Caterpillar, Inc

QA Lead - Simulation Platform

Caterpillar, Inc$128K — $208K *
Enterprise Technology
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 7+ years of experience in software quality, test automation, SDET, or related engineering roles for complex software platforms.
  • 3+ years leading QA strategy, QA engineers, SDETs, or cross-functional quality initiatives.
  • 5+ years building automated tests for frontend, backend, API, integration, or system-level workflows.
  • Strong scripting or programming skills, preferably in Python, JavaScript/TypeScript, Java, or Node.js.
  • Experience with rendering, simulation platforms, robotics test environments, Nvidia Omniverse, game engines, GIS/terrain mapping, or digital twin technologies is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

  • Lead QA strategy, planning, and execution for the simulation and rendering platform across various layers.
  • Define quality standards, test processes, release gates, and measurable quality signals for the team.
  • Build and mentor a high-performing QA team, including hiring and coaching.
  • Own automated test architecture covering UI, API, integration, and performance testing.
  • Partner with engineering and architecture stakeholders to translate requirements into testable criteria.
  • Champion CI/CD quality practices and ensure readiness for releases.
  • Lead exploratory testing and defect-prevention practices for simulation workflows.

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
Full Job Description
Career Area:
Technology, Digital and Data

Job Description:

We are looking for a hands-on QA Lead who can establish quality strategy, validation practices, automation, and release confidence for a foundational simulation platform. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys moving fast, learning new technologies, collaborating across robotics and platform teams, and building a quality culture from the ground up.

What you will do:
  • Lead QA strategy, planning, and execution for the simulation and rendering platform across frontend, backend, data, APIs, rendering, and integration layers.
  • Define quality standards, test processes, release gates, defect triage methods, acceptance criteria, and measurable quality signals for the engineering team.
  • Build and mentor a high-performing QA function, including hiring support, technical interviewing, onboarding, and coaching QA engineers and SDETs.
  • Own automated test architecture for UI, API, integration, regression, data validation, simulation scenarios, rendering validation, and performance/reliability testing.
  • Partner with software engineering, robotics, product, and architecture stakeholders to translate business and technical requirements into testable acceptance criteria and validation plans.
  • Champion CI/CD quality practices, including test selection, pipeline health, flaky-test reduction, code review expectations for testability, and release readiness reporting.
  • Lead exploratory testing, risk reviews, failure-mode analysis, and defect-prevention practices for simulation workflows and robotic use cases.
  • Collaborate tightly with robotics and platform teams to reduce gaps between customer needs, technical implementation, simulation behavior, and delivered quality.
  • Facilitate QA brainstorming, test design reviews, post-release learning, and continuous improvement sessions.
  • Bring a practical, flexible mindset: if there is a better way to improve quality, propose it and help make it real.


Required
  • Experience leading QA or SDET efforts for complex web, platform, simulation, rendering, robotics, mapping, or data-intensive software products.
  • Proven ability to define QA/QC processes, engineering quality standards, release criteria, and team operating practices.
  • Hands-on experience with test automation for modern web applications, APIs, backend services, databases, and CI/CD pipelines.
  • Working knowledge of frontend and backend quality concerns, including JavaScript/TypeScript applications, service APIs, data contracts, and cross-browser/device behavior.
  • Experience validating 3D, graphics, geospatial, or simulation-related workflows, including visual correctness, scenario behavior, spatial data, or rendering output.
  • Experience with automation and quality tooling such as Playwright, Cypress, Selenium, Jest, pytest, Postman/Newman, REST/GraphQL testing, ESLint, Webpack, or similar tools.
  • Experience with cloud-based environments such as AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, Firebase, or similar deployment platforms.
  • Ability to use AI-assisted development and testing tools responsibly to accelerate test creation, troubleshooting, analysis, and documentation.
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to translate ambiguity into clear quality risks, plans, and decisions.
  • Demonstrated ability to learn new technologies independently and help teams adopt better practices.


Top Candidate:
  • 7+ years of experience in software quality, test automation, SDET, or related engineering roles for complex software platforms.
  • 3+ years leading QA strategy, QA engineers, SDETs, or cross-functional quality initiatives.
  • 5+ years building automated tests for frontend, backend, API, integration, or system-level workflows.
  • 5+ years working in agile software delivery environments with strong collaboration across engineering, product, and stakeholders.
  • Strong scripting or programming skills, preferably in Python, JavaScript/TypeScript, Java, or Node.js.
  • Experience with rendering, simulation platforms, robotics test environments, Nvidia Omniverse, game engines, GIS/terrain mapping, or digital twin technologies is highly desirable.
  • Experience improving CI/CD pipeline quality, release readiness, defect analytics, and long-term maintainability of test suites.
  • Comfortable balancing hands-on execution with technical leadership, mentoring, and process definition.


Preferred Technical Areas
  • Simulation platform validation, rendering validation, scenario-based testing, digital twin workflows, robotics simulation, geospatial/map data validation, terrain mapping, and synthetic environment test design.
  • API and data validation across SQL, NoSQL, GraphQL, published datasets, open-source libraries, and internally maintained schemas.
  • Performance, reliability, scalability, observability, and production-quality feedback loops for platform services.


Additional Details:
  • This position requires the candidate to work full-time at the Irving, TX office (Dallas)
  • Domestic relocation assistance is NOT 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.

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

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.

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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.

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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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