Senior Machine & Vehicle Controls Engineer

What You’ll Do

• Lead the Charge: Own the end-to-end development of machine controls for RFT programs, collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver breakthrough solutions.
• Engine for Impact: Analyze real-world machine operations and customer applications to define control strategies that elevate performance, efficiency, and operator experience.
• Simulate the Future: Drive advanced simulations and trade-off analyses to optimize configurations and control logic, leveraging expertise across Caterpillar.
• Influence electronic architecture decisions and contribute to long-term product planning through (MGPP) Multi Generation Product/Process Planning development.
• Champion Safety & Quality: Ensure control software meets rigorous Functional Safety standards and supports condition monitoring for customers and dealers.
• Unify & Optimize: Align control strategies across RFT platforms to streamline development and deliver consistent, high-quality user experiences.
• Collaborate Across Systems: Provide detailed control requirements to subsystem teams (Engine, Powertrain, Hydraulics, Braking, Cooling, etc.) for seamless integration.
• Validate Excellence: Lead validation efforts using Virtual Product Development, Software-in-the-Loop, and Hardware-in-the-Loop methodologies.
• Field-Test Innovation: Validate machine controls at proving grounds and customer sites and develop risk mitigation plans for pilot machines.
• Drive New Tech: Initiate and support New Technology Introduction (NTI) programs that shape the future of Caterpillar’s product strategy.

Technical Excellence

• Experience in Machine/Vehicle control systems and software requirements development.
• Machine/Vehicle level performance, simulation, integration or validation experience.
• Strong system engineering knowledge (Engine, Powertrain, Hydraulics, etc.).
• Process Management: Knowledge of business process improvement tools and techniques; ability to understand, monitor, update, control, or enhance existing business or work processes.
• Prior experience leading cross-functional teams in matrix organization.
• Accuracy and Attention to Detail: Understanding the necessity and value of accuracy; ability to complete tasks with high levels of precision.
• Analytical Thinking: Strong analytical skills with demonstrated problem-solving ability.
• Effective Communications: Ability to communicate technical information effectively with team members and others in a workgroup, as well as employees in other business units, customers, and suppliers.
• Demonstrated record of being a self-starter with strong technical leadership and presentation skills.
• Problem-Solving: Knowledge of approaches, tools, and techniques for recognizing, anticipating, and resolving organizational, operational, or process problems; ability to apply knowledge of problem-solving appropriately to diverse situations.
• Project Management: Knowledge of effective project management strategies and tactics; ability to plan, organize, monitor, and control projects, ensuring efficient utilization of technical and administrative resources to achieve project objectives.
• Demonstrated project leadership in a matrix organization.
• Computer-Aided Design & Engineering: Knowledge of tools and techniques of specialized simulation/analysis programs; ability to produce, analyze, simulate, and test product design drafts.

Education Requirement

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or equivalent education.
• Top Candidates Will Also Have:
• Machine controls requirements development and validation experience.
• Machine/Vehicle Performance Requirements Development And Validation Experience.
• Caterpillar Off-Highway and Large Mining Trucks experience.
• Hands on testing and data collection experience.
• Machine performance and controls simulation experience.
• Experience with Matlab, Simulink, Python, Multibody simulation tools (Caterpillar Dyansty).

Additional Information

• The primary work location for this role is Tucson, AZ, with a requirement to work on-site full-time at a Caterpillar facility.
• This position may require 5 - 10 % travel.
• Domestic relocation assistance is available.
• Visa sponsorship, international assignments, or payroll transfers are not available for this role.

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*

Benefits

• 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.

Posting Dates

• 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.