Senior Associate Engineer - Transmission Controls Development

About the role

Caterpillar is seeking a Senior Associate Engineer to join the Construction Industries Transmission Development team within the Drivetrain Control Systems & Validation organization. This role is located at the Peoria Proving Ground and provides onsite test, validation, and calibration support for transmission and torque converter control systems used in cycling and drawbar applications.

Responsibilities

• Operate Caterpillar equipment as a test and validation engineer to challenge drivetrain systems, develop robust calibration solutions, and identify durability and reliability concerns.
• Plan and execute on-machine tests to optimize transmission control systems and calibrations in Proving Ground and other field environments.
• Support control software calibration, component inspections, instrumentation setup, data collection, and documentation of results and recommendations.
• Become proficient in the tools and processes used to calibrate transmission control systems and acquire data from machine applications.
• Analyze test data to evaluate system performance, support root cause investigation, and recommend practical solutions for drivetrain controls issues.
• Work with design, systems integration, facility operations, software, and validation engineers to develop and optimize hardware and controls for powershift transmissions.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of test methods, calibration practices, documentation quality, and validation processes.

Requirements

• Engineering Fundamentals: Bachelor’s degree in an accredited Engineering curriculum and the ability to apply engineering principles to drivetrain controls, machine performance, and validation activities.
• Drivetrain or Engine Development Experience: Previous experience with powershift transmission, torque converter, drivetrain, or engine design, development, test, or validation work.
• Controls and Software Tools: Experience with control system software development, calibration, data acquisition, or machine test tools and processes.
• Data Analysis: Ability to collect, interpret, and summarize test data to support calibration decisions, issue resolution, and engineering recommendations.
• Communication and Teamwork: Strong oral and written communication skills with the ability to work effectively in cross-functional engineering, shop, lab, and field environments.
• Machine and Field Test Aptitude: Desire and ability to work with machines in field, shop, and lab environments and become capable of operating machines independently with appropriate training.
• Travel: Ability to travel up to 20% of the time.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Engineering preferred.
• Experience in the design, development, calibration, or validation of powershift transmissions or drivetrain control systems.
• Lab, machine test, field test, or simulation experience.
• Experience using DATK, ATI Vision, CANape, or similar data acquisition, calibration, and analysis tools.
• Understanding of control systems theory.
• Experience with FMEA, DVP&R, or proactive reliability processes.

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

Additional Information

• This posting will close on 7/24/2026 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 up to 20% travel.

Top Candidates

• Must have a Bachelor’s Degree in an accredited Engineering curriculum.
• Preferred Master’s Degree in Engineering.
• Experience in powershift transmission, torque converter, drivetrain, or engine design, development, test, or validation work.
• Experience with control system software development, calibration, data acquisition, or machine test tools and processes.
• Ability to collect, interpret, and summarize test data to support calibration decisions, issue resolution, and engineering recommendations.
• Desire and ability to work with machines in field, shop, and lab environments and become capable of operating machines independently with appropriate training.
• Ability to travel up to 20% of the time.

Summary

The pay range for this position is $89,210.00 - $133,810.00. 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 include medical, dental, and vision benefits, paid time off plan, 401(k) savings plans, Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Lifestyle Programs, Employee Assistance Program, Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts, Career Development, Incentive bonus, Disability benefits, Life Insurance, Parental leave, Adoption benefits, and Tuition Reimbursement.