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.
The Engineering Specialist – Design provides deep technical leadership in performance, simulation, and advanced controls development for Load & Haul products, including Large Wheel Loaders, Articulated Trucks, Hard Rock Vehicles, and Wheel Tractor Scrappers. In this role, you define performance requirements, lead simulation‑driven product development, and deliver advanced controls solutions that strengthen Caterpillar’s competitive advantage. Your work directly influences machine productivity, fuel efficiency, operator experience, safety, and long‑term product durability across Resource Industries customers.
Why This Role Is Impactful:
Performance Leadership Across Load & Haul Machines
You set and validate performance targets that ensure Caterpillar machines deliver industry‑leading productivity, controllability, and efficiency.
Simulation‑Driven Product Development
You accelerate development cycles through high‑fidelity VPD (Virtual Product Development) modeling, simulations, and Simulink co‑simulation, enabling high‑quality virtual validation.
Advanced Controls Innovation
You design and tune controls features that improve operator ease of use, reduce owning & operating costs, and maximize uptime.
Cross‑Functional Technical Influence
You collaborate with NPI, Machine Integration, Powertrain, Hydraulics, Electronics, and Commercial teams to align system requirements and deliver integrated performance solutions.
What You Will Do:
- Lead VPD (Virtual Product Development) and simulation analysis using Caterpillar proprietary models, simulations, and Simulink co‑simulation to optimize machine performance and develop new controls features.
- Analyze integrated machine models including earth‑tool interaction, hydraulics, cooling, powertrain, engine systems, productivity, and fuel efficiency.
- Develop and tune advanced controls features that deliver lowest owning & operating costs, maximum uptime, operator ease of operation, and best‑in‑class safety.
- Perform machine controls tuning and validation at proving grounds and customer sites to ensure performance targets are achieved.
- Define and maintain system requirements across engine, electronics, hydraulics, software, and powertrain subsystems.
- Resolve factory software calibration issues to ensure product quality and build readiness.
- Investigate and resolve customer performance issues using Caterpillar diagnostic tools, structured problem solving, and simulation‑based root cause analysis.
- Capture and document best practices for Load & Haul performance and controls, contributing to design guides and knowledge systems.
- Partner with NPI (New Product Introduction) and Machine Integration teams to ensure performance and controls solutions align with program deliverables and customer expectations.
What Skills You Will Have:
**Analytical Thinking **Demonstrate ability to break down complex Load & Haul performance and controls issues into system‑level components, using simulation, modeling, and diagnostic tools to identify root causes and explain variances between predicted and measured machine behavior.
**Decision Making and Critical Thinking **Ability to apply informed judgment by validating assumptions with simulation and field data, assessing multiple performance or controls options, and selecting solutions that balance customer value, system constraints, and NPI (New Product Introduction) requirements.
**Effective Communications **Knowledge of how to clearly communicate complex simulation results, controls behavior, and performance insights to engineers, technicians, and leadership, tailoring the message to the audience while maintaining clarity and technical accuracy.
**Product Testing **Demonstrated capability to design and execute effective test plans, develop realistic test scenarios, and ensure strong simulation‑to‑test correlation for machine performance, fuel efficiency, and controls behavior.
**Troubleshooting Technical Problems **Ability to diagnose and resolve complex multi‑system issues using simulation overlays, CAN data, calibration tools, and structured troubleshooting methods, addressing high‑impact performance or controls problems in factory, field, or proving‑ground environments.
Top Candidates Will Also Have:
- A strong systems mindset across machine performance and controls.
- Ability to connect simulation insights to real‑world machine behavior.
- Experience tuning machine controls in proving ground or field environments.
- Passion for delivering customer‑focused, high‑impact engineering solutions.
- Ability to operate with high velocity in a complex, cross‑functional environment.
Additional Information:
Primary work location: Mossville, IL (on site full time at a Caterpillar facility)
Domestic relocation assistance: Available
Travel requirements: Up to 20%
Sponsorship: Visa sponsorship, international assignments, and payroll transfers are** not **available
This requisition is part of a strategic talent pipeline initiative designed to connect with qualified candidates for future opportunities. While it is not currently tied to an immediate opening, we welcome your interest and will consider candidates as roles become available that align with business needs and individual experience.
**Posting date: **6/15/2026 - 6/29/2026
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
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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