Senior Machine Control Systems Engineer

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.

Hydraulic Excavators (HEX) are robotic arms on tracks making them the most popular & most versatile piece of construction equipment on the job site. The technology age for HEX is in its infancy and Caterpillar is leading the charge in taking Excavators to new levels of technology, automation, and electrification.

The Senior Machine Control Systems Engineer role in Caterpillar’s Excavation Division (EXD) is focused on delivering the next generation of machine control features and system efficiency breakthroughs to take the industry to the next levels of productivity, safety, and technology. The work will include design and delivery of the next generation system improvements and advanced control software across the EXD product lineup including hydraulic excavators, forestry products, material handlers, and work tools.

The candidate will participate in the design, development, integration, and testing of machine control systems impacting base machine performance & efficiency, autonomous or semi-autonomous control features, and tool control systems for expanded versatility. In addition, the candidate will be responsible for the tuning of the controls developed for both advanced features and base machine controllability. Finally, the candidate will work to identify opportunities for optimizing hydraulic and power system components to achieve optimal machine controllability and efficiency.

What You Will Do:

• 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.
• Contribute to New Product Introduction (NPI) and Annual Product Update (APU) activities to implement solutions from concept through production.

What You Have (Basic Qualifications):

• Degree requirement: Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Computer Science or aligned technical degree
• Embedded Systems: Demonstrated leadership in the design, development, and integration of embedded control systems, including hydraulic components and embedded software, with a focus on driving innovation and system optimization.
• Analytical Thinking: Proven ability to apply advanced analytical and problem-solving skills to complex technical challenges, while effectively communicating solutions across cross-functional and culturally diverse teams.
• Problem Solving: Skilled in proactively identifying critical gaps and implementing strategic actions to resolve high-impact issues independently, ensuring minimal disruption and continuous improvement.

Top Candidates Will Have:

• Experience with developing or testing complex control systems
• Knowledge of electro-hydraulics such as implements and hydrostatic systems
• Experience working with heavy equipment and understanding how customers & operators utilize our equipment
• An advanced degree in an Engineering or Computer Science related field

Additional Info:

• Office Model: This position requires the employee to work a 5-day-a-week schedule in the office.
• Travel: 15% domestic and international travel is expected.
• Relocation: Domestic relocation will be available to those who qualify.
• ISE: Not available.
• Visa Sponsorship: Not available.

Summary Pay Range:

$110,520.00 - $165,840.00

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. This employer is not currently hiring foreign national applicants that require or will require sponsorship tied to a specific employer, such as, H, L, TN, F, J, E, O. As a global company, Caterpillar offers many job opportunities outside of the U.S which can be found through our employment website at www.caterpillar.com/careers.

Posting Dates:

August 19, 2025 - September 3, 2025

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.