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Senior Embedded Software Engineer - Electrification

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

Posted Sep 29, 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 embedded software you wrote for an electrified power system, such as an inverter, battery management system or charger.

What they are checking: Direct experience with electrification software, which this APT role is built around.

Tell me about a code review where you strongly disagreed with a teammate. How was it resolved?

What they are checking: Ability to hold quality standards while working well with others.

How do you mentor junior engineers on embedded best practices?

What they are checking: Senior-level leadership that raises the quality of the whole team's code.

What would you do

A bug only shows up on the hardware at high temperature and never on the bench. How do you find it?

What they are checking: Debugging skill for intermittent, hardware-dependent problems.

Hardware changes late in the program and your software has to adapt. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Flexibility and clear communication when the platform shifts under the code.

About the work

How do you design real-time control code so timing is predictable on a microcontroller?

What they are checking: Understanding of interrupts, scheduling and worst-case execution time in embedded control.

How do you approach functional safety in embedded software for high-voltage systems?

What they are checking: Familiarity with safety processes like ISO 26262 or similar, and building safety into the code from the start.

How do you test embedded software before hardware is ready?

What they are checking: Use of simulation, model-in-the-loop and hardware-in-the-loop to keep development moving.

What communication protocols have you used on vehicles or power systems, such as CAN or J1939?

What they are checking: Practical knowledge of the networks that connect electrified components on Caterpillar products.

How do you keep embedded code maintainable over a product life that may last many years?

What they are checking: Long-term thinking about architecture and documentation for durable industrial products.

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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 Advanced Power Technologies: Advanced Power Technologies (APT) defines and delivers Caterpillar’s next generation of power system technologies. The organization leads product strategy, long term technology roadmaps, and lifecycle leadership for advanced power, electrification, electronic controls, software, and energy solutions across the entire range of Power and Energy applications. APT integrates hardware, software, and digital services to deliver scalable, reliable, and future‑ready power solutions. Partnering closely with product groups, engineering, and global delivery teams, APT balances near‑term business execution with long‑term technology leadership—enabling best in class electronics quality, fast response to market changes, differentiated customer value through vertical integration, improved uptime, and sustainable power systems across Caterpillar’s Power and Energy product portfolio. Job Summary: As a Senior Embedded Software Engineer - Electrification , you will work on a cross-functional engineering team focused on developing advanced machine electrification solutions. You will be responsible for the design, development, integration, validation, and optimization of embedded software features running on electronic control units (ECUs) supporting electric and hybrid machine platforms. This role requires deep expertise in embedded systems, real-time software development, controls integration, and software lifecycle processes. The successful candidate will collaborate with systems and controls engineers, and mentor junior engineers while driving the delivery of high-quality, production-ready software. What You Will Do: Software Development • Perform design and development of embedded software features for machine electrification and propulsion control systems. • Define software, interfaces, and framework requirements for embedded electronic controls. • Develop real-time application software for battery electric and hybrid powertrain systems. • Design software components that support: • Battery Management Systems (BMS) • Power electronics • Inverters • Motor controllers • Energy management systems • Vehicle control systems • Create scalable, reusable, and maintainable software. Software Integration • Integrate software components, libraries, and auto-generated code into deployable software images and flash files. • Configure and manage software builds using embedded development toolchains. • Integrate calibration, configuration, and parameter datasets into embedded control applications. • Support software deployment to target hardware platforms and production ECUs. Software Development • Utilize embedded C and model-based design methodologies to generate embedded software implementations. • Collaborate with controls engineers to integrate algorithms developed in MATLAB®/Simulink®. • Validate generated code against functional and performance requirements. • Ensure model and software traceability throughout the development lifecycle. Verification & Validation • Develop comprehensive software test plans, validation procedures, and verification strategies. • Execute software unit, integration, system, and regression testing. • Support Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL), Software-in-the-Loop (SIL), and Model-in-the-Loop (MIL) testing activities. • Analyze test results and implement corrective actions as required. • Verify compliance with functional, performance, and safety requirements. Defect Analysis & Troubleshooting • Identify, investigate, and resolve complex software defects and system integration issues. • Perform root cause analysis of software, controls, and system-level failures. • Utilize debugging and diagnostic tools to troubleshoot embedded applications. • Support field issue resolution and continuous software improvement initiatives. What 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. Effective Communications: Understanding of effective communication concepts, tools and techniques; ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through the application of appropriate communication behaviors. Producing Results: Understanding of the criticality of getting things done in spite of current circumstances and the ability to utilize assigned resources and leverage back-channel resources (individuals or teams) to achieve or exceed planned outcomes. Software Development: Knowledge of software development tools and activities; ability to produce software products or systems in line with product requirements. • Proven experience with model-based development using Matlab/Simulink in an embedded software environment • Proven experience in embedded C software development • Knowledge of embedded communication protocols including: • CAN, CAN FD, J1939, Ethernet • Proven experience with software version control tools (e.g.Git) • Proven experience with RTOS environments and real-time software architectures. • Proven experience with embedded software debugging tools. 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. Technical Troubleshooting: Knowledge of technical troubleshooting approaches, tools and techniques; ability to anticipate, recognize, and resolve technical issues on hardware, software, application or operation. Education: Requires a degree in an accredited Engineering, Computer Science or related curriculum. Top Candidates Will Also Have: • Experience with developing embedded real-time software or systems for powertrain controls and battery systems. • Experience with scripting (e.g. python, etc.) • Experience with FMEA processes and a basic knowledge of electronic system failure modes Caterpillar Inc. is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. For nearly 100 years, we’ve been helping customers build a better, more sustainable world and are committed and contributing to a reduced-carbon future. Our innovative products and services, backed by our global dealer network, provide exceptional value that helps customers succeed. #LI 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 available for eligible applicants. Posting Dates: September 29, 2026 - October 11, 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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