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Senior Engineer

Caterpillar · Mossville, IL · $131,227–$169,060 a year · Full time

Posted Sep 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 an operator seat or control system you designed. What were the main requirements?

What they are checking: Direct experience with operator HMI hardware, which this Earthmoving Operator Systems role centers on.

Tell me about leading several projects at once. How did you keep quality, cost and timing on track?

What they are checking: Ability to manage multiple deliverables, which the posting says this role must do.

Tell me about a time you provided technical leadership without being a manager.

What they are checking: Influence and direction-setting as a senior individual contributor.

What would you do

How do you gather requirements for an operator control when operators, dealers and machine teams all want different things?

What they are checking: Ability to balance user experience, productivity and integration constraints in one specification.

A cab system team says your control does not fit their packaging late in the program. What do you do?

What they are checking: Integration problem-solving across teams under timing pressure.

A field issue comes back on a control you released. How do you troubleshoot it?

What they are checking: Ownership of released designs and a structured approach to field problems.

About the work

Walk me through how you would run a DFMEA on a new joystick or seat design.

What they are checking: Practical FMEA skill that finds real failure modes, not a paperwork exercise.

How do you work with suppliers who design and build seats and controls for you?

What they are checking: Supplier management that holds quality, cost and timing while sharing technical ownership.

How would you plan validation for operator controls that must last thousands of hours on a dozer?

What they are checking: Understanding of durability, environmental and ergonomic testing for heavy equipment.

How do you use operator feedback to improve an HMI design?

What they are checking: Whether they put real users at the center of human machine interface work.

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The full job description

As published by Caterpillar.

Career Area: 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. Caterpillar Inc. seeks Senior Engineer at its facility located at 2427 E. Engine Drive, Building AC, Chillicothe, IL 61523. Work in the Earthmoving Operator Systems division, focus on configuring Human Machine Interface (HMI) systems that enhance the user experience and productivity. Design & develop operator seats and controls, collaborate closely with suppliers, machine integration teams, and validation teams to optimize integration. Participate in requirements gathering, functional specification creation, design, FMEA, validation planning, and troubleshooting. Provide technical leadership for HMI systems, work with suppliers, customers, and process partners, such as Machine Business Divisions, cab system teams, Global Purchasing, etc. Lead multiple projects simultaneously, meet all quality, cost, and timing deliverables. Demonstrate strong customer focus, teamwork, global collaboration, and communication capabilities. Apply new technologies and products, as well as new manufacturing and assembly processes. Ensure operator controls and seats are developed and built to the highest standard of performance and quality excellence for construction and mining machines. Address design inquiries and troubleshooting quality concerns originating from external sources such as end users, dealers, and manufacturing facilities. Collaborate with suppliers, machine integration teams, and validation teams to ensure components and systems are optimized for performance, quality, cost, and overall user experience. Participate in the requirements gathering, functional specification creation, DFMEA & PFMEA exercises, and validation planning. Collaborate with our supply base and HMI experts within Caterpillar and the industry to leverage the latest in technology, processes, and best practices. REQS: This position requires a bachelor’s degree or foreign equivalent in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial & Systems Engineering, or a related field plus 5 years of experience in Human factors, ergonomics or related occupation. Additionally, the applicant must have employment experience with: (1) Designing, testing, and/or manufacturing electromechanical components and systems related to human factors, ergonomics or similar fields; (2) CREO or other 3D modeling tools; (3) Collaborating with suppliers of electro-mechanical systems and end customers to develop, produce, and supply products; (4) Operator controls and seat design; (5) Human factors, occupational biomechanics, workspace design, and ergonomics; and (6) Manufacturing engineering in automotive or construction equipment. Travel: 15% domestic & international. Telecommuting: None. Summary Pay Range: $131,227.00 – $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 Applicants who are interested in this position should apply via www.caterpillar.com/careers , search [Senior Engineer / R0000391860] #LI-DNI This position requires working onsite five days a week. Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position. Posting Dates: September 1, 2026 - December 31, 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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