Autonomy Systems Engineer

Career Area:

Technology, Digital and Data

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.

Job Summary:

As an Autonomy Systems Engineer, on the Surface Loading Autonomy team you will be an integral part of the team developing the next generation of autonomous machines for the construction industry.   In this role you will have responsibility to help to define the requirements and system architecture to integrate autonomy solutions with the base machine, integrating many different types of onboard electronics system, and includes hands on work in both lab and on machine environments.  The incumbent needs to be very detail oriented, help to develop and execute standard work and work well with and through others. Additionally, the incumbent will also need to be capable of making and communicating good decisions around the trade-offs between time, resources, and quality. 

 

What You Will Do:

• Apply new autonomous system solutions and technologies on a semi or full autonomous system

• Decomposition of Customer requirements into (L6) system level requirements

• Work closely with Machine System teams (L6) to determine the best way to deliver on machine autonomous features.

• Ensure clear documentation and traceability.

• Integration and validation of autonomy solutions on surface loading machines

• Serve as a subject matter expert for Surface Loading Machine Autonomous Solutions

• Communicate system readiness and technical risk to stakeholders

What You Will Have:

Communicating Complex Concepts:  

• Work with a global team to communicate the Why’s and develop the How’s of agreed features. 

• Clearly document the details for the system and ensure understanding and compliance 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 and hardware, including vision systems (e.g. Camera, Lidar, and Radar), G&SS, and IMU. 

Influencing Through Expertise:  

• Strong working knowledge of the Autonomy ecosystem in mining or construction, or other autonomous system control system architectures which can be drawn upon for design proposals and decisions.   

• Constantly staying abreast of advancements in the Autonomy and construction 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:  

• Effectively communicates ideas and design tradeoffs to team members and stakeholders 

• Willing to spend the time to document designs, requirements, and success criteria to ensure 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.

 

Top Candidates Will Have:

• A Bachelor’s degree in an accredited Engineering, Computer Science, or related field. 

• Proven experience as a Systems Engineer supporting product development teams focusing on software and hardware development 

• Prior experience collaborating with systems integration and validation teams for engineering product development 

• Experience in Construction or Mining industry 

• Knowledge and experience with Wheel Loaders, Excavators, and/or Articulated Trucks preferred 

 

Additional Details:

• The permanent location for this role is Irving, TX.

• We are open to hiring candidates in Central Illinois (Mossville/Peoria). Please note, a relocation will be required to Irving, TX at a later date.

• If the incumbent is located in Dallas, position will require up to 75% travel. 

• If the incumbent is able to start in the Peoria, Illinois area for current work, travel required will be around 15%, with relocation to Dallas upon completion of projects at the Peoria Proving Ground.

• Domestic relocation assistance is available for this position. 

• Visa sponsorship is NOT available with this position. 

Summary Pay Range:

$97,530.00 - $158,480.00

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 28, 2026 - September 30, 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.

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About Us

There’s more to work at Caterpillar than just the work itself. We hire smart, friendly people and it shows in our culture. We hold ourselves to high standards and make sure our values of integrity, excellence, teamwork, commitment and sustainability come to life in the way we work. We make sure our employees feel continuously challenged while also supported. We provide professional growth opportunities, including leadership programs. We celebrate the diversity of our team, while also working together as one Caterpillar.

Our culture, like everything at our company, is made possible by each employee’s contribution. Person by person, we create the environment we work in, and we are proud of the Caterpillar we’ve built.