Marine Hybrid Controls & Software Integration Engineer (Design Engineering Specialist)

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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 Caterpillar Marine:

Caterpillar Marine is a global leader in reliable, efficient, and future‑ready marine power solutions. As a core part of Caterpillar’s Oil & Gas and Marine Division, our organization delivers world‑class engines, integrated power systems, lifecycle services, and digital technologies that help customers reduce total cost of ownership while improving uptime, efficiency, and performance. We offer a wide range of career opportunities across a variety of commercial, technical and business roles worldwide. When you join the Caterpillar Oil & Gas and Marine Division (COGMD), you join a global team that helps to power the global energy industry as well as provide power and propulsion on the water.

About the Role:

As a Marine Hybrid Controls & Software Integration Engineer, you are responsible for the logic, architecture, and functional integration of Cat Marine hybrid systems. This role moves beyond physical wiring to focus on the "brains" of the vessel. You will support the design and implement the software and control strategies that govern how propulsion engines and gensets interact with electric motors, battery systems, and VFDs. Your goal is to deliver high-performance, automated power management solutions that are regulatory-compliant and optimized for complex vessel duty cycles.

Additional Information:

• Travel: At least 30% domestic and international travel
• Relocation assistance provided
• This role does not offer sponsorship
• Locations: Mossville, Illinois (preferred) and Houston, Texas

What Will You Do:

• Control Logic & Architecture: Design and configure the control architecture for hybrid power systems. You will develop functional sequences for power transitions (e.g., zero-emission mode to diesel-mechanical) and load-sharing logic
• Software Development & Configuration: Work with internal engineering teams to execute the programming and parameterization of Hybrid Control Units and Power Management Systems (PMS). You will focus on optimizing energy flows between battery systems, engines, generators and the bus
• Protocol Integration: Manage the seamless communication between diverse subsystems using J1939, Modbus TCP/RTU, and Ethernet/IP. You will ensure the Battery Management System (BMS), VFDs, and Engine Control Modules (ECMs) talk to each other without latency or error
• HIL & Physical Validation: Lead system level Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing and software-in-the-loop simulations. You will use these tools to validate control algorithms, fault-handling responses, and safety interlocks before any hardware arrives at the shipyard. Develop system level DFMEA’s and validation test plans and execute system level testing
• Regulatory Software Compliance: Prepare documentation for software functional safety and cyber-resiliency to meet Classification Society rules (ABS, DNV, Lloyd’s). You will ensure that software-based safety functions comply with USCG and International Marine requirements
• System Diagnostics & Commissioning: Develop software-based diagnostic tools and telemetry interfaces. You will support the commissioning of hybrid systems, perform real-time software tuning and troubleshoot during sea trials

Technical Expertise

• Hybrid Control Theory: Deep understanding of power management logic, energy storage optimization, and state-machine programming for complex industrial or marine systems
• Communication & Networking: Advanced proficiency in marine data protocols (NMEA 2000, J1939, CANbus) and industrial networking (TCP/UDP, Managed Switches)
• Programming Tools: Experience with PLC programming (IEC 61131-3), MATLAB/Simulink for model-based design, or C++/Python for embedded system integration
• Power Electronics Interface: Technical knowledge of how software parameters affect VFD performance, motor torque curves, and battery discharge rates
• Safety Standards: Familiarity with Marine Classification Society and USCG functional safety standard

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
• Technical Excellence: Knowledge of a given technology and various application methods; ability to develop and provide solutions to significant technical challenges
• Product Design - MFG: Knowledge of processes, approaches, tools and techniques of product design; ability to convert customer and market requirements into product design
• Product Design and Development: Knowledge of product features; ability to design, build, and develop a new product, technology, or service from concept through to production
  

Summary Pay Range:

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:

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.

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