Senior Design Engineer - Drivetrain Controls

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. Hear about the Caterpillar Experience for yourself Role Definition Caterpillar is seeking a highly capable Senior Design Engineer to join the Drivetrain Controls System Simulation and Validation (DCSSV) organization supporting Construction Industries Drivetrain Mechatronics. This role is focused on delivering high-quality outcomes across New Product Introduction (NPI) software development and product delivery, validation planning and execution, and technology transformation project execution using disciplined engineering practices and standard processes to support robust, scalable drivetrain control solutions for current and future machine platforms using powershift transmissions and torque converters. The successful candidate will apply strong technical judgment across software, controls, and validation activities while partnering with cross-functional teams to deliver drivetrain controls solutions from concept through production readiness. This position requires systems-level thinking, strong attention to detail, and consistent execution of standard engineering processes to ensure software quality, integration readiness, and validation rigor. What you will do Execute NPI software development activities for Construction Industries drivetrain mechatronics applications, including requirements definition, implementation, integration, and product delivery using established development processes. Develop and integrate drivetrain control solutions supporting transmissions, actuators, sensors, and associated embedded software for machine systems. Support validation planning and execution by defining verification strategies, test plans, success criteria, instrumentation needs, and data review approaches across simulation, bench, and machine environments. Support technology transformation projects that modernize controls, software workflows, and development practices to improve capability, quality, and efficiency. Apply systems engineering principles to balance performance, durability, maintainability, and cost across drivetrain mechatronic solutions. Work with global and cross-functional teams to support design reviews, software releases, integration activities, and validation execution. Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, controls, software, and validation teams to ensure seamless system integration and timely issue resolution. Solve technical problems through data analysis, root cause investigation, and corrective action development during development and validation phases. Follow and strengthen standard work, engineering best practices, and continuous improvement efforts that support high-quality drivetrain mechatronics development and validation processes. Degree Requirement Bachelor’s degree in an accredited Engineering curriculum, preferably: Electrical Engineering Mechanical Engineering Mechatronics Engineering Computer Engineering Ag Engineering What you must have (skills) Analytical Thinking: knowledge of techniques and tools that promote effective analysis; ability to determine root cause, evaluate technical tradeoffs, and create practical solutions for software, controls, and system integration challenges. Decision Making and Critical Thinking: Knowledge of decision-making processes and associated tools; ability to assess technical risk, prioritize work, and make sound recommendations across development and validation activities. Effective Communications: Understanding of communication concepts, tools, and techniques; ability to clearly convey technical issues, validation results, risks, and project status across cross-functional teams. Computer-Aided Controls Systems Development: Knowledge of tools and techniques used to develop, simulate, integrate, and validate embedded controls and mechatronic system solutions. Product Testing: Strong knowledge of product testing approaches, techniques, and tools; ability to build and execute robust validation plans that ensure product quality and readiness. Troubleshooting Technical Problems: Knowledge of troubleshooting approaches, tools, and techniques; ability to detect, analyze, and resolve software, controls, and integration issues in product development environments. Top Candidates will also have Demonstrated engineering experience in drivetrain controls, mechatronics, embedded software, or related product development disciplines. Experience with New Product Introduction (NPI) processes and delivery of software-enabled product capabilities into production applications. Strong mechanical and electronics aptitude with a passion for delivering high-quality drivetrain systems to Caterpillar customers. Experience in validation planning and execution, including test strategy development, data analysis, and issue resolution. Test, data collection, and analysis capabilities using ATI Vision, CANape, or similar calibration, measurement, and analytics tools. Additional Information This posting will close on 6/29/2026 at 11:59 p.m. The location for this position will be both Mossville, IL (Technical Center Building G) and Washington, IL (Peoria Proving Grounds) and requires the employee to work a 5-day-a-week schedule onsite between the two sites. Relocation assistance is NOT available for this position. Sponsorship is NOT available. This position may require less than 10% travel Final details Please frequently check the email associated with your application, including the junk/spam folder, as this is the primary correspondence method. If you wish to know the status of your application – please use the candidate log-in on our career website as it will reflect any updates to your status. #LI #MilitaryMonday #Letsdothework #caterpillarinc #Iamcaterpillar 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 Posting Dates: June 15, 2026 - June 29, 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. Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community. 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.