Autonomy Project Team Lead

Caterpillar Inc.•Rapid City, SD

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc. 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. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it. Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc. When you join Caterpillar, you’re joining a global team who care not just about the work we do – but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers and future work builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don’t just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it. Cat Technology collaborates with partners across the Caterpillar enterprise to advance technologies including autonomy and automation, which helps enhance site safety, productivity and efficiency across customer operations worldwide. Cat Technology also owns enterprise-wide initiatives in innovation, research and development, manufacturing automation and advanced materials, ensuring Caterpillar continues to lead the industry in technological excellence and engineering innovation. As an Autonomy Project Team Lead, you will be responsible for supporting Cat Technology which will require you to integrate technology onto Caterpillar prime products through all development phases including prototype through production. Additional Information: This role is located in Rapid City, SD. This role is 1st shift, Monday – Friday. This role is 100% on-site with no opportunity for hybrid or remote schedules This role requires up to 25% domestic and/or international travel

Requirements

Planning: Tactical, Strategic: Knowledge of effective planning techniques and ability to contribute to operational (short term), tactical (1-2 years) and strategic (3-5 years) planning in support of the overall business plan.
Effective Communications: Understanding of effective communication concepts, tools and techniques; ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through the application of appropriate communication behaviors.
Relationship Management: Knowledge of relationship management techniques; ability to establish and maintain healthy working relationships with clients, vendors, and peers.
Cross-Team Integration: Understanding of the importance of inter-team collaboration in breaking down silos and achieving business results; ability to lead employees from various functions to communicate, coordinate work across divisions, and collaborate in solving problems as one team.
Managing People: Knowledge of processes involved in managing people; ability to lead successful teams, and diligently address issues related to performance and conflicts at the workplace.
Project Management: Knowledge of effective project management strategies and tactics; ability to plan, organize, monitor, and control projects, ensuring efficient utilization of technical and administrative resources to achieve project objectives.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in an Engineering/Technical field and/or equivalent experience
Knowledge of marketplace experience, developments and trends related to the organization's use of Information Technology (IT); ability to apply knowledge of IT appropriately to benefit the organization.
Prior experience with Creo knowledge and design
Prior experience with Caterpillar Prime Products, especially technology products
Ability to manage multiple ongoing projects at the same time
Previous experience in a similar role

Responsibilities

Lead hardware development project scheduling and execution, ensuring teams meet key milestones.
Drive resolution of build and field issues while maintaining high standards for design quality, compliance, safety, manufacturability, and serviceability.
Develop product concepts, models, and drawings in Creo, and manage accurate releases through Teamcenter and engineering documentation systems.
Own Bill of Materials (BOM) structure, cost rollups, and part readiness for validation, testing, and prototype builds.
Conduct design reviews and machine audits, ensuring alignment with safety, serviceability, and design requirements.
Manage engineering deliverables and approvals across Pre‑CPPD, CPPD, CRM, and New Product Introduction workflows.
Provide clear visuals and presentations to support cross‑functional communication and leadership updates.
Support forward‑looking planning for resources, budgets, and upcoming programs, including tracking procurement and build schedules.
Lead, coach, and develop team members while fostering accountability and continuous improvement.