Autonomy Application Architect

About the Role

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. 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.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement autonomous machine systems from requirements to production.
• Identify state-of-the-art technology solutions to meet customer needs, including 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.

Requirements

Communicating Complex Concepts

• Work with a global team to communicate the "why" and develop the "how" 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.
• Stay abreast of advancements in the autonomy and mining industries.
• Provide evidentiary support while giving opinions or recommendations to influence decision-making.
• Conduct tasks in such a way as to build a strong reputation and credibility as an expert in the field.

Effective Communications

• Understand effective communication concepts, tools, and techniques to transmit, receive, and interpret ideas, information, and needs.
• Effectively communicate ideas and design tradeoffs to team members and stakeholders.
• Document designs, requirements, and success criteria to assure team alignment.
• Clearly explain project goals to team members, keep leadership informed of progress, and share relevant updates with external partners.
• Use data-driven arguments, active listening, and tailored messaging to persuade stakeholders and achieve consensus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an accredited Engineering or Computer Science curriculum.
• 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.
• Knowledge of safety frameworks, such as functional safety or SOTIF.
• Experience with simulation tools for development and validation.
• Familiarity with SiL and HiL test methods.
• Familiarity with C++, Python, and development in a Linux environment.

Consideration for top candidates with experience in Caterpillar technology products.

Location & Schedule

This position requires working full-time onsite five days a week at the Mossville, IL; Irving, TX; or Tucson, AZ office. Domestic relocation assistance is available. This position will require up to 10% travel.

Pay

Pay Range: $147,760.00 - $240,110.00. Compensation and benefits may vary depending on job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance, and experience.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits (subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines).
• 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.