Controls System Engineering Specialist

Controls System Engineering Specialist

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Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.

When you join Caterpillar, you are joining a global team that 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.

Hydraulic Excavators (HEX) are the powerhouse of the job site, a robotic arm on tracks that’s as versatile as it is iconic. The real excitement lies in what’s next. The technology revolution for HEX is just beginning, and Caterpillar is at the forefront, driving innovation in automation, electrification, and intelligent machine control. If you're passionate about shaping the future of construction equipment, this is your opportunity to be part of something transformative.

As a Controls System Engineering Specialist in Caterpillar’s Excavation Division, you will lead the development of next‑generation control systems that elevate machine performance, efficiency, and versatility across our product lineup, including hydraulic excavators, forestry machines, and material handlers. You will design, integrate, and fine‑tune advanced control features such as electro‑hydraulic machine controls, autonomous capabilities and tool control systems, while identifying new opportunities to optimize hydraulic and power systems.

Your work will directly influence the future of productivity, safety, and sustainability in the industry.

• Engage teams and lead New Product Introduction (NPI) and Annual Product Update (APU) projects to implement solutions from pre‑launch through production.
• Work directly with customers, operators, process partners and regulatory teams to define system and component requirements.
• Lead cross‑functional teams on development projects and field issue resolution while mentoring engineers in the process.
• Develop innovative machine control algorithms to optimize the next generation hydraulic systems, electrification systems, and/or work tools.
• Perform on‑machine development activities such as control system tuning and software verification, to meet machine level performance and feature design targets at Caterpillar’s Proving Grounds and occasionally at customer job sites.
• Utilize model‑based development tools, such as Matlab/Simulink to perform controls system algorithm and software design.
• Utilize on‑machine development and data acquisition tools such as CANape to verify and tune hardware/software functionality.
• Work with component and vehicle teams to optimize hydraulic and power systems hardware designs to maximize machine controllability and efficiency.

• Degree Requirement:
  Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Computer Science or a related 4‑year technical degree
• Embedded Systems:
  Deep expertise working with embedded control systems, hydraulic components, or embedded software in high‑performance machine environments.
• Project Management:
  Proven experience leading complex engineering projects with minimal oversight, demonstrating the ability to identify critical gaps and drive resolution effectively.
• Communicating Complex Concepts:
  Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability to clearly communicate technical information to diverse, cross‑functional teams across global settings.

• Experience developing and testing embedded control systems solutions
• Experience with electro‑hydraulics such as implements and hydrostatic systems
• Experience working with heavy equipment and understanding how customers & operators utilize our equipment in various applications
• An emphasis on initiative and strong technical insight

• Office Model:
  This position requires the employee to work a 5‑day‑a‑week schedule in the office.
• Travel: 20% domestic and international travel is expected.
• Relocation:
  Domestic relocation will be…