Autonomy Validation Specialist

Caterpillar Inc.•Mossville, IL

4d•$128,470 - $208,770•Onsite

About The Position

This position supports Caterpillar’s Autonomous Program and helps deliver high-quality, technology-ready autonomous platforms. The role leads System Integration and Validation (SI&V), primarily in laboratory environments and in coordination with Test Track and Proving Grounds teams. It includes hands-on leadership of hardware and software integration and validation across onboard and offboard autonomous, remote-control, and semi-autonomous technology components. The specialist works with cross-functional teams to align validation activities with New Product Introduction (NPI) timelines and program milestones, ensuring systems are robust, validated, and production-ready. The position is based onsite five days a week at Caterpillar’s Mossville, Illinois office and requires up to 20% travel. Domestic relocation assistance is available; visa sponsorship is not available.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
Knowledge of mining technology, industry trends, major issues, regulatory considerations, and trendsetters, and the ability to apply that knowledge in varied situations.
Knowledge of problem-solving approaches, tools, and techniques, with the ability to recognize, anticipate, and resolve organizational, operational, or process problems.
Knowledge of software product testing and the ability to design, plan, and execute testing strategies to ensure software quality and adherence to requirements, including use of workflow tools such as HP Quality Center or Azure DevOps.
Experience using Azure DevOps, JIRA, Confluence, or similar ALM tools for test and program management.
Experience with SIL, MIL, and/or HIL concepts.
Knowledge of relevant programming languages and tools, with the ability to test, debug, and troubleshoot software algorithms.
Knowledge of technical troubleshooting approaches, tools, and techniques, with the ability to resolve hardware, software, application, or operational issues.
Demonstrated ability to manage complex validation efforts across multiple teams and environments.
Ability to work onsite five days per week in Mossville, Illinois.
Ability to travel up to 20%.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
Experience in design, development, validation, or product support of complex autonomous vehicle systems.
Knowledge of iterative testing using agile methodologies and understanding of the V-model for verification and validation.
Experience with model-based simulation programs.
Extensive experience with electrical systems, including harness and electrical integration, interfaces, and sensors.
Advanced data analysis and systems analysis skills for troubleshooting complex issues from tests or customer sites and using test-site information to improve system performance.
Strong communication skills for technical status updates, test-plan reviews, and collaboration with autonomy validation engineers, support teams, and product support.
Knowledge of AI concepts, technologies, and methodologies for developing, implementing, or applying AI products in an industry domain.

Responsibilities

Lead and manage end-to-end system integration and validation activities for autonomous platforms.
Create, manage, and maintain comprehensive test plans and assign execution to multiple test teams.
Track test execution progress, manage risks, and ensure timely issue resolution.
Develop and maintain dashboards and metrics that provide visibility into validation status.
Participate in escape retrospectives and drive corrective and preventive actions.
Support bench design, build, and commissioning activities.
Collaborate with Systems and Product teams on validation timelines and requirements.