L6E Software and Technology Validation Engineer

Caterpillar Inc.•East Peoria, IL

9d•$147,760 - $221,640•Onsite

About The Position

Caterpillar is hiring an L6E Sr. Software and Technology Validation Engineer to help validate next-generation Earthmoving products. The role provides technical leadership for validation planning and execution, working with software, controls, systems, product development teams, and internal and external suppliers to deliver software and technology solutions that meet requirements for quality, performance, reliability, and customer experience. The engineer develops risk-based validation strategies, test plans, and acceptance criteria that translate system and software requirements into measurable test coverage at component, subsystem, and machine levels. Validation uses simulation, software-in-the-loop (SIL), hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), bench, and machine testing, including functional, integration, regression, and performance testing. The role also supports requirements and design reviews, issue investigation and root cause analysis, automated and repeatable validation methods, coordination of validation priorities and resources, release-readiness communication, mentoring, and leadership updates. The position collaborates with product group machine L6 validation engineers to share validation and early learning across EMD and outside of EMD. The position is onsite five days per week, Monday through Friday, with 10% domestic and international travel. Relocation assistance is available; visa sponsorship is not available. The stated summary pay range is $147,760 to $221,640.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Engineering, Computer Science, or Materials Science.
Extensive experience, including software, controls, or integrated machine technology development and validation.
Experience in at least two of the following areas: embedded software and electronic controls validation; SIL, HIL, or simulation-based testing; machine-level technology integration and system validation; test automation, scripting, and regression testing; requirements-based test development and validation traceability; or software and system troubleshooting, data analysis, and root cause investigation.
Technical and functional understanding of machine systems, embedded controls, and software interfaces.
Ability to communicate validation results and technical risks across cross-functional teams.

Nice To Haves

Experience leading cross-functional software or technology validation projects, including test strategy, execution planning, and release-readiness assessments.
Experience developing automated tests using Python, MATLAB/Simulink, or similar tools, and integrating tests into CI/CD workflows.
Experience with machine communication networks such as CAN and J1939, diagnostic tools, data acquisition, and software configuration and defect management tools.
Experience in machine or vehicle development in design or validation functions, including integrated technologies such as operator assistance, automation, connectivity, or electrification.
Experience with Earthmoving products.

Responsibilities

Provide technical leadership for software and technology validation across Earthmoving products, working with software, controls, systems, and product development teams and internal and external suppliers.
Develop risk-based validation strategies, test plans, and acceptance criteria that translate system and software requirements into measurable test coverage at component, subsystem, and machine levels.
Lead validation execution using simulation, SIL, HIL, bench, and machine testing, including functional, integration, regression, and performance testing.
Collaborate in requirements and design reviews, identify validation gaps and technical risks, and maintain traceability between requirements, test cases, defects, and validation results.
Drive issue investigation and root cause analysis by reproducing failures, analyzing software and machine data, and partnering with development teams to verify corrective actions.
Improve validation efficiency and repeatability through automated testing, reusable test methods, data analysis, and integration with software build and release workflows.
Coordinate validation priorities, schedules, and resources; communicate test coverage, results, unresolved risks, and release readiness; and mentor engineers in validation methods and technical problem-solving.
Collaborate with product group machine L6 validation engineers to leverage validation and early learning across EMD and outside of EMD.
Provide regular leadership updates on validation status and progress.