Caterpillar, Inc

Principal Perception Architect - System Integration

Caterpillar, Inc$147K — $240K *
Transportation
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-7 years of experience with perception sensor systems (e.g., cameras, lidar, radar, IMU, GNSS, etc.)
  • Strong background in evaluating and integrating autonomous vehicle sensors
  • Expert knowledge of sensor interfaces, cabling, and networking principles
  • Deep understanding of sensor placement and environmental protection needs
  • Excellent cross-functional collaboration skills with various technical teams

Responsibilities

  • Define and implement perception sensor selection strategies across multiple technologies.
  • Own and develop the architecture for perception sensor integration, focusing on software and data readiness.
  • Assess current sensor capabilities and identify areas for improvement in the Data Collection Kit.
  • Identify and mitigate sensor coverage gaps and reliability risks across autonomous platforms.
  • Establish comprehensive requirements for sensor mounting, network integration, and serviceability.

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)
  • Career Development opportunities
  • Incentive bonuses
  • Disability benefits
  • Life Insurance
  • Parental leave
  • Tuition Reimbursement
Full Job Description
Career Area:
Technology, Digital and Data

Job Description:

Job Summary:

Own the front-end perception sensor system architecture for autonomous machine platforms. This role focuses on selecting, evaluating, integrating, and validating sensors such as cameras, lidar, radar, IMU, GNSS, ultrasonic, and other sensing technologies so reliable data streams are available for downstream services and platforms.

This role also works with the existing Data Collection Kit to understand current sensor capability, integration gaps, data quality limitations, and improvement opportunities.

What You Will Do:
  • Define perception sensor selection and evaluation strategy across cameras, lidar, radar, IMU, GNSS, ultrasonic, and other sensing technologies.
  • Own perception sensor integration architecture, including sensor interfaces, driver software requirements, data stream readiness, startup behavior, configuration, health monitoring, diagnostics, and status reporting.
  • Assess the existing Data Collection Kit to identify sensor coverage gaps, data quality issues, integration limitations, interface constraints, and improvement opportunities.
  • Identify and resolve sensing coverage gaps across the machine, including blind spots, field-of-view and range limitations, placement constraints, and data reliability risks.
  • Define sensor mounting, electrical, network, cabling, packaging, environmental protection, and serviceability requirements to ensure sensors can be reliably integrated into machine platforms.


What You Will Have:
  • Analytical Thinking: Expert 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: Expert 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.
  • Data Architecture: Expert 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. Ability to utilize design methodologies, tools and techniques to convert business requirements and logical models into a technical design.
  • Effective Communications: Expert understanding 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.
  • Organizational Leadership: Expert knowledge of leadership concepts and ability to use strategies and skills to enlist others in setting, embracing and achieving objectives.


Considerations for Top Candidates:
  • Strong experience with perception sensor systems, including cameras, lidar, radar, IMU, GNSS, ultrasonic, or similar sensing technologies.
  • Experience evaluating, selecting, and integrating perception sensors for autonomous vehicles or robotics. Familiarity with construction machine applications is a plus.
  • Experience with sensor interfaces, cabling, networking, power, synchronization, driver software requirements, data streaming, diagnostics, and health monitoring.
  • Solid understanding of sensor placement, field of view, machine coverage, blind spot analysis, mounting, packaging, vibration, environmental protection, and serviceability.
  • Strong cross-functional collaboration skills with sensor suppliers, machine platform, edge platform, data collection, and hardware/software teams.


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 for this position
  • This position will require up to 25% domestic travel


Summary Pay Range:

$147,760.00 - $240,110.00

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

Posting Dates:

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.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with company news, career tips, and industry insights—all from the people who work here. Subscribe to our careers blog and personalize your subscription to receive updates that align with your career interests.

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

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Caterpillar, Inc

More Transportation Jobs

Find similar Principal Perception Architect - System Integration jobs: