Senior Autonomy Engineer

Overview

Career Area:
Engineering – Job Description. Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc. When you join Caterpillar, you are part of a global team that cares not only about the work we do, but also about each other. We are makers, problem solvers and future world builders creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We make progress and innovation happen with our customers wherever we work and live.

Together we build a better world so we can all enjoy living in it. Technology is a competitive differentiator.

As a Senior Autonomy Engineer, your responsibilities in software development focus on positioning and localization. You will collaborate with team members to prototype and bring to production algorithms that enable autonomous and semi‑autonomous systems to localize robustly within the world around them. This includes estimating position and altitude absolutely and relatively to terrain features and other equipment, and implementing filters using perception‑based, inertial, and GNSS inputs.

You will participate in design, documentation, coding, product quality and validation.

• Research and design of localization algorithms and software
• Develop production‑quality C++ software—including design, documentation, coding, product quality, and validation
• Contribute to requirements generation and architecture design for the localization architecture
• Support functional safety software design and validation process
• Collaborate and mentor localization team members to execute on goals

• Problem Solving:
  Identifies and documents specific problems and resolution alternatives. Helps to analyze risks and benefits of alternative approaches and obtain a decision on resolution. Uses fact‑finding techniques and diagnostic tools to identify problems.
• Software Development Life Cycle:
  Identifies common issues, problems, and considerations for each phase of the life cycle. Interprets product development plans and functional documentation.
• Programming:
  Excellence in C++. Fluency in Python. Interprets application system designs and program specifications. Strong engineering practices, debugging/profiling skills. Applies structured programming techniques to structured environments.
• Technical Troubleshooting:
  Discovers, analyzes, and resolves software or application problems. Analyzes code, logs, and current systems as part of advanced troubleshooting. Records and reports specific technical problems, solving processes and tools that have been used.

• Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, or PhD in an accredited Robotics, Electrical or Computer Engineering or Computer Science degree
• 4+ years of Robotics/Autonomous solution experience illustrating deep technical domain expertise
• Proven experience implementing filtering solutions including Error State, Kalman and Extended Kalman
• In‑depth knowledge of Inertial Measurement technology and Inertial‑Based Navigation and/or Guidance Systems
• Ability to survey literature for ideas and convert research papers into production implementation
• Knowledge of robotics and frameworks such as Robot Operating System (ROS)
• Strong foundation in mathematics and fundamentals (3D geometry, linear algebra, statistical error modeling including Gauss Markov Processes)
• Ability to work in various coordinate system references and perform transformations between systems
• Understanding of Physics‑based modeling, vehicle modeling, and dynamics

Pay Range: $ - $. 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.

• 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

Relocation is available for this position. Visa sponsorship is available for eligible applicants. This position requires working onsite five days a week.

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.