Caterpillar, Inc

Autonomy Engineer

Caterpillar, Inc$97K — $158K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Computer Science
  • Knowledge of troubleshooting tools and techniques for hardware and software
  • Experience in software product testing and execution of testing strategies
  • Strong problem-solving skills for operational challenges
  • Preferred experience in Hardware and Software Validation with hands-on mechanical skills

Responsibilities

  • Write and execute test plans for robotics software development
  • Document architecture specifications and safety procedures
  • Utilize tools for debugging and maintaining software and hardware systems
  • Participate in developing application software and algorithms for robotics
  • Conduct daily field testing on machines

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits
  • Paid time off plan including vacation, holidays, and volunteer days
  • 401(k) savings plans
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Career Development opportunities
  • Life Insurance
  • Tuition Reimbursement programs
Full Job Description

Career Area:

Engineering

Job Description:

Job Description

Cat Technology collaborates with partners across the Caterpillar enterprise to advance technologies including autonomy and automation, which helps enhance site safety, productivity and efficiency across customer operations worldwide. Cat Technology also owns enterprise-wide initiatives in innovation, research and development, manufacturing automation and advanced materials, ensuring Caterpillar continues to lead the industry in technological excellence and engineering innovation.

The Autonomy Validation Engineer assists in the writing and execution of test plans for robotics software development; documents, troubleshoots, and debugs any issues found during testing; collaborates with senior engineers to ensure that internal and external clients' needs are met.

What You Will Do:

  • Documenting architecture specifications, software design description, verification plans, test cases, operating procedures, and safety procedures.
  • Utilizing appropriate tools to debug, test and maintain software and hardware systems; completing the verification and validation process.
  • Participating in design and development of application software and algorithms for robotic platforms.
  • Execute testing on machines in the field on a daily basis.

What You Have:

  • Technical Troubleshooting: Knowledge of technical troubleshooting approaches, tools and techniques; ability to anticipate, recognize, and resolve technical issues on hardware, software, application or operation.
  • Software Product Testing: Knowledge of software product testing; ability to design, plan, and execute testing strategies and tactics to ensure software product quality and adherence to stated requirements.
  • Problem Solving: Knowledge of approaches, tools, techniques for recognizing, anticipating, and resolving organizational, operational or process problems; ability to apply knowledge of problem solving appropriately to diverse situations.
  • Education Requirement: Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Computer Science

Consideration for Top Candidates:

  • Proven experience in Hardware and Software Validation, including hands-on mechanical work
  • Systems Integration experience for end-to-end systems including but not limited to hardware, software, electronics, hydraulics, etc preferred
  • Experience in Construction / Mining Industry preferred
  • Experience with safety systems and/or robotics (Perception, Planning, or Positioning systems)
  • Prior experience with Back Office applications such as Minestar Office
  • Experience testing on machines in the field in a day-to-day setting


Additional Information:

  • This position requires the candidate towork full-time at the Mossville, IL or Peoria, IL office.
  • Relocation assistance is NOT available for this position
  • Visa sponsorship is NOT available with this position.
  • This position will require up to 10% travel
  • #LI

Summary Pay Range:

$97,530.00 - $158,480.00

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.

Posting Dates:

July 6, 2026 - July 19, 2026

Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.

Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.

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.

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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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