Jobs › Caterpillar

Sr Software Engineer - Positioning and Controls

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

Posted Sep 22, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

Apply at Caterpillar

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

This role is moving from individual contributor toward leadership. How are you approaching that change?

What they are checking: Self-awareness about growing into technical leadership, which the posting describes directly.

Tell me about a time you led a technical delivery and something went wrong late.

What they are checking: Ownership of delivery and the ability to recover under pressure.

How do you review code from other engineers in a way that helps them grow?

What they are checking: Mentoring habits that fit a journey-level engineer moving toward leadership.

What would you do

A customer reports the grade is off by a few centimeters in the field. How would you investigate?

What they are checking: Systematic debugging across sensors, calibration, software and machine hardware.

How do you work with teams in both Caterpillar and Trimble who may have different processes?

What they are checking: Collaboration across joint venture partners with different cultures.

About the work

CTCT uses GNSS, total stations, lasers and sonics. How would you combine those sensors to give an operator accurate blade guidance?

What they are checking: Understanding of sensor fusion and positioning accuracy for machine control products.

What causes GNSS position errors on a construction site, and how would your software handle them?

What they are checking: Practical knowledge of multipath, signal loss and RTK corrections in real job site conditions.

Tell me about a control loop you implemented in software. How did you tune it?

What they are checking: Hands-on controls experience, since these products guide hydraulics on moving machines.

How do you test positioning and controls software when field testing is expensive and limited?

What they are checking: Use of simulation, recorded data and test rigs to keep quality high.

How do you design software so it can run on different machines and sensor setups?

What they are checking: Architecture skill for products used across many earthmoving and paving machines.

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at Caterpillar from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

Practice this out loud

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. This position represents the journey level position in engineering. This person has built significant, deep expertise in one or multiple technical areas. The key role of this engineering position is an individual contributor transitioning into leadership with a focus on technical delivery. The CTCT division (a joint venture between Trimble and Caterpillar) develops positioning, control, and automation products for earthmoving and paving machines in the construction and mining industries, using technologies such as GNSS, optical total stations, lasers and sonics. The products are used in a range of applications where the operator of the machine benefits from having accurate horizontal and vertical guidance. For more information on currently developed products, see https://www.cat.com/en_US/by-industry/construction-industry-resources/technology/grade.html or http://construction.trimble.com/earthworks. The Senior Positioning and Controls Engineer is responsible for the development and test of the positioning state estimator and control algorithm used in Grade Control products. The candidate will work in a team environment and work closely with other Software Developers, Validation Engineers, Team Leaders, Quality Engineers, and Product Managers to develop software which is deployed on real-time hardware. What You Will Do: • Development of Positioning and Control algorithms for a system utilizing Simulink models and C++ software • Perform simulations to validate model development • Creating automated software tests • Writing, maintaining and archiving design documents, models, source code and other work products necessary for the project • Communicate designs and analysis results to customers, suppliers, team members, and other stakeholders • Contribute to the design of new products and processes; perform product and process maintenance What You Will Have: Process Management : Knowledge of business process improvement tools and techniques; ability to understand, monitor, update, control, or enhance existing business or work processes. Accuracy and Attention to Detail: Understanding the necessity and value of accuracy; ability to complete tasks with high levels of precision. 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. Problem Solving: Knowledge of approaches, tools, techniques for recognizing, anticipating, and resolving organizational, operational or process problems; ability to apply knowledge of problem solving appropriately to diverse situations.. Technical Excellence: Knowledge of a given technology and various application methods; ability to develop and provide solutions to significant technical challenges. Top Candidates will have: • Experience with Matlab/Simulink & C++ • Excellent analytical skills • Experience with sensing technology like IMU’s, GNSS receivers, laser receivers, or UTS systems. • Experience with Kalman Filters • Experience with software development of real-time embedded control systems • Must have ability to communicate effectively with team members and others in the work group, as well employees in other units, customers, and suppliers. Additional Information: • This position requires the candidate to work full-time at the Mossville, IL office, five days per week. • Relocation assistance is available for this position. • Visa sponsorship is available for this position • Travel is up to 10% #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 Posting Dates: September 22, 2026 - October 14, 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 .

Apply at Caterpillar