System Engineer

This role is responsible for helping define the system‑level requirements and architecture for autonomous machine solutions within the Loading, Dozing & Compaction Application Team
. The Systems Engineer will focus on integrating multiple onboard electronic systems—spanning software, hardware, processes, and people—into a cohesive semi‑ or fully autonomous machine platform.

The ideal candidate is highly detail‑oriented, comfortable working through ambiguity, and effective at driving alignment across cross‑functional teams. They will regularly make and communicate trade‑off decisions between time, resources, and quality
, using data and evidence to influence technical and business outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and decompose customer needs into L6 system‑level requirements for autonomous machine systems.
• Lead system integration requirements across multiple onboard electronic and mechanical subsystems.
• Work closely with Machine Systems (L6) teams to determine optimal approaches for delivering autonomous machine features, ensuring clear documentation and traceability.
• Support the integration and validation of 1A autonomous solutions for Surface Loading machines (e.g., Wheel Loaders, Excavators).
• Serve as a technical subject matter expert for Surface Loading Machine Autonomous Solutions.
• Apply new autonomous technologies and solutions to semi‑ and fully autonomous systems.
• Communicate system readiness, technical risk, and trade‑offs to stakeholders at multiple levels.
• Provide data‑driven recommendations and evidentiary support to influence engineering and leadership decisions.
• Build credibility as a systems expert by consistently delivering high‑quality technical work.
• Clearly communicate system designs, requirements, and trade‑offs to engineering teams and stakeholders.
• Document architectures, requirements, assumptions, and success criteria to ensure cross‑team alignment.
• Explain project goals to team members, keep leadership informed of progress, and share relevant updates with external partners.
• Use active listening and tailored messaging to build consensus within global, cross‑functional teams

Required Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field (Associate degree is a disqualifier).
• 5–7 years of professional experience.
• Internship experience may count toward total years of experience.
• On‑site role —
  remote work not supported
  .

Top 3 Required Skills

• Proven experience as a Systems Engineer supporting product development teams with both software and hardware components.
• Experience collaborating with systems integration and validation teams on complex engineering products.
• Familiarity with Surface Loading equipment such as Wheel Loaders, Excavators, Hydraulic Mining Shovels, or Tracked Loaders (preferred but highly valued).

Additional Technical Requirements

• Experience in the Construction or Mining industry
  .
• Strong ability to:
• Decompose complex customer requirements into achievable technical system requirements.
• Knowledge and experience with Autonomous Systems (Cat Command systems preferred).
• Ability to work with global teams to:
• Communicate the “why” behind features.
• Align on technical approaches and execution (“the how”).
• Strong documentation skills ensuring clarity, understanding, and compliance across subsystem teams

Required Soft Skills

• Influence through expertise — able to guide decisions based on technical depth and experience.
• Strong systems‑level thinking and judgment around trade‑offs.
• Ability to clearly communicate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.
• Continuous learning mindset, staying current with advancements in autonomy and mining technologies
  .
• Familiarity with centralized control system architectures (Caterpillar Command ecosystem strongly preferred).
• Lack of systems‑level requirement decomposition experience.
• No exposure to machine‑level autonomous systems or system integration.