System Engineer – Electronics, Functional Safety

Caterpillar Inc.

. Direct and participate in the design and development of complex machine-development engineering projects .

Posted 11/2/2026full-timeUnited StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $147,760 - $221,640 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in machine control system design and development, with a strong focus on functional safety principles and risk assessment methodologies. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and mentor junior engineers while effectively communicating technical concepts to stakeholders.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Embedded Product DevelopmentFunctional Safety PrinciplesMachine Control SystemsRisk Assessment MethodologiesTechnical Leadership

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Electrical EngineeringMechatronicsSystem DesignCAN NetworksProduct Design ProcessesElectronics Hardware DevelopmentSafety Lifecycle ManagementDFMEAFMEDAISO 26262

Soft Skills

Decision-MakingCritical ThinkingEffective CommunicationProblem-SolvingInterpersonal Skills

Industry Keywords

Construction MachineryAgriculture MachineryISO 19014ISO 13849IEC 61508

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Direct and participate in the design and development of complex machine-development engineering projects
Create earthmoving and paving machine control system designs
Collaborate with cross-functional teams on system architectures, product design, and verification
Decompose product system and safety requirements into subsystem requirements
Support electronics hardware component selection and design
Define machine control networks, including layout, system usage, security, and messaging
Define communication interfaces, including electrical implementation, bus-loading analyses, and messaging protocols
Coordinate with cross-functional engineering teams on the product safety lifecycle and V-model execution
Contribute to product safety concepts and architectures
Participate in hazard and risk analyses, DFMEA, FMEDA, PFMEA, and common-cause failure analyses
Resolve complex technical problems in a leadership role
Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and technicians

Requirements

What you’ll need

BS in electrical engineering, mechatronics, or a related field
Knowledge of information capture methods, channels, and processes
Decision-making and critical-thinking skills
Effective communication skills
Problem-solving skills
Conceptual thinking skills
Knowledge of engineering processes, techniques, and methods in a manufacturing environment
Knowledge of product design processes, approaches, tools, and techniques
5+ years of experience working in embedded product development
Minimum 3 years’ experience developing functionally safe products
Familiarity with system design, application-level problem solving, system architectures, CAN networks, and machine integration
Electronics experience, including understanding and developing system diagrams and schematics
Experience designing and interfacing with vehicular communication and control systems
Knowledge of electronic hardware and software product development processes and tools
Proven record of applying functional safety principles and practices to product development
Experience contributing to product risk assessments, FMEAs, and FMEDAs
Technical leadership skills
Solid analytical and problem-solving skills
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Ability to write technical specifications and present to customers and cross-functional stakeholders
Ability to work independently and as part of a global team
Experience working with Machine Control Systems
Familiarity with construction or agriculture machinery
Deep understanding of ISO 19014, ISO 13849, IEC 61508, and ISO 26262
Experience developing and managing organizational standards and processes
Ability to reconcile functional and regulatory product requirements into detailed engineering requirements
Up to 30% domestic and international travel
Must successfully complete a drug screen as a condition of employment

Benefits

Comp & perks

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
Domestic relocation assistance
Visa sponsorship for eligible applicants