Autonomy Engineer

Caterpillar Inc.•Irving, TX

1d•$97,530 - $158,480•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, and autonomous work execution across machine platforms and applications. Working with autonomy, perception, controls, simulation, and software platform teams, the engineer defines requirements, develops planning solutions, creates test scenarios, and evaluates 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 planning architectures for varied machines, environments, objectives, and constraints. The position is based full-time 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.
Experience interpreting system architectures, application designs, and technical specifications to deliver robust software solutions.
Knowledge of robotics frameworks and middleware technologies, including Robot Operating System (ROS).
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 across 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; 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.

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, identifying performance improvements, and ensuring system reliability.
Contribute to scalable planning architectures adaptable to different machine types, operating environments, objectives, and constraints.
Apply robotics, motion planning, optimization, controls, and autonomous systems expertise to engineering problems and autonomy technology.