Lead Sensor Simulation Engineer (NVIDIA Omniverse)

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.

Help Build the Future of Caterpillar –

At Caterpillar, technology always has a purpose, which is to solve our customers’ toughest challenges. Through Cat Technology, we are solving problems by building the intelligence layer that connects machines, data, and people to make jobsites safer, more productive, and more sustainable. By combining deep domain expertise in physical systems with software, connectivity, autonomy, and AI, we deliver solutions that work in the real world—on real jobsites, at global scale.

Be Part of What’s Next in Autonomous Construction Sites

Construction autonomy is one of the most complex challenges in applied AI, and at Caterpillar, advancements in physical AI, simulation, sensing, and edge computing are turning things that once felt impossible—intelligent machines operating in dynamic jobsites—into reality.

If this work motivates you, we invite you to join our team. Apply today to build the new era of construction autonomy at Caterpillar. 

Role Definition

The Sensor Simulation Expert is responsible for the design, development, validation, and continuous improvement of high-fidelity virtual sensor models within the NVIDIA Omniverse ecosystem. This role enables the development of autonomous systems, robotics, digital twins, and virtual validation environments by ensuring simulated sensor outputs accurately represent real-world operating conditions.

The Sensor Simulation Expert serves as the technical authority for virtual sensing technologies, including cameras, LiDAR, radar, GNSS, IMU. Working closely with autonomy, perception, controls, software, and digital twin teams, this individual develops sensor models, validation methodologies, and synthetic data generation pipelines that accelerate product development while reducing reliance on physical testing.

The ideal candidate combines expertise in sensor physics, perception systems, Omniverse development, computer graphics, and simulation technologies to deliver scalable, accurate, and production-ready simulation solutions.

Responsibilities

Sensor Modeling & Simulation

• Develop and maintain high-fidelity simulation models for cameras, LiDAR, radar, GNSS, IMU.
• Define sensor fidelity requirements and performance metrics for simulation-based testing.
• Implement realistic sensor characteristics including noise, distortion, motion blur, occlusions, range limitations, environmental interference, and calibration effects.
• Create configurable sensor models supporting multiple hardware platforms and use cases.

Omniverse Development

• Develop Omniverse Kit extensions, tools, and workflows for sensor simulation applications.
• Leverage OpenUSD and Omniverse technologies to integrate sensors into digital twin environments.
• Create reusable software frameworks for sensor configuration, management, and deployment.
• Support enterprise-scale simulation platforms and virtual engineering workflows.

Sensor Validation & Correlation

• Compare and validate simulated sensor outputs against real-world sensor datasets.
• Establish validation methodologies and acceptance criteria for sensor fidelity.
• Identify gaps between simulation and physical measurements and drive model improvements.
• Develop processes for continuous verification and validation of sensor models.

Autonomy & Perception Support

• Collaborate with perception and autonomy teams to support algorithm development and testing.
• Develop simulation scenarios that challenge perception systems under complex operating conditions.
• Support sensor fusion, localization, object detection, tracking, and environmental perception workflows.
• Enable repeatable testing for autonomous system validation.

Technical Leadership

• Serve as the organization's subject matter expert for sensor simulation technologies.
• Mentor engineers on sensor modeling, simulation, and validation best practices.
• Provide technical guidance on sensor architecture, simulation platforms, and roadmap planning.
• Evaluate emerging sensor technologies and simulation methodologies.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in sensor development, simulation, robotics, autonomy, perception systems, or related fields.
• Strong programming skills in Python and C++.
• Hands-on experience with NVIDIA Omniverse, Isaac Sim, OpenUSD, or similar simulation platforms.
• Strong understanding of sensor physics and perception systems.
• Experience modeling one or more sensor types including camera, LiDAR, radar, GNSS, IMU.
• Knowledge of robotics, computer vision, autonomy, perception, or machine learning systems.
• Experience validating simulation results against physical system data.
• Understanding of synthetic data generation and simulation-based testing methodologies.
• Knowledge of 3D graphics, rendering concepts, and physically based simulation techniques.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Robotics, Computer Vision, Electrical Engineering, Computer Graphics, Artificial Intelligence, or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience in sensor systems, autonomy, simulation, or perception technologies.
• Advanced expertise with NVIDIA Omniverse, Isaac Sim, RTX rendering, and OpenUSD.
• Experience with autonomous vehicles, off-highway equipment, industrial robotics, or intelligent machine systems.
• Deep knowledge of LiDAR, radar, camera imaging systems, sensor fusion, and localization technologies.
• Experience developing synthetic data pipelines for AI and machine learning applications.
• Familiarity with ROS/ROS2, Isaac ROS, and robotics software frameworks.
• Experience with digital twin development and virtual validation methodologies.
• Experience supporting enterprise-scale autonomy, digital twin, or simulation programs.

Additional Details:

• This position requires the candidate to work full-time at the Irving, TX office (Dallas)

• Domestic relocation assistance is available for this position.

• Visa sponsorship is available with this position.

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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