Autonomy Engineer

Caterpillar•Irving, TX

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Robotics Planning Engineer designs, develops, and validates planning software that enables autonomous machines to navigate safely and efficiently, perform work tasks, and execute complex operations in dynamic environments. The role develops planning algorithms, APIs, software frameworks, and reusable components for navigation, motion, path, and terrain planning, as well as autonomous work execution across different machine platforms and applications. The engineer works with autonomy, perception, controls, simulation, and software platform teams to define requirements, develop planning solutions, create test scenarios, and evaluate system performance. The work includes implementing and optimizing algorithms, developing C++ libraries and interfaces, supporting simulation and validation, analyzing field and test data, and contributing to scalable architectures that address different machine types, environments, objectives, and constraints. This position requires full-time work at Caterpillar's Irving, Texas office and may require up to 10% travel. Domestic relocation assistance and visa sponsorship are available.

Requirements

At least 1 year of experience developing robotics or autonomous solutions, with demonstrated technical expertise in complex software systems.
Strong C++ development skills and proficiency in Python for algorithm development, testing, and automation.
Ability to interpret system architectures, application designs, and technical specifications to deliver robust software solutions.
Ability to troubleshoot complex software and application issues through code analysis, debugging, profiling, log analysis, and root-cause investigation.
Experience with structured software engineering practices, documenting technical issues and resolutions, and contributing to maintainable, scalable software architectures.
Knowledge of problem-solving approaches, tools, and techniques, and ability to apply them to diverse situations.
Knowledge of the software development life cycle and ability to use a structured methodology to deliver and manage software products.
Knowledge of relevant programming languages and tools, including the ability to test, write, design, debug, troubleshoot, and maintain source code and computer programs.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's, master's, or PhD in Robotics Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline.
Knowledge of robotics frameworks and middleware technologies, including Robot Operating System (ROS).

Responsibilities

Collaborate with autonomy, perception, controls, simulation, and software platform teams to define requirements, develop planning solutions, create test scenarios, and evaluate system performance.
Design, implement, and optimize motion-planning algorithms for safe and efficient autonomous operation in complex real-world environments.
Develop and maintain C++ software libraries, interfaces, and planning frameworks for autonomous machine capabilities.
Support simulation, testing, and validation by analyzing field and test data to identify performance improvements and ensure system reliability.
Contribute to scalable planning architectures adaptable to different machine types, operating environments, objectives, and operational constraints.
Apply robotics, motion-planning, optimization, controls, and autonomous-systems expertise to engineering problems and autonomy technology.