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Configuration Engineer

Caterpillar · Mossville, IL · $112,710–$169,060 a year · Full time

Posted Oct 1, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time a configuration error made it into a build or a release. How was it found, and what did you change afterward?

What they are checking: Whether they own errors and fix the process behind them, since configuration mistakes can ship wrong parts to customers.

IDES is a new division building products and processes at the same time. How do you work when the standard way of doing things doesn't exist yet?

What they are checking: Comfort with ambiguity and building process from scratch, which the posting signals with its openness to discovery.

How do you get busy engineers to follow configuration rules they see as paperwork?

What they are checking: Influence without authority and the ability to explain why the rules protect the product and the team.

What would you do

A design engineer wants to release a change today to hit a build, but the downstream documents aren't ready. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they can hold a line on process discipline while still helping the program meet a real deadline.

About the work

What does configuration management mean to you on an electrified powertrain product with batteries, motors, inverters and software all changing at once?

What they are checking: Whether they understand configuration control across hardware and software, which is central in a fast-moving IDES product line.

How would you structure a bill of materials for a product that comes in many variants, so engineering and manufacturing see the same truth?

What they are checking: Their ability to design BOM structure that scales with variants without creating mismatches between engineering and the plant.

Walk me through how you'd run an engineering change from request to release. Where do changes usually go wrong?

What they are checking: Real experience with change control and an honest view of where approvals, effectivity and communication break down.

How do you keep software and firmware versions tied to the right hardware configuration on a product like an energy storage system?

What they are checking: Understanding of software-hardware compatibility tracking, a common gap on electrified products with many controllers.

Which PLM or PDM systems have you used, and what did you do in them day to day?

What they are checking: Hands-on tool experience versus vague familiarity, which tells how fast they can be productive in configuration work.

How would you set up configuration baselines for a prototype build versus a production release?

What they are checking: Whether they can match the level of control to the program stage instead of applying one rule everywhere.

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The full job description

As published by Caterpillar.

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. About IDES: Caterpillar’s Integrated Drivetrain Energy Solutions (IDES) division will focus on delivering advanced electrified power train, zero-emissions products/technologies, and the solutions and services associated with these technologies. Focus areas include batteries, fuel cells, motors, inverters, micro grid controllers, charging, energy storage systems, lifecycle solutions/services and integration of components for ePowertrain solutions across industries. We are looking for top talent to build and scale the next generation of technologies, products and services to help our customers build a better—more sustainable—world. We need self-motivated, intelligent and team-oriented individuals to make our plans a reality. Individuals with high emotional intelligence, humility and openness to discovery will thrive in the teams we are building. Job Summary: The Configuration Engineer is a hands-on engineering role responsible for machine architecture, product structure development, configuration management, and multidisciplinary design integration supporting L6 electrification and advanced technology programs. Working within a New Technology Introduction (NTI) environment, this position helps transform emerging concepts and evolving system requirements into integrated, buildable machine designs. This position supports multiple projects concurrently in a fast-paced, early-learner environment where requirements, architectures, interfaces, and design solutions continue to mature. The Configuration Engineer, working alongside Project Technical Leads, coordinates mechanical, electrical, machine-systems, and product teams while directly contributing to technical decisions needed to deliver integrated, buildable designs that meet program release and build-readiness objectives. What You Will Do: • Develop and maintain machine-level architectures, product structures in Creo and Teamcenter, configurations, and engineering bills of material as designs evolve from early concepts through prototype builds and validation. • Lead multidisciplinary design integration across all engineering disciplines. Including the support of system-level judgment to resolve conflicts and mature machine designs, resolving compatibility issues as system requirements, and component selections. • Lead configuration management activities, including BOM development, engineering releases, change control, and product structure governance. • Support concept development, machine build preparation, and machine build events. • Partner with Machine Product Groups, suppliers, and engineering teams to maintain alignment of design content and product definitions. • Develop and implement configuration management processes, standards, and best practices that provide appropriate design control while supporting rapid learning and iteration within NTI programs. What You Will Have: • Degree in Engineering or related technical discipline. • Technical Excellence: Extensive experience and the ability to apply engineering principles and system-level judgment to significant technical challenges involving machine architecture, design integration, and configuration control. • Product Design and Development: Extensive experience and knowledge of product development methods; ability to develop and mature new machine designs from early concepts through prototype builds and validation. • Computer-Aided Design and Product Lifecycle Management: Extensive experience and knowledge of CAD and product lifecycle management tools; ability to develop, review, and control machine-level design content and product structures. • Analytical Thinking: Extensive experience and knowledge of structured problem-solving techniques; ability to evaluate incomplete or changing technical information and resolve architecture, interface, and configuration issues. • Managing Multiple Priorities: Extensive experience and knowledge of effective self-management practices; ability to manage concurrent NTI projects and respond to changing technical priorities. • Effective Communications: Extensive experience and understanding of effective communication practices; ability to communicate technical decisions, risks, and configuration status across engineering disciplines and partner organizations. What Will Set You Apart: • A Caterpillar Machine background and previous experience working on multiple systems Additional Information: • This position is located in Mossville, IL and requires 5-day a week on-site availability • This role offers Domestic Relocation • This role does not offer Visa Sponsorship • 20% or less travel expected for this role Summary Pay Range: $112,710.00 - $169,060.00 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: October 1, 2026 - October 15, 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. Not ready to apply? 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