Caterpillar, Inc

Senior Autonomy Project Team Lead

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

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Computer, Mechanical Engineering, or Computer Science
  • 5-7 years of experience in project management
  • Expertise in Agile software development methodologies
  • Experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing
  • Knowledge of effective planning techniques
  • Strong communication skills for engaging with teams and stakeholders
  • Experience in heavy equipment or autonomous systems is a plus

Responsibilities

  • Champion product quality for NPI programs in construction autonomy
  • Drive efficiency initiatives for AI-based product validation
  • Lead planning and reporting for integration and validation activities
  • Manage daily priorities for the integration team
  • Coordinate defect and issue management
  • Foster a culture of continuous improvement through retrospectives

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits
  • Paid time off including vacation and holidays
  • 401(k) savings plan
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Career development opportunities
  • Incentive bonus programs
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Parental leave and adoption benefits
Full Job Description
Career Area:
Engineering

Job Description:

This exciting opportunity will place you in a crucial role in Caterpillar's delivery of Autonomous Solutions to our customers in the construction industries. This position is for a Senior Autonomy Project Team Lead serving as the L8 Validation Lead within the Cat Technology - Autonomy - System Integration & Validation division. This individual will provide Validation Leadership for the next generation of AI-powered autonomous solutions aimed at solving our customers toughest challenges. This role includes the opportunity to provide internally facing team leadership to our globally based integration & validation team members - as well as serving as a key point of contact with internal partner development teams.

The individual will deliver new levels of development & validation efficiency, set the system integration & validation strategy, lead team members, and represent the Product Quality swim lane for the associated NPI programs. Outstanding technical, coordination, and communication skills are a must for this position.

What You Will Do:
  • Champion Product Quality for all Construction Autonomy NPI programs
  • Drive Efficiency initiatives to reduce reliance on machines for Development and Validation efforts - specifically in the areas of AI-based product validation, virtual product development (VPD) and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL).
  • Lead NPI Product Quality swim lane activities including Validation planning and status reporting.
  • Manage priorities for integration & validation team members - from setting major release strategy down to day-to-day coordination in daily huddles.
  • Lead coordination of Defect / Issue management.
  • Lead a culture of continuous improvement through issue retrospectives.


What You Have:
  • Planning: Tactical, Strategic: Knowledge of effective planning techniques and ability to contribute to operational (short term), tactical (1-2 years) and strategic (3-5 years) planning in support of the overall business plan.
    • Expertise in developing multiyear strategic-level validation initiatives.
    • Knowledge of annual budget planning cycle processes
  • Effective Communications:
    • Expertise in presenting concise status summaries to cross functional New Product Introduction (NPI) teams and director/executive level stakeholders.
  • Cross-Team Integration:
    • Expertise in leading regular team forums focused on project plan management, issue triage and management, and technical evaluation of validation techniques.
  • Project Management:
    • Expertise in developing and managing project management plans.
    • Expertise in challenging teams to pressure test schedule durations in plan development.
  • Software Development Life Cycle:
    • Knowledge of Agile software development methodologies and practices.
    • Expertise with complex software applications within system of system level products
  • Education requirement: Requires a degree in an accredited Electrical, Computer, or Mechanical Engineering; or Computer Science curriculum.


Consideration for Top Candidates:
  • Experience supporting projects in Heavy Equipment (Automotive, Manufacturing, Robotics, etc.)
  • Prior validation or testing experience of Engineering Product Development Required
  • Prior experience with hands-on testing of HIL equipment
  • Exposure to AI in Engineering preferred (GenAI)


Additional Information:
  • This position requires the candidate to work full-time at the Mossville, IL or Irving, TX office.
  • Domestic relocation assistance is available for this position.
  • Visa sponsorship is NOT available with this position.
  • This position will require up to 20% travel
  • #LI


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

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 15, 2026 - June 28, 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.

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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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