Design Engineering Specialist - Drivetrain NPI Project Execution

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

Caterpillar is seeking a highly capable Design Engineering Specialist to join the Drivetrain Controls System Simulation and Validation (DCSSV) organization supporting Construction Industries Drivetrain Mechatronics. This role is focused on New Product Introduction (NPI) software development and product delivery, validation planning and execution, and technology transformation project execution that enables robust, scalable drivetrain control solutions for current and future machine platforms using powershift transmissions and torque converters.

The successful candidate will provide technical leadership across software, controls, and validation activities, partnering with cross-functional teams to deliver drivetrain controls solutions from concept through production readiness. This position requires strong engineering judgment, systems-level thinking, and the ability to execute complex initiatives while ensuring software quality, integration readiness, and validation rigor.

What you will do

• Lead and execute NPI software development activities for Construction Industries drivetrain mechatronics applications, including requirements definition, architecture alignment, implementation, integration, and product delivery.

• Develop and integrate drivetrain control solutions supporting transmissions, actuators, sensors, and associated embedded software for machine systems.

• Own validation planning and execution by defining verification strategies, test plans, success criteria, instrumentation needs, and data review approaches across simulation, bench, and machine environments.

• Execute 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, functional safety, maintainability, and cost across drivetrain mechatronic solutions.

• Coordinate 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 issue resolution.

• Drive technical problem solving through data analysis, root cause investigation, and corrective action development during development and validation phases.

• Contribute to standard work, best practices, and continuous improvement efforts that strengthen 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: Fluent use of techniques and tools that promote effective analysis; ability to determine root cause, evaluate complex technical tradeoffs, and create practical solutions for software, controls, and system integration challenges.

• Decision Making and Critical Thinking: Mastery 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 direction, validation results, risks, and project status across cross-functional teams.

• Project Management: Knowledge of effective project execution strategies and tactics; ability to plan, organize, monitor, and deliver technology transformation and product development workstreams.

• 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: Expert 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 anticipate, detect, 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, passionate about delivering the highest quality drivetrain system to Caterpillar customers.

• Strong background 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.

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Summary Pay Range:

$128,470.00 - $192,710.00

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.

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