control or an associated environment
• Knowledge of AI tools and experience in developing AI agents

Additional Details:

• This position requires the candidate to work full-time in Peoria at Building AH.
• Domestic relocation assistance is available for this position.
• Visa sponsorship is available for this position.
• Travel is 10% domestic and international.
• This position requires 5 days per week in the office (M-F).

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:

• 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 available for eligible applicants.

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.

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.