Caterpillar, Inc

Senior Validation Engineer - Autonomy Scalability

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

Qualifications

  • 5-7 years of experience in validation engineering or related field
  • Strong technical troubleshooting skills
  • Proficient in software product testing methodologies
  • Demonstrated problem-solving ability across diverse situations
  • Knowledgeable about industry trends and regulations
  • Experience in autonomous systems, particularly in mining or robotics
  • Familiarity with Linux environments and simulation-based testing

Responsibilities

  • Execute system integration and validation for autonomous mining truck systems
  • Conduct testing in scalability lab and Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) environments
  • Develop and evaluate autonomy software for machine perception and control
  • Analyze data to identify technical issues and enhance system performance
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate requirements into testing solutions

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Paid time off including vacation and holidays
  • 401(k) savings plan with employer contribution
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) options
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
  • Employee Assistance Program and wellness initiatives
  • Tuition reimbursement for further education
  • Incentive bonuses based on performance
  • Life and disability insurance
  • Parental leave and adoption benefits
Full Job Description

Career Area:

Engineering

Job Description:

This Senior Validation Engineer will develop, integrate, and validate complex autonomy systems that support Caterpillar's Command for Hauling autonomous mining truck program. In this role, you will execute System Integration & Validation (SI&V) activities within Caterpillar's virtual mine environment, helping ensure autonomous system performance, safety, reliability, and productivity. Working closely with software, systems, and testing teams, you will troubleshoot complex technical issues, analyze system performance, and contribute to the delivery of industry-leading autonomous mining solutions.

What You Will Do:

  • Execute system integration and validation activities for autonomous mining truck systems within Caterpillar's Command for Hauling program.
  • Perform testing in Caterpillar's scalability lab and Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) environments to validate system functionality, safety, and performance requirements.
  • Develop, integrate, troubleshoot, and evaluate autonomy software systems supporting machine perception, positioning, path planning, and control capabilities.
  • Analyze test, simulation, and field data to identify root causes, resolve complex technical issues, and improve overall autonomous system performance.
  • Collaborate with software, systems, and validation engineering teams to translate requirements into testable solutions and communicate technical results across global organizations.

What You Will Have:

  • Technical Troubleshooting: Knowledge of technical troubleshooting approaches, tools and techniques; ability to anticipate, recognize, and resolve technical issues on hardware, software, application or operation.
  • Software Product Testing: Knowledge of software product testing; ability to design, plan, and execute testing strategies and tactics to ensure software product quality and adherence to stated requirements.
  • Problem Solving: Knowledge of approaches, tools, techniques for recognizing, anticipating, and resolving organizational, operational or process problems; ability to apply knowledge of problem solving appropriately to diverse situations.
  • Industry Knowledge: Knowledge of the organization's industry group, trends, directions, major issues, regulatory considerations, and trendsetters; ability to apply industry knowledge appropriately to diverse situations.

Considerations For Top Candidates:

  • Experience with autonomous vehicle, robotics, or mining automation systems, including system integration and validation activities.
  • Strong understanding of autonomy technologies such as path planning, perception, positioning, and machine control systems.
  • Experience working in Linux environments and supporting software-in-the-loop (SIL) or simulation-based testing.
  • Proven ability to troubleshoot complex software and system-level issues using data analysis and root cause investigation techniques.
  • Experience developing, integrating, or validating software for safety-critical systems in real-world or virtual test environments.
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across software, systems, and test engineering teams in a global organization.
  • Experience in construction/mining industry preferred

Additional Information:

  • This position requires the candidate to work full-time at the Mossville, IL office.
  • Domestic relocation assistance is available for this position.
  • Visa sponsorship is NOT available with this position.
  • This position will require up to 10% 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:

September 17, 2026 - October 1, 2026

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.

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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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