Principal Robotics Validation Architect

Caterpillar Inc.•Irving, TX

6d•$147,760 - $240,110•Onsite

About The Position

The Principal Robotics Validation Architect owns the approach for proving that autonomous robotics systems work. This includes evaluation methodology and metrics, benchmarking, scenario coverage, sim-to-real methodology, and simulation requirements for validating autonomous behavior before and during deployment. The role partners with Simulation on validation strategy and defines how system readiness and safety are measured. It provides architectural direction for ensuring machines are measured, benchmarked, and validated from simulation through real-world operation. The role develops architecture deliverables to address business problems; designs application technical infrastructure, including databases, programming languages, utilities, and testing approaches; leads evaluation and deployment of technologies that enhance digital capabilities; and works with cross-functional teams to deliver digital solutions that meet business results. The position is based full-time at Caterpillar’s Irving, Texas office. Domestic relocation assistance is available; visa sponsorship is not available.

Requirements

Knowledge of analytical techniques and tools, including the ability to identify root causes and develop alternative solutions.
Knowledge of application design and architecture principles and practices, and ability to convert business requirements and logical models into technical application designs.
Knowledge of platform architecture technologies and methods, including designing roadmaps and supportive interfaces in accordance with standards and processes.
Knowledge of requirements analysis tools and methods, and ability to elicit, analyze, and record functional and non-functional requirements.
Knowledge of target architecture and ability to develop IT blueprints and roadmaps aligned with business strategies and objectives.
Progressive career in software engineering and architecture, focused on autonomy validation and simulation, at senior or principal level.
Strong understanding of Agile SDLC implementation in a public-cloud ecosystem, including environment management, test automation, peer review, CI/CD, and resource optimization.
Excellent communication skills, including the ability to handle sensitive issues, mentor and coach, and persuade others regarding technologies, applications, or solutions.
Ability to work full-time at the Irving, Texas office.

Nice To Haves

Experience defining evaluation methodology, metrics, and benchmarks for autonomy or robotics systems.
Experience with sim-to-real methodology, scenario design, and coverage analysis for validating autonomous behavior.
Ability to define simulation requirements and partner with Simulation on validation strategy.
Understanding of safety validation and readiness criteria for deploying autonomous machines.
Ability to influence senior leaders and provide strategic architecture leadership across multiple engineering organizations without direct authority.

Responsibilities

Own validation architecture, including evaluation methodology and metrics, benchmarking, scenario coverage, and sim-to-real methodology.
Define simulation requirements needed to validate autonomous behavior before and during deployment, partnering with Simulation on validation strategy.
Define how readiness and safety are measured for autonomous machines.
Develop detailed architecture deliverables to solve business problems.
Design application technical infrastructure, including databases, programming languages, utilities, and testing approaches.
Lead evaluation and deployment of new technologies to add to or enhance existing digital technical capabilities.
Address business requirements for applications and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver digital solutions that meet business results.
Provide strategic architectural leadership, including defining roadmaps, establishing standards and patterns, governing technology decisions, and providing technical direction across engineering organizations.