Caterpillar, Inc

Principal Data Architect

Caterpillar, Inc$159K — $258K *
Enterprise Technology
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Expertise in data architecture processes and techniques for integration
  • Proficient in analytical thinking to resolve complex business issues
  • Knowledgeable in platform architecture for designing application systems
  • Skilled in requirements analysis to capture business functionalities
  • Ability to develop target architectures aligned with business strategies
  • Significant background in defining enterprise data domains and metadata strategies
  • Understanding of AI model data requirements and data product architecture

Responsibilities

  • Develop detailed architecture deliverables for business problem-solving
  • Design technical infrastructure for applications including databases and programming languages
  • Lead evaluation and deployment of new technologies to enhance digital capabilities
  • Collaborate with teams to address business requirements and deliver digital solutions
  • Establish data models, data domains, and architectural standards for scalable AI

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits
  • Paid time off including vacation and holidays
  • 401(k) savings plans
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
  • Career development opportunities
  • Incentive bonuses and life insurance
  • Tuition reimbursement programs
  • Disability benefits and adoption assistance
  • Parental leave and employee assistance programs
Full Job Description

Career Area:

Technology, Digital and Data

Job Description:

Job Summary:
The Principal Digital Architect for Data is responsible for defining the data architecture that enables Physical AI and autonomous systems to learn, reason, and operate at scale. This role establishes the data domains, canonical data models, data products, and architectural standards that transform vast amounts of jobsite, machine, sensor, telemetry, simulation, and operational data into trusted, reusable assets for AI development and autonomy. Working at the intersection of data, AI, digital twins, and autonomy, the architect provides technical leadership for how data is organized, managed, and delivered across the enterprise, ensuring engineers and data scientists can efficiently develop, train, fine-tune, validate, and deploy next-generation AI models while accelerating innovation through scalable and reusable data products. 

Bottom line, you are creating the data foundation that enables AI innovation at scale.


What You Will Do:

  • Developing detailed architecture deliverables to solve business problems.
  • Designing an application's technical infrastructure, such as specific databases, programming languages, utilities, and testing approaches.
  • Leading the evaluation and deployment of new technologies to add or enhance existing digital technical capabilities.
  • Participating in addressing business requirements for applications and collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver digital solutions that meets business results.


What You Will Have:

  • Data Architecture: Knowledge of processes, techniques and factors that affect data architecture; ability to design blueprints on how to integrate data resources for business processes and functional support.
  • Analytical Thinking: Knowledge of techniques and tools that promote effective analysis; ability to determine the root cause of organizational problems and create alternative solutions that resolve these problems.
  • Platform Architecture: Knowledge of technologies and methods to design processing mechanisms and roadmaps to execute business application systems; ability to design these roadmaps and deploy supportive interfaces for end-users to access related systems, in accordance with standards and processes.
  • Requirements Analysis: Knowledge of tools, methods, and techniques of requirement analysis; ability to elicit, analyze and record required business functionality and non-functionality requirements to ensure the success of a system or software development project.
  • Target Architecture: Knowledge of target architecture; ability to develop the IT blueprint and roadmap while aligning the architecture and processes with business strategies and objectives roadmap while aligning the architecture and processes with business strategies and objectives

Top Candidates Will Have:

  • Data Architecture & Domain Modeling: Demonstrated ability to define enterprise data domains, canonical data models, data contracts, metadata strategies, and scalable architectures that support complex AI and autonomy ecosystems.
  • AI & Machine Learning Data Foundations: Deep understanding of the data requirements for AI model development, including training data, fine-tuning datasets, feature engineering, vector data, model evaluation data, synthetic data, and data pipelines that support the AI lifecycle.
  • Data Platforms & Data Products: Experience designing modern cloud and on-premise data platforms and data products architectures for massive data volumes and events, including streaming data, telemetry platforms, APIs, self-service data capabilities, and reusable data assets that accelerate engineering and data science teams.
  • Physical AI & Industrial Data Ecosystems: Knowledge of machine telemetry, sensor data, digital twins, simulation data, edge-to-cloud architectures, and the unique challenges associated with autonomous systems and real-world operational data.
  • Strategic Architecture Leadership: Ability to influence senior leaders, define architectural roadmaps, establish standards and patterns, govern technology decisions, and provide technical direction across multiple engineering organizations without direct authority.
  • Progressive career in software engineering and architecture with a focus on data (typically 12+ years)
  • Strong understanding of Agile SDLC implementation in public cloud eco-system including environments management, test automation, peer review, CI/CD, resource optimization, etc.
  • Excellent communication skills and be able to deal with sensitive issues, mentor and coach and/or persuade others on new technologies, new applications, or potential solutions.

Additional Details:

  • This position requires the candidate to work full-time at the Irving, TX office (Dallas)
  • Relocation assistance is available for this position
  • Visa sponsorship is available with this position.

#LI


 

Summary Pay Range:

$159,120.00 - $258,570.00

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 9, 2026 - June 23, 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.

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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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