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.
Control Systems Team Lead
Caterpillar – Excavation Division | East Peoria, IL (Onsite)
Overview
Join Caterpillar in shaping the future of intelligent construction equipment. Our Hydraulic Excavators (HEX) are the backbone of the job site — and innovation in automation, electrification, and advanced machine control is accelerating fast. We’re looking for a Control Systems Team Lead to drive next-generation control solutions across our excavators, forestry machines, and material handlers. If you’re passionate about cutting‑edge controls, electro‑hydraulic systems, and leading engineering teams, this role puts you at the center of Caterpillar’s most exciting product advancements.
What You’ll Do
- Lead control system development for New Product Introduction (NPI) and Annual Product Update (APU) programs from concept through production launch.
- Collaborate with customers, operators, and cross‑functional partners to define system and component requirements.
- Mentor and guide engineering teams, providing technical leadership on complex development efforts.
- Develop advanced control algorithms that improve hydraulic performance, automation, and electrification capabilities.
- Conduct hands‑on machine testing, tuning, and software validation at proving grounds and customer sites.
- Design and implement control software using model‑based development tools such as MATLAB/Simulink.
- Use tools like CANape, data acquisition systems, and debugging software to validate and optimize system performance.
- Partner with hydraulic, powertrain, and vehicle engineering teams to optimize hardware for controllability and efficiency.
What We’re Looking For (Basic Qualifications)
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field.
- Embedded Systems: Strong experience with embedded control systems, hydraulic components, or embedded software.
- Project Management: Proven ability to lead complex engineering projects with minimal oversight.
- Communicating Complex Concepts: Excellent communication skills to explain technical concepts to global teams.
Top Candidates Will Have
- Proficiency with MATLAB/Simulink for model‑based design.
- Experience with Git, CANalyzer, CANape, and software debugging tools.
- Deep knowledge of hydraulic systems and machine control.
- Experience developing and validating embedded control solutions.
Additional Details
- Work Model: Onsite, 5 days/week.
- Travel: Up to 20% (domestic & international).
- Relocation: Available for qualified candidates.
- Visa Sponsorship: Not available.
Summary Pay Range:
$126,000.00 - $189,000.00
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. This employer is not currently hiring foreign national applicants that require or will require sponsorship tied to a specific employer, such as, H, L, TN, F, J, E, O. As a global company, Caterpillar offers many job opportunities outside of the U.S which can be found through our employment website at www.caterpillar.com/careers.
Posting Dates:
January 22, 2026 - February 22, 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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