Staff Engineer - Engine Controls
Responsible for the most technically demanding controls engineering programs and product architectures where a high degree of creativity, technical judgment, and independent decision making are required. Leads the development of advanced engine control system architectures and strategies for locomotive, marine, and electric power generation applications. Exercises technical leadership over engineers and engineering support personnel while providing direction on complex engineering initiatives with significant business impact.
The Staff Engine Controls Engineer serves as a recognized technical expert in controls engineering, responsible for defining system requirements, architectures, development processes, and technical direction across multiple programs. This role provides cradle-to-grave ownership of control systems including requirements development, architecture design, software implementation, validation, deployment, manufacturing support, supply chain collaboration, and field performance improvement.
12223BRLaGrangeLa GrangeIllinoisProgress Rail stands at the intersection of legacy and innovation-driving the future of rail with a pioneering spirit. Since its founding in 1983, the company has grown to become one of the world's largest and most trusted providers of railroad products, services, and technologies. Today, Progress Rail delivers a comprehensive portfolio of cost-effective solutions to railway customers around the globe. From the rails themselves to the EMD locomotives that ride them, the company's products are in operation across more than 100 countries-powering progress and connecting communities. In 2006, Progress Rail joined Caterpillar Inc., further strengthening its ability to lead the rail industry with cutting-edge technology, unmatched expertise, and a commitment to excellence. At Progress Rail, the team is not just building the future of rail-they are making history every day.
Duties and responsibilities:
- Develop and own engine control system architectures that satisfy performance, reliability, compliance, cost, manufacturability, and serviceability requirements.
- Lead the planning, execution, and successful delivery of complex controls engineering projects and technology initiatives.
- Direct and provide technical leadership to engineers responsible for defining, developing, validating, and deploying advanced control systems.
- Oversee cradle-to-grave ownership of control systems, including requirements development, architecture design, implementation, validation, manufacturing support, deployment, and field performance improvement.
- Develop and implement engineering processes, technical standards, and best practices to improve product quality, efficiency, and consistency.
- Lead resolution of the most complex technical issues through data-driven analysis, structured problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration.
- Provide technical guidance and consultation to engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, quality, and customer-facing organizations.
- Serve as a recognized subject matter expert in controls engineering technologies, tools, and development methodologies while mentoring and developing other engineers.
Bachelors degree in Engineering field relevant to assigned project (e.g., mechanical, electrical, software,
etc.) with thorough understanding of baseline relevant engineering principles; depending on assigned
project
Masters degree preferred
- Extensive experience designing and developing embedded engine control systems and control architectures.
- Experience developing software requirements, system requirements, and functional specifications.
- Experience creating and implementing robust control features and software strategies.
- Working knowledge of embedded software development using C programming language.
- Experience with MATLAB/Simulink and model-based controls development workflows.
- Experience with serial communication protocols such as CAN, J1939, Ethernet, RS-485, Modbus, or similar industrial communication networks.
- Strong understanding of diagnostics development, fault management, and health monitoring systems.
- Experience with electrical and electronic system design, integration, and troubleshooting.
- Knowledge of software configuration management and engineering change control processes.
- Experience developing and executing system validation plans using bench, laboratory, vehicle, or field environments.
- Demonstrated ability to analyze performance and diagnostic data to drive product improvements.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to address highly complex technical challenges.
- Humble and approachable technical leader with a positive attitude and a willingness to support the success of the broader team.
Preferred Experience Includes:
- Experience developing controls for engines, emissions systems, hybrid systems, power generation systems, or heavy equipment applications.
- Experience with calibration, controls tuning, and performance optimization.
- Experience/ familiarity with harness or vehicle electrical system design.
- Experience utilizing engineering development and data analysis tools such as CANape, CANalyzer, ETAS tools, Python, MATLAB, and Simulink.
- Experience with cybersecurity considerations for embedded control systems.
- Familiarity with functional safety standards, regulatory compliance requirements, and product certification processes.
- Experience supporting manufacturing launch and supplier integration activities.
- Experience mentoring and developing engineers in a technical leadership capacity.
Essential and Physical Activities Functions:
- Strength - Position typically involves work in an office environment with occasional visits to an industrial environment. Frequent sitting. Occasional standing and walking. Occasional light to medium-level lifting (up to 30 pounds);
- Motion - Position regularly requires standard motions associated with working in an office environment;
- Vision/Hearing Requirements - Frequent verbal communications, including both talking and hearing;
- Work Environment - Position is typically located in an office environment with occasional visits to an industrial environment which may include a non-temperature-controlled environment, as well as exposure to noise (85+ decibels), occasional exposure to temperature changes, heavy machinery and other hazardous working conditions requiring the use of PPE;
- Emotional Demands - Very high level of responsibility. Must be able to coordinate diverse aspects of a project. Requires significant interpersonal skills while sustaining very high standards;
- Safety - This is not a safety sensitive position, but may occasionally require the use of Personal Protective Equipment during visits to industrial areas.
The preceding description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required of a Staff Engineer.
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 Progress Rail.
- Competitive Salary
- 401(k) plan with up to 6% company match (no waiting period with immediate vesting)
- Medical/Dental/Vision/Life/Disability Insurance
- Supplemental Accident, Critical Care, and Hospital Insurance available along with an HDHP and HSA with seed money
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Paid Vacation
- Paid Holidays
- Paid Time-Off (PTO)
- Employee Assistance Plan
- Education Assistance Program
- Employee Recognition Programs
- Site specific Production and Incentive Plans
- Site specific Step and Skill Level Wage Adjustment Plans
- Site Specific Relocation and Sign-on Bonus Programs
- Benefits eligibility varies by job position, full-time/part-time and regular/temporary status. The provisions of the plan documents control such benefits.
Subject to position, eligibility, and plan guidelines.
Progress Rail is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities.
EngineeringEMD HQ LaGrange, IL - 400 $101,487.96 - $183,958.00 771441No5496172210.00.026-Oct-2026Engineer, Staff