Caterpillar, Inc

Automation Engineering Specialist

Caterpillar, Inc$128K — $208K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Computer Science.
  • 5-10 years of embedded control systems development experience.
  • Hands-on experience with electrical and electronic control systems.
  • Knowledge of artificial intelligence concepts, technologies, and methodologies.
  • Experience with CAN, J1939, and related data link communications.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and maintain technical specifications for autonomous machine electronic systems.
  • Resolve system design and integration issues during development and production phases.
  • Support software release planning and execution, with required documentation.
  • Communicate technical status, risks, and integration readiness during reviews.
  • Coordinate software development and integration activities to meet schedule and quality standards.
  • Execute test plans and support validation activities, including lab and machine-level testing.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits
  • Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)
  • 401(k) savings plans
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Incentive bonus
  • Career Development opportunities
  • Adoption benefits
Full Job Description

Career Area:

Engineering

Job Description:

The Automation Engineering Specialist applies seasoned engineering judgment to design, integrate, and validate electronic control systems for Caterpillar mining machines fitted with an autonomy solution. The role works independently within defined technical objectives and contributes to system-level integration decisions for both current production platforms and next-generation electronic architectures. The engineer collaborates across machine systems, electronics, and software teams to deliver integrated robust, production-ready autonomy solutions.

Additional Information:

  • Location:  Mossville, IL, Tucson, AZ, Irving, TX – United States (onsite, Monday–Friday) 
  • Required Travel: Up to 20% (Domestic)
  • Relocation Assistance Offered: Domestic
  • US Work Sponsorship Offered: Yes

What You Will Do:

  • Develop and maintain technical specifications and integration documentation for autonomous machine electronic systems, including ECMs, software, and networked components 
  • Resolve system design and integration issues by working closely with machine system and subsystem teams during development and production phases 
  • Support software release planning and execution, including required documentation for field updates, wiring changes, and component updates 
  • Communicate technical status, risks, and integration readiness in gateway and stakeholder reviews 
  • Coordinate assigned software development and integration activities to ensure schedule, quality, and technical requirements are met 
  • Develop and execute test plans and support system and software validation activities, including lab and machine-level testing 
  • Scope & Decision Making 
    • Works independently on moderately complex system integration problems within established product architectures 
    • Applies engineering judgment to evaluate design tradeoffs, integration risks, and verification approaches 
    • Influences subsystem and system-level technical decisions but does not hold full product or organizational ownership 
    • Provides technical guidance to less-experienced engineers without formal leadership responsibility 

What You Will Have (Basic Requirements):

Education Requirement: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Computer Science 

Communicating Complex Concepts: Knowledge of effective presentation tools and techniques to ensure clear understanding; ability to use summarization and simplification techniques to explain complex technical concepts in simple, clear language appropriate to the audience.

Effective Communications: Understanding of effective communication concepts, tools and techniques; ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through the application of appropriate communication behaviors.

Managing Multiple Priorities: Knowledge of effective self-management practices; ability to manage multiple concurrent objectives, projects, groups, or activities, making effective judgments as to prioritizing and time allocation.

Technical Excellence: Knowledge of a given technology and various application methods; ability to develop and provide solutions to significant technical challenges.

Strategic Thinking: Knowledge of the importance of "big picture" thinking and planning; ability to apply organizational acumen and competitiveness to identify and maintain focus on key success factors for the organization.

Influencing Through Expertise: Knowledge of effective influencing tactics and strategies; ability to use these to deepen own expertise and impact or challenge decisions within and outside own organization.

Software Product Design/Architecture: Knowledge of software product design; ability to convert market requirements into the software product design.

Artificial Intelligence: Knowledge of the concepts, technologies and methodologies of artificial intelligence (AI); ability to develop, implement and/or apply artificial intelligence products and services in specific industry domain to achieve business goals.

What Will Set You Apart (Top Candidates Will Have):

  • Typically, 5–10 years of embedded control systems development experience 
  • Demonstrated hands-on experience with electrical and electronic control systems 
  • Experience developing machine control requirements and system specifications 
  • Experience with CAN, J1939, and related data link communications 
  • Understanding of mobile machine operation, preferably in construction or mining equipment applications 
  • Experience with CAN, J1939, and Ethernet development and analysis tools 
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey technical information to diverse audiences 
  • Mechanical aptitude and working knowledge of Caterpillar machine electrical and electronic systems 
  • Experience with MATLAB/Simulink modeling in embedded software environments 
  • Experience with Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) simulation and validation processes 
  • Familiarity with software configuration management tools such as Git or ClearCase 
  • Experience developing embedded real-time systems for off-highway, industrial, or mobile applications 
  • Experience with FMEA processes and understanding of electronic system failure modes 

What You Will Get:

Through it all, we are  – creating and delivering world-class components and solutions superior to the competition.  Learn more about the Caterpillar Experience.

Summary Pay Range:

$128,470.00 - $208,770.00

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

 

 

This position requires working onsite five days a week. 

 

Relocation is available for this position.

 

 

Visa sponsorship is available for eligible applicants.

 

 

Posting Dates:

June 16, 2026 - June 30, 2026

About Caterpillar, Inc

Progress Rail Services Corporation, a Caterpillar company, is one of the largest integrated and diversified suppliers of railroad and transit system products and services worldwide. Since its acquisition by Caterpillar Inc. in 2006, Progress Rail has used the Caterpillar international footprint to gain quick and widespread notice and approval across the globe. Product technology, reliability and durability, along with legendary aftermarket parts and service support, have been their keys to success. Caterpillar is the world's leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines and industrial gas turbines. The technology and world reach of Caterpillar, combined with the service standard and historical reliability of Progress Rail, ensures their products and services make a growing impact on the world rail industry. With their acquisition of Electro-Motive Diesel (EMD), Progress Rail is the world's largest builder of diesel-electric locomotives for all commercial railroad applications including freight, intercity passenger, commuter, switching, industrial and mining. EMD is also a global provider of diesel power engines for marine propulsion, offshore and land based oil well drilling rigs and stationary power generation. Electro-Motive is the only diesel engine manufacturer of its size to have produced more than 70,000 engines. This success stems from product reliability, serviceability, load acceptance capability, low operating costs and ease of maintenance with standardized components.

Caterpillar, Inc. Careers

Join the robust team at Caterpillar, Inc., a global leader in construction and mining equipment, where innovation drives everything we do. As part of our team, you'll engage in work that improves the world and furthers your career with every project you touch.

Work You’ll Do

At Caterpillar, Inc., you will have the opportunity to contribute to a variety of groundbreaking projects that extend across the globe. Our commitment to leadership in the industry is unwavering, and we achieve it through a culture that fosters diversity and leadership development.

Explore Job Opportunities and Growth

Caterpillar offers a wide range of job opportunities and career paths, providing a platform for professional growth and development. Whether you're interested in engineering, sales, marketing, or management, Caterpillar has a position that will utilize your unique skills and talents. We are continuously hiring innovative minds to propel our mission forward and maintain our status as industry leaders.

Internship Programs

Kickstart your career with a Caterpillar internship. Our internships provide invaluable workplace experience and networking opportunities that often lead to full-time employment at our company. As an intern, you will work alongside experienced professionals and gain insights that will benefit you as you advance in your career.

Benefits and Culture

Choosing a career at Caterpillar means more than just having a job. It means you're part of a team that values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment. We offer competitive benefits to ensure the health and well-being of our employees and their families. These benefits include health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off, alongside unique perks like professional development and diversity training programs.

Innovation and Leadership

Drive innovation and industry leadership as part of the Caterpillar team. We empower our employees to lead from their first day on the job, encouraging continuous improvement and career advancement. At Caterpillar, your ideas will shape the future of our business and the industries we serve.

Join Our Team

Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We are looking for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players. Ready to start your journey at Caterpillar, Inc.? Explore our career portal for the latest job opportunities.

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Prepare for Your Interview

Make a great first impression. Prepare for your interview at Caterpillar by reviewing common questions and practicing your responses. Tailor your resume to highlight the experiences and skills that make you the ideal candidate for the position you are applying for. At Caterpillar, Inc., every role offers the chance to make an impact. Come be a part of our team and drive the future of our global industries. Your career at Caterpillar is not just about what you'll accomplish, but how you'll grow and the innovation you'll lead. Join us and build a career that matters.
Learn more about Caterpillar, Inc
Size
107,700 employees
Market Cap
$125.3 billion
Industry
Net Income
$2.9 billion
Founded
1925
5 Year Trend
+5.8%
Revenue
$41.7 billion
NASDAQ

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