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Control Systems Senior Team Lead

Caterpillar · Mossville, IL · $147,760–$221,640 a year · Full time

Posted Sep 28, 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

How do you lead a small team that supports legacy features, delivers current work and builds future features all at once?

What they are checking: Their ability to balance the three workstreams the posting names without letting one swallow the others.

Tell me about a time you developed an engineer on your team. What did you do and what changed for them?

What they are checking: Real people leadership, since a team lead is judged by how the team grows, not only by their own work.

Describe a disagreement between two engineers on your team about a technical approach. How did you resolve it?

What they are checking: How they handle technical conflict and whether they decide fairly and keep the team working together.

How do you build a collaborative culture where engineers bring up problems early?

What they are checking: Their leadership style, since the posting describes a team that thrives on collaboration and innovation.

What would you do

How do you prioritize when a field issue on a production model lands in the middle of a new feature deadline?

What they are checking: Judgment between customer-facing support and planned work, a constant tension on a team with features in production.

A machine product team asks for a new feature with a tight schedule. How do you scope it and commit to a date?

What they are checking: Planning and estimation skills, and whether they set honest expectations with internal customers.

About the work

Explain how a powershift transmission control decides when and how to shift on a track-type tractor.

What they are checking: Domain knowledge of the powertrain controls this team owns, including clutch control and shift quality.

What makes a transmission control feature good for serviceability, prognostics and diagnostics, not just performance?

What they are checking: Whether they design for the full life of the machine, which the posting lists alongside performance and durability.

How do you review application layer control software to make sure it's maintainable across many Caterpillar models?

What they are checking: Their approach to code and design reviews for features that must work across a wide range of machines.

How do you validate a shift quality change before it goes into production?

What they are checking: Their testing strategy across simulation, HIL and machine testing for a feature operators feel directly.

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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. Hear about the Caterpillar Experience for yourself Role Definition We design and deliver powershift transmission controls for Caterpillar products at the application layer. The team currently supports a substantial number of features in production on a wide range of Caterpillar models. These features enable electronic control of powertrain systems to deliver not only exceptional performance and durability, but also serviceability, prognostics and diagnostics. We are looking for a motivated individual to provide team leadership for Track Type Tractor applications. This is your opportunity to deliver the next generation of control features while working with a talented team that thrives on collaboration and innovation. What you will do • Lead a small team of engineers focused on supporting legacy, delivering current and innovating future control strategies for Track Type Tractor applications. • Plan projects, estimate budgets and direct technical resources through standard controls development processes to deliver project objectives. • Gather, negotiate and document requirements (performance, functional and system) with development partners in product groups, performance and controls teams, and embedded software teams. • Lead high level architecture and facilitate detailed design of embedded controls software components supporting strategic architectural initiatives like AUTOSAR, standard interfaces, modularity, and reuse. • Facilitate and communicate technical decisions and project status reports to internal and external stakeholders. • Develop and integrate drivetrain control solutions for powershift transmissions and torque converters, including stator clutch systems, transmission valves, sensors, actuators and associated embedded software used in Track Type Tractor drivetrain systems. Degree Requirement Bachelor’s degree in an accredited Engineering curriculum, preferably • Electrical Engineering • Mechanical Engineering • Computer Science • Computer Engineering • Ag Engineering What you must have (skills) • 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. • Project Management: Knowledge of effective project management strategies and tactics; ability to plan, organize, monitor, and control projects, ensuring efficient utilization of technical and administrative resources to achieve project objectives. • 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 controls development project. • 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. • Decision Making and Critical Thinking: Knowledge of the decision-making process and associated tools and techniques; ability to accurately analyze situations and reach productive decisions based on informed judgment. • 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. Top Candidates will also have • Track Type Tractor application knowledge • Working knowledge of machine systems like engine, drivetrains, or implements • Experience with requirements, software specification, and workflow management • Understanding of CAN, J1939, or XCP data link protocols • Knowledge of software testing methos like Model-in-the-Loop, Software-in-the-Loop and Hardware-in-the-Loop simulation • Demonstrated engineering experience in drivetrain controls design, embedded software development, mechatronics, calibration, or validation for powershift transmission, torque converter, or large machine applications. • Experience with New Product Introduction (NPI) processes and delivery of software-enabled product capabilities into production applications. • Strong mechanical and electronics aptitude with a passion for delivering high-quality drivetrain systems to Caterpillar customers. • Experience in validation planning and execution , including test strategy development, data analysis, and issue resolution. • Test, data collection, and analysis capabilities using ATI Vision, CANape, or similar calibration, measurement, and analytics tools. Additional Information • This posting will close on 10/12/2026 at 11:59 p.m. • The location for this position is Mossville, IL (Technical Center Building G) or Washington, IL (Peoria Proving Grounds) and requires the employee to work a 5-day-a-week schedule onsite. • Relocation assistance (domestic) is available for this position. • Sponsorship is NOT available. • This position may require less than 10% travel Final details Please frequently check the email associated with your application, including the junk/spam folder, as this is the primary correspondence method. If you wish to know the status of your application – please use the candidate log-in on our career website as it will reflect any updates to your status. #LI #MilitaryMonday #Letsdothework #caterpillarinc #Iamcaterpillar Summary Pay Range: $147,760.00 - $221,640.00 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: September 28, 2026 - October 12, 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? Join our Talent Community .

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