Specialist - Software Engineering Jobs in Illinois

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.

We are seeking a Controls Engineering Specialist to lead the design, development, and integration of Electrohydraulic (EH) Brake by Wire systems for advanced machine platforms. This role is a technical leadership position focused on brake system controls, model-based software architecture, functional safety, AUTOSAR, and system level integration supporting autonomy, remote control, and advanced operator assist features. The successful candidate will play a key role in defining scalable brake by wire architectures, developing reusable control features, and ensuring compliance with regulatory and functional safety requirements across multiple machine platforms.

What you will do:

• Lead controls and software development for EH brake‑by‑wire and brake mechatronics systems across multiple machine applications using Model-Based Development and AUTOSAR.
• Define and own brake control system architecture, interfaces, and core functions to enable reuse and scalability.
• Develop and integrate embedded control algorithms for service brake torque control, arbitration, diagnostics, and state estimation.
• Collaborate with hardware, hydraulics, and software teams to align valve hardware, sensors, ECMs, and control logic.
• Support functional safety activities, including safety goal definition, hazard analysis, and alignment with ISO brake standards.
• Guide system behavior during fault conditions, degraded modes, and safe‑state operation.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to engineers working in brake controls and mechatronics.
• Support validation, test planning, and machine‑level integration for production and pilot programs.
• Engage with autonomy, remote control, and advanced feature teams to support brake system requirements and interfaces.

Degree Requirement:

• BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or related field.

What skills you will have:

• Analytical Thinking: Knowledge of techniques and tools that promote effective analysis; ability to determine the root cause of organizational problems and create alternative solutions that resolve these problems.
• Communicating Complex Concepts: Knowledge of effective presentation tools and techniques to ensure clear understanding; ability to use summarization and simplification techniques to explain complex technical concepts in simple, clear language appropriate to the audience.
• Problem Solving: Knowledge of approaches, tools, techniques for recognizing, anticipating, and resolving organizational, operational or process problems; ability to apply knowledge of problem solving appropriately to diverse situations.
• Technology Advising: Knowledge of effective advisory methods and ability to provide valued information and advice to clients regarding products, technologies, services and solutions for a specific technology domain.
• Conceptual Thinking: Knowledge of thinking and reasoning at a conceptual level; ability to identify the critical ideas and interdependencies among system elements that impact performance.
• Embedded Systems: Knowledge of embedded systems and their applications; ability to develop embedded systems with varying levels of complexity to control the operations of the machine it is embedded within.
• Requirements Analysis: Knowledge of tools, methods, and techniques of requirement analysis; ability to elicit, analyze and record required business functionality and non-functionality requirements to ensure the success of a system or software development project.

Top candidates will also have:

• Extensive experience in embedded control systems for mobile equipment or automotive applications.
• Strong background in brake systems, EH hydraulics, or safety‑critical control systems.
• Proven experience with control system architecture, modular software design, and system integration.
• Experience working with functional safety concepts and regulatory brake requirements.
• Ability to lead technical decisions across cross‑functional teams.
• Experience developing software using Mode-Based approaches, including Matlab and Simulink.
• Experience deploying software using AUTOSAR tools and processes.

Additional Information:

• This position requires the candidate to work full-time at the Mossville, IL office.
• Domestic relocation assistance is available for this position.
• Visa sponsorship is available for this position.
• Travel is up to 10%.

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 available for eligible applicants.

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.