Electrical Engineer

The engineer will serve as a technical lead and problem-solver, supporting sustainment efforts while interfacing with NPI teams and suppliers.

Core responsibilities include:

• Providing technical leadership on hardware-related issues and sustainment solutions
• Leading and supporting component obsolescence and sustainment activities
• Identifying and assessing risks for electronic components such as:
• Chips (FPGA, memory, oscillators)
• Sensors, actuators, switches, operator controls
• ECMs and telematics devices
• Developing and recommending technical solutions to component-related issues
• Executing tasks aligned with NPI-driven priorities and checklists (without owning NPI execution)
• Engaging suppliers and interpreting technical discussions and data

Additional responsibilities:

• Supporting validation and testing activities including:
• EMC testing
• Environmental testing
• Lab testing (e.g., web lab / EMC lab environments)
• Participating in project coordination (~25%) and validation efforts (~20–25%)
• Performing or supporting hands-on testing, including component comparisons and validation workflows
• Working with hardware assemblies such as wiring, harnesses, enclosures, and related systems
• Traveling to suppliers approximately once per month (domestic)

Note: While this role interacts with NPI teams, it is 100% focused on sustainment and obsolescence, not NPI execution.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate is a hardware-focused electrical engineer with strong technical depth and leadership capability.

Required background:

• Strong understanding of electronic hardware systems and components
• Experience with:
• Component-level electronics (chips, sensors, etc.)
• Complex systems like ECMs and telematics
• Ability to analyze technical supplier information and translate it into actionable solutions
• Hands-on familiarity with testing environments and validation processes
• Capability to prioritize work based on structured checklists and program needs

Technical skills and tools:

• Hardware debugging and lab tools (e.g., oscilloscopes, multimeters)
• Knowledge of EMC testing and lab standards/regulations
• Exposure to hardware simulation tools (e.g., PSPICE – nice to have)
• CAD or hardware design experience (preferred, not required)

Additional preferred qualifications:

• Experience with component obsolescence and lifecycle management
• Familiarity with regulatory and certification requirements for electronics
• Prior experience with Caterpillar systems, tools, or processes (strong plus)
• Ability to balance technical execution with project coordination responsibilities

Key profile traits:

• Hardware-first mindset (minimal software emphasis expected ~5–10%)
• Strong technical leadership and problem-solving ability
• Comfortable working directly with suppliers and cross-functional teams