Senior Autonomy Development Engineer

Career Area:

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.

The Senior Autonomy Development Engineer develops and delivers production‑quality software that enables autonomous and semi‑autonomous functionality for heavy equipment operating in mining and construction environments. This role applies strong software engineering practices to solve complex, real‑world problems and contributes across the full development lifecycle, from design and implementation through validation and deployment.

Operating with a high degree of independence, this engineer influences technical decisions through expertise, contributes to requirements and architectural discussions, and collaborates closely with cross‑functional teams to ensure robust, safe, and scalable autonomy solutions.

Our CAT Technology Automation and Autonomy teams are focused on evolving the state of the art and bringing emerging automation & autonomy technology into the harsh production environments found on typical mining and construction jobsites. As we continue to enhance and develop new products we will be hiring across;

• Command (Hauling, Dozing, Surface Loading, Drilling)
• Core Autonomy Development Framework
• Platform Engineering (Planning, Positioning, Perception)
• Safety Solutions (Operator Augmentation, Collision Mitigation, AI Assistant)
• Remote Control Solutions
• Site Technology (Surface, Underground, and Construction)
• Modeling & Simulation (AI, Digital Twins, Simulation)

What You Will Do:

• Develop production‑quality C/C++ software for autonomy and automation systems
• Participate across the full software development lifecycle including design, documentation, coding, validation, and release support
• Contribute to software and system requirements, architecture decisions, and technical trade‑offs
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex software and system issues using structured problem‑solving techniques
• Support verification, validation, and functional safety activities
• Collaborate with software, systems, hardware, and validation teams
• Communicate technical designs, trade‑offs, risks, and status to stakeholders
• Mentor and support other engineers through collaboration and technical guidance

What You Have:

• Programming: 
  • Excellency in C++ 
  • Interprets application system designs and program specifications. 
  • Strong engineering practices, debugging/profiling skills. 
  • Applies structured programming techniques to structured environments. 
• Software Development Life Cycle: 
  • Identifies common issues, problems, and considerations for each phase of the life cycle. 
  • Interprets product development plans and functional documentation. 
• Problem Solving: 
  • Identifies and documents specific problems and resolution alternatives. 
  • Helps to analyze risks and benefits of alternative approaches and obtain decisions on resolution. 
  • Uses fact-finding techniques and diagnostic tools to identify problems 

• Technical Troubleshooting: 
  • Discovers, analyzes, and resolves software or application problems. 
  • Analyzes code, logs, and current systems as part of advanced troubleshooting. 
  • Records and reports specific technical problems, solving processes and tools that have been used. 
• Education Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field – or commensurate industry experience.

Consideration for Top Candidates:

• Autonomy Feature Development
  • Experience developing autonomy domains such as planning, positioning, perception, or controls
  • Robotics frameworks (e.g., ROS)
  • Translating prototypes or research into production autonomy software
  • Experience with autonomous or semi‑autonomous machine behavior
• Autonomy Platform & Framework Development
  • Experience building autonomy frameworks, middleware, or shared libraries
  • Linux‑based development environments
  • CI/CD pipelines, Git, and modern DevOps practices
  • Hardware/software integration at the platform level
  • Enabling multiple teams through reusable software foundations
• Embedded, Remote Control & Real‑Time Systems
  • Embedded C/C++ development in real‑time systems
  • AUTOSAR Classic Platform (BSW, RTE)
  • Remote control or operator‑assist system development
  • CAN, Ethernet, and vehicle/machine networks
  • Model‑based development using Matlab/Simulink
• Experience in Construction or Mining Industries preferred

Additional Information:

• This position is to work onsite at our Mossville, IL office.
• Some teams may also work out of our Irving, TX.
• Relocation assistance may be available for this position.
• Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this position
• This position may require travel up to 15%

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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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