Autonomous Systems Engineer

Autonomous Truck Integration & Validation Engineer

Duties & Responsibilities

• Support integration and validation activities for autonomous haul truck systems within Caterpillar’s autonomy engineering team.
• Create, update, and execute test and development plans for autonomous haul truck validation activities.
• Perform on-machine testing of autonomous truck systems in real-world mining and off-highway environments.
• Analyze test data and system behavior to identify performance trends, issues, and improvement opportunities.
• Troubleshoot complex mechanical, electrical, software, and system-level issues related to autonomous haul truck operation.
• Collaborate closely with software developers, onsite operators, and cross-functional engineering teams to support successful integration and deployment activities.
• Thoroughly document testing activities, validation findings, defects, and recommendations through detailed technical reports.
• Support validation of autonomous system functions including perception, planning, positioning, and machine control systems.
• Participate in issue triage, root cause investigations, and corrective action activities during validation and field testing.
• Assist in improving validation procedures, test methodologies, and system reliability for autonomous machine platforms.
• Interface with customers and field teams to understand machine usage, operational challenges, and system feedback.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives for autonomous machine testing, validation, and deployment processes.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Mechatronics, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical discipline.
• 5–7 years of relevant experience in vehicle testing, system validation, autonomous systems, embedded systems, or machine controls.
• Candidates with a Master’s degree may be considered with fewer years of experience.
• In lieu of a degree, equivalent hands-on experience in testing or development of control systems, autonomous technologies, vehicles, or heavy equipment will be considered.
• Internship experience may be considered toward total experience requirements.
• Prior experience in vehicle test, validation, autonomous equipment, mining equipment, or off-highway machinery environments is highly preferred.

Required Skills

Technical Skills

• Strong troubleshooting skills for complex mechanical, electrical, and software-integrated systems.
• Experience with test planning, test execution, validation, and technical documentation.
• Familiarity with autonomous systems including perception, planning, positioning, and machine control technologies.
• Ability to analyze test data and generate actionable recommendations.
• Experience reading and interpreting electrical schematics and technical documentation.
• Strong computer proficiency, including Windows operating systems and engineering tools.
• Familiarity with Ubuntu or Linux environments preferred.
• Knowledge of embedded systems, control systems, and autonomous vehicle technologies is highly desirable.
• Experience working with heavy equipment, mining machinery, off-highway vehicles, or industrial autonomous systems is a plus.

Soft Skills

• Strong problem-solving and analytical thinking abilities.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills with the ability to explain technical concepts clearly.
• Ability to work independently in remote or field-based environments.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills across engineering and operations teams.
• Good organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to adapt to challenging field conditions and fast-paced testing environments.

Work Environment

• Primarily field-based testing and validation environment supporting autonomous haul truck operations.
• Work environment may include hot, dry, dusty, and mining-style operating conditions.
• Position may require frequent climbing on and off heavy equipment while carrying testing or diagnostic equipment.
• High collaboration with onsite operators, validation teams, and remote software development teams through in-person and virtual communication.