Autonomy Application Architect

Career Area: Engineering Job Description: Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc. When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it. An Autonomy Application Architect owns the overall vehicle-level solution for autonomous machines. They lead a team of autonomy engineers and collaborate with specialists to design and implement autonomous systems that perform real tasks in the real world. What You Will Do: Design and implement autonomous machine systems from requirements to production. Identify state-of-the-art technology solutions to meet customer needs. Follow through with solution evaluation, selection, and delivery. Collaborate with software, hardware, and platform teams to break down solutions into actionable delivery activities. Estimate project time and cost to enable prioritization and project management. Perform Risk and Benefit analysis on proposed solutions and execute phased delivery plans starting with simulation, running through proof of concept, culminating in production release. Collaborate with global engineering and cross functional teams to deliver new products within our scalable technology portfolio. Triage and resolve system level issues found in development, validation, or production. What You Have: Communicating Complex Concepts: Work with a global team to communicate the Why’s and develop the How’s of agreed features. Clearly document system details and ensure understanding with each subsystem team. Communicate designs and tradeoffs with stakeholders at multiple levels. Technical Excellence: Proven ability to work on production products through design, implementation, customer rollout, and support. Ability to decompose complex customer requirements into achievable technical requirements for the systems that make up the product. Knowledge and experience with Autonomous Systems, preferably a Cat Command system such as Command for Hauling, Dozing, etc. Influencing Through Expertise: Strong working knowledge of the Caterpillar Command ecosystem in mining or construction, or other centralized control system architectures which can be drawn upon for design proposals and decisions. Constantly staying abreast of advancements in the Autonomy and mining industries. Provides evidentiary support while giving opinions or recommendations to influence decision making. Conducts tasks in such a way as to build a strong reputation and credibility as an expert in the field. Effective Communications: Understanding of 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. Effectively communicates ideas and design tradeoffs to team members and stakeholders Willing to spend the time to document designs, requirements, and success criteria to assure team member alignment Clearly explains project goals to team members, keeps leadership informed of progress, and shares relevant updates with external partners Uses data-driven arguments , active listening, and tailored messaging to persuade stakeholders and achieve consensus. Education Requirements: Bachelors degree in an accredited Engineering or Computer Science curriculum Consideration for Top Candidates: Experience with Caterpillar technology products Experience with Robotics or Autonomous projects required Experience with mining, construction, or agricultural machines and methods Experience with product lifecycle and multi-generational technology products Data analysis and issue investigation using custom scripts and tools Safety frameworks, such as functional safety or SOTIF - Simulation tools for development and validation Familiarity with SiL and HiL test methods C++ and Python familiarity Development in a Linux environment Additional Information: This position requires the candidate to work full-time at the Mossville, IL; Irving, TX; or Tucson, AZ 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: $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. Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position. Posting Dates: August 4, 2026 - August 9, 2026 Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen. Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply. Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community .