Senior Machine & Vehicle Controls 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.

Are you ready to shape the future of off-highway trucks? Caterpillar’s Resource Industries Group is offering an opportunity to lead machine controls development for our Rigid Frame Trucks (RFT). This is more than a job it’s a chance to engineer the next generation of intelligent, high-performance machines that power industries around the world.

 

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.

• Engineer 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.

• Architect the System: 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.

What Skills You Will Have:

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.

Posting Date: 7/22/2026- 7/29/2026

 

 

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

 

 

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.

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