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Power Systems Controls Technical Lead

Caterpillar · Mossville, IL · $128,470–$192,710 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 you led a controls team through a technical decision where engineers disagreed.

What they are checking: Technical leadership that settles debates with evidence and keeps the team moving.

How do you mentor engineers who are strong in software but new to power systems?

What they are checking: Whether they can grow a mixed team, which a new electrification group depends on.

Tell me about a time you were wrong about a technical approach. How did you find out?

What they are checking: The humility and openness to discovery the posting names, shown through a real example.

What would you do

A field unit trips offline under a load step that never showed up in testing. How do you lead the investigation?

What they are checking: Structured root-cause work under pressure when a customer is affected.

This is a new division building next-generation technology. How do you set technical direction when requirements are still changing?

What they are checking: Comfort with ambiguity, and whether they can make reversible decisions instead of waiting for perfect specs.

How would you work with hardware and component teams so controls requirements are reflected in their designs early?

What they are checking: Cross-team integration skill, since controls problems often trace back to choices made in hardware.

About the work

IDES works on batteries, fuel cells, inverters and micro grid controllers. Walk me through the controls architecture you would expect for an energy storage system.

What they are checking: Whether they can reason about system-level controls across power electronics, battery management and grid interaction.

How would you design the control strategy for a micro grid controller managing a battery, a generator set and a load?

What they are checking: Real understanding of dispatch, stability and transitions between sources, which is at the heart of power systems controls.

How do you approach functional safety in controls for high-voltage electrified systems?

What they are checking: Whether they bring safety requirements in from the start rather than bolting them on before release.

What is your process for model-based design and verification of a controller before it ever runs on hardware?

What they are checking: Discipline with simulation and testing that catches problems before expensive hardware time.

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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: As an Power Systems Controls Technical Lead in the Stationary Power Conversion Controls section within Caterpillar's IDES division, you will lead the team developing site controls and Energy Management System (EMS) solutions. You will guide a group of engineers, champion customer needs into robust engineering requirements, drive continuous competitive analysis, and deliver flagship site solutions from concept through launch — advancing the state of the art in energy management across multiple industry segments. What You Will Do: • Lead a group of engineers developing specifications, validating systems, and releasing Energy Management System (EMS) and stationary power conversion site controls solutions. • Champion customer needs by translating customer feedback into robust engineering requirements for the site solutions product line (as-a-service model) as part of the site controls MGPP. • Drive requirements and drive development of real-time optimization for site controls. • Continuously perform competitive analysis and market benchmarking to shape product direction and differentiate site solutions. • Solve problems innovatively and think quickly to unblock development and resolve cross-functional technical issues. • Collaborate with a wide range of internal customers — sales, product development, value chain, and manufacturing — to deliver results. • Drive testing, product training, pre-sales support, IP strategy, and continuous improvement. • Deliver flagship site controls / EMS solutions through technology readiness gateways on budget and on schedule. • Develop site infrastructure optimization strategy and roadmap, and advance state-of-the-art EMS solutions across multiple industry segments. What You Will Have: Degree Requirement: • A Bachelor's degree is required, preferably in Electrical Engineering or another related field Skills Required: • Team Management: Extensive experience and knowledge of effective team building techniques; ability to form and manage effective teams. • Technical Excellence: Extensive experience and knowledge of a given technology and various application methods; ability to develop and provide solutions to significant technical challenges. • Influencing Through Expertise: Extensive experience and knowledge of effective influencing tactics and strategies; ability to use these to deepen own expertise and impact or challenge decisions within and outside own organization. • Products and Services: Extensive experience and knowledge of major products and services and product and service groups; ability to apply knowledge of product and service appropriately to diverse situations. • Product Design and Development: Extensive experience and knowledge of product features; ability to design, build, and develop a new product, technology, or service from concept through to production. What Will Set You Apart: • Strong experience in power systems modeling, simulation, controls design, development, integration, and optimized/model predictive control strategies. • Knowledge of Energy Management Systems (EMS), site controls, microgrid controls, and grid codes. • Demonstrated ability to solve complex technical challenges and drive innovation in ambiguous, fast-moving environments. • Experience translating customer requirements into engineering solutions within an Energy-as-a-Service (EaaS) business model. • Proven experience guiding products from early technology readiness through commercial launch while meeting budget and schedule objectives. Additional Information: • This position is located in Mossville, IL and requires 5-day a week on-site availability • Domestic relocation is available for this role • Visa sponsorship is not available for this role • Travel is expected up to 20% of the time 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 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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