L6E Software and Technology Validation Engineer

Caterpillar•East Peoria, IL

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Caterpillar is seeking an L6E Software and Technology Validation Engineer to provide technical leadership for validation of software and technology across Earthmoving products. The role uses expertise in embedded software, machine systems, and integrated technologies to validate next-generation products and ensure quality, performance, reliability, and a strong customer experience. The engineer collaborates with software, controls, systems, product development teams, and internal and external suppliers. The position 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 is conducted through simulation, software-in-the-loop (SIL), hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), bench, and machine testing. The role also improves validation efficiency through automation, reusable methods, data analysis, and integration with software build and release workflows. The engineer coordinates priorities, schedules, and resources; communicates test coverage, results, risks, and release readiness; and mentors engineers. The position requires working onsite five days per week in the office, with 10% domestic and international travel. Relocation assistance is available; visa sponsorship is not available.

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; 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, collaborating with software, controls, systems, product development teams, and suppliers.
Develop risk-based validation strategies, test plans, and acceptance criteria that turn system and software requirements into measurable test coverage at component, subsystem, and machine levels.
Lead functional, integration, regression, and performance validation using simulation, SIL, HIL, bench, and machine testing.
Participate in requirements and design reviews, identify validation gaps and technical risks, and maintain traceability among requirements, test cases, defects, and validation results.
Investigate issues and determine root causes by reproducing failures, analyzing software and machine data, and working 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.
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.