Caterpillar, Inc

Lead Robotics Engineer

Caterpillar, Inc$128K — $208K *
Transportation
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 8+ years of relevant engineering experience
  • Strong generalist in robotics with cross-stack expertise
  • Deep knowledge in AI, motion planning, perception, or controls
  • Proficiency in production-quality C++ and Python
  • Experience with ROS or similar robotics systems
  • Full product lifecycle experience from idea to production
  • Pragmatic engineer who thrives in a fast-paced delivery team

Responsibilities

  • Participate in testing review, analysis, and certification of robotics software
  • Design and build autonomy components across all areas of the autonomy stack
  • Transition prototypes to production-ready systems on real hardware
  • Leverage depth in your specialty while contributing broadly
  • Collaborate within small, outcome-focused engineering teams

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits
  • Generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, volunteer days)
  • 401(k) savings plans
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Career development opportunities
  • Incentive bonuses
  • Disability benefits
  • Life insurance
  • Parental leave
  • Adoption benefits
  • Tuition reimbursement
Full Job Description
Career Area:
Engineering

Job Description:

Role Definition
We build the autonomy stack that lets large off-road machines operate themselves on real customer sites - from perception through motion to control, with modern learning-based methods and a classical robotics foundations.

We are hiring high-quality robotics generalists: engineers who can work confidently across the full stack and go deep in at least one domain. You will own real components end-to-end - from idea and prototype through to production on hardware.

Responsibilities
  • Participating in the processes of test review and analysis, test witnessing and certification of robotics software.
  • Design, build, and ship autonomy components across perception, planning, control, and learning.
  • Take work from prototype to production on real hardware.
  • Bring depth in your specialty while contributing broadly across the stack.
  • Work in small, outcome-owning pods staffed from our capability benches.


Skill Descriptors
  • 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.
  • Programming: Knowledge of relevant programming languages and tools; ability to test, write, design, debug, troubleshoot and maintain source codes and computer programs.


Top Candidates Will Have:
  • Typically, 8+ years of related engineering experience
  • Strong robotics generalist - comfortable moving across the autonomy stack rather than staying in one narrow lane.
  • Expertise in at least one of: AI, motion planning, perception, controls, or SLAM.
  • C++ and Python, production-quality.
  • ROS (or similar) in real robotics systems.
  • Full-lifecycle product experience - ideally has taken robotics products from idea to production, not just research or prototypes.
  • Pragmatic, first-principles engineer who owns components end-to-end and collaborates across a fast-moving delivery team.
  • Excited to get out on site and see their own code operate on iron - real machines in the real world, not just in the lab.
  • Real-world / field robotics or autonomous vehicles (on- or off-road).
  • Learning-based control or perception, or foundation / VLA-style models.
  • Sim and on-vehicle deployment.
  • MLOps / training-infrastructure depth for the ML-leaning profile.


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 NOT available with this position.


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 not available for this position.

Posting Dates:

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

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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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