Caterpillar, Inc

Senior Autonomy Engineer

Caterpillar, Inc$112K — $183K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Robotics, Electrical/Computer Engineering, or Computer Science
  • Deep technical expertise in Robotics/Autonomous/Operator Assist solutions
  • Familiarity with frameworks like Robot Operating System (ROS)
  • Experience with planning, positioning, or perception technologies
  • Background in Mining or Construction industry
  • Proficient in embedded systems and Real-Time Controllers
  • Ability to translate research into practical implementations.

Responsibilities

  • Develop high-quality C++ software for autonomous solutions
  • Generate requirements and design architecture for advanced technologies
  • Support safety design and validation processes
  • Collaborate with and mentor team members
  • Solve real-world problems through prototyping and production development

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits
  • Paid time off including Vacation, Holidays, and Volunteer days
  • 401(k) savings plans
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Career Development opportunities
  • Tuition Reimbursement
Full Job Description
Career Area:
Engineering

Job Description:

As a Senior Autonomy Engineer, your responsibilities in software development will be focused on developing advanced technologies, semi-autonomous, and autonomous solutions for heavy equipment. You'll collaborate with team members to prototype and bring to production solutions applying and integrating positioning, planning, perception, and controls for heavy equipment applications. Every day you will work with your team to solve real world problems by selecting the right approach, developing quick prototypes & bringing them to production. You will participate in various aspects of the development process including design, documentation, coding, product quality, and validation. To excel in this role, you must be able to write and test high quality production code and enjoy solving challenging problems.

What You Will Do:
  • Develop production quality C++ software including design, documentation, coding, product quality, and validation
  • Contributes to requirements generation and architecture design considerations for advanced technologies, semi-autonomous, and autonomous solutions
  • Support functional safety software design and validation process
  • Collaborate and mentor team members to execute on goals


What You Will Have:
Problem Solving:
  • Identifies and documents specific problems and resolution alternatives.
  • Helps to analyze risks and benefits of alternative approaches and obtain decisions on resolution.
  • Uses fact-finding techniques and diagnostic tools to identify problems

Software Development Life Cycle:
  • Identifies common issues, problems, and considerations for each phase of the life cycle.
  • Interprets product development plans and functional documentation.

Programming:
  • Excellency in C++
  • Interprets application system designs and program specifications.
  • Strong engineering practices, debugging/profiling skills.
  • Experience with Continuous Integration / Continuous Delivery tools such as GitLab, GitHub Actions, or Jenkins)
  • Applies structured programming techniques to structured environments.

Technical Troubleshooting:
  • Discovers, analyzes, and resolves software or application problems in simulation, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and on the machine.
  • Analyzes code, logs, and current systems as part of advanced troubleshooting.
  • Records and reports specific technical problems, solving processes and tools that have been used.

Considerations For Top Candidates:
  • Bachelor's degree, Master's degree, or PhD in an accredited Robotics, Electrical or Computer engineering or Computer Science degree
  • Experience in Robotics/Autonomous/Operator Assist solution experience illustrating deep technical domain expertise
  • Knowledge of robotics and frameworks such as Robot Operating System (ROS)
  • Knowledge of one or more areas of planning, positioning, and/or perception along with related sensing devices.
  • Experience in Mining or Construction
  • Experience with embedded systems, Real-Time Controllers, or edge computing
  • Knowledge of telematics based messaging and machine protocols just as network and CAN.
  • Ability to survey literature for ideas and convert research papers into production implementation


Additional Information:
  • This position requires the candidate to work full-time onsite at the Mossville, IL office.
  • Alternative locations are Peoria Proving Grounds or Clayton, NC.
  • Relocation assistance is available for this position
  • Visa sponsorship is NOT available with this position.
  • This position will require up to 15% travel
  • #LI


Summary Pay Range:

$112,710.00 - $183,140.00

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:
June 19, 2026 - June 30, 2026

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

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.

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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.

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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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