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Machine Performance & Controls Engineering specialist

Caterpillar · Clayton, NC

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Level
Engineer
Team
Controls
Base pay
$128k–$193k
Travel
10%
Degree
Preferred
Industry
Industrial
Posted
Today

The role in 30 seconds

An engineer-level controls role at Caterpillar (industrial) in Clayton, NC. In this role you will collaborate with cross-functional teams to define requirements, integration of mechanical, hydraulic, and electronic systems to enhance machine performance, operator experience, and system connectivity.

They ask for
degree preferred
Tools it names
Robotics, Automation
Base pay
$128k–$193k
Day to day
some off-shift / weekend coverage · about 10% travel · relocation help

Read from the posting. The full description is below.

From the plant jobs report · week of November 2, 2026

Controls Engineer roles in North Carolina: typical posted base $112k–$162k. This one lists $128k–$193k.

Median of the low and high ends of 8 live postings that list pay, out of 40 controls engineer openings in North Carolina, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.

North Carolina plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →

How this role compares

Against 39 other live controls postings in North Carolina.

Base pay
About 23% above similar roles

Typical $108k–$154k, from 7 postings that list pay.

Experience asked
Not stated

Similar roles usually ask 6+ years.

Skills these teams ask for most

  • ✓ Automation 83%
  • PLC 65%
  • ✓ Robotics 43%
  • Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ) 30%
  • MES 25%
  • AutoCAD 23%

✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.

At a glance

Off-shift / weekend coveragePromotion path mentionedRelocation help

Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.

How to get in at this plant

Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.

  1. 1

    Pick 2–3 people on the Controls team at Caterpillar

    We found 11 people at this company and state: 7 in this kind of role, 4 leaders. Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. See them ↓

  2. 2

    Send a short, curious note

    One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.

    Write to Michael → (free)
  3. 3

    Turn a reply into a short call

    Questions worth asking about this team:

    • What does a normal week look like on your team?
    • How does off-shift and weekend coverage work?
    • The posting says about 10% travel. Between which sites?
    • How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
  4. 4

    Apply with someone vouching for you

    If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.

  5. 5

    Bring proof to the interview

    One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.

This plant: Caterpillar in Clayton

5 other open roles at this site · 11 people we found in controls roles at Caterpillar.

Full description from CaterpillarAs posted on their careers site.Show

What You Will Do

  • ◆Support the definition, execution, and delivery of various control systems and user interface/experience features to meet performance

requirements

for New Product Introductions (NPI) and product lifecycle support for SWL.

  • ✓Collaborate with engine, hydraulic, mechanical, and software engineering teams to optimize system performance and reliability of Small Wheel loaders
  • ✓Translate machine-level functional

requirements

into detailed software and hardware specifications.

  • ✓Perform on-machine evaluation of controls, automation, and user interface solutions to ensure feasibility and performance targets are met.
  • ✓Drive continuous improvement in control system architecture, diagnostics, and operator interface.
  • ✓Stay current with emerging technologies in autonomy, electrification, connectivity, and machine automation.

What You Have (Basic Qualifications)

  • ✓Degree requirement: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Computer Science (Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Robotics, or related field preferred).
  • ✓Technical Troubleshooting: Extensive experience in controls engineering, preferably in off-highway, construction, mining, or automotive equipment. Strong understanding of hydraulic systems, electronic control modules, and embedded software development.
  • ✓Communicating Complex Concepts: Must have strong problem-solving and analytical skills with the ability to communicate technical information effectively to a culturally diverse work group.
  • ✓Analytical Thinking: Ability to identify critical gaps, next actions, and act to resolve issues with minimal oversight. An emphasis on initiative, data analysis, and strong technical insight.
  • ✓Decision-Making and Critical Thinking: Ability to evaluate alternatives with multiple stakeholders, distinguish between the technical content and organizational context of a decision, anticipate risks, and make timely, informed recommendations.
  • ✓Product Development : Knowledge of product-development methodologies and the associated requirements, design, integration, testing, production, and support activities needed to deliver new or enhanced products.
Show full description ↓

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.

Building Construction Products (BCP) division at Caterpillar is seeking a highly motivated and innovative Control Systems Engineering Specialist to join the Small Wheel Loaders (SWL) team. This role is based at our Clayton Machine Design Center (CMDC), where we design, develop, and support Caterpillar’s industry-leading construction equipment. In this role you will collaborate with cross-functional teams to define requirements, integration of mechanical, hydraulic, and electronic systems to enhance machine performance, operator experience, and system connectivity. This role plays a critical part in supporting SWL New Product Introduction (NPI), Continuous Product Improvement (CPI), and New Technology Introduction (NTI) initiatives.

Top Candidates Will Have

  • •Proven experience with on-machine tuning of complex control and hydraulic systems, including system-level ownership of requirements, performance, and customer outcomes.
  • •Experience translating customer, competitive, field, and engineering insights into successful product improvements.
  • •Demonstrated success leading complex technology, performance, or integration projects from concept through production by communicating effectively, building alignment, and influencing stakeholders across engineering, product, commercial, and manufacturing organizations.
  • •Software and controls design experience, including the ability to interpret and evaluate implementations developed in MATLAB, C, and Simulink.
  • •Previous experience with hydraulic system design or testing.
  • •Experience using Vector CANape to adjust control parameters and operating construction machines to validate the resulting machine behavior.
  • •Experience with ADAS systems or Machine collision mitigation system development is a plus
  • •Ability to facilitate collaboration across global teams and resolve complex technical issues.

Additional Info

  • •Office Model: This position requires a 5-day-a-week in-office schedule.
  • •Travel: 5–10% domestic and international travel expected.
  • •Relocation: Domestic relocation assistance available for qualified candidates.
  • •Visa Sponsorship: Not available.

Summary Pay Range

$128,470.00 - $192,710.00

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

November 5, 2026 - November 19, 2026

Any offer of emplo

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