Technical Program Manager / Project Lead

Caterpillar Inc.•Mossville, IL

2d•$128,470 - $208,770•Onsite

About The Position

Technical Program Manager (TPM) or Project Lead for Caterpillar AI Assistant leads the development, integration, and delivery of our next generation technology for Caterpillar construction and mining machines. This role will blend hands‑on contribution and coordinating cross‑functional teams to deliver high‑quality, safety‑critical, hardware–software systems, while fostering a collaborative, supportive team environment and strong alignment with business objectives.

Requirements

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.
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.
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.
Knowledge of relationship management techniques; ability to establish and maintain healthy working relationships with clients, vendors, and peers.
Knowledge of effective planning techniques and ability to contribute to operational tactical planning.
Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Computer Science

Nice To Haves

Proven experience in Technical Program Management experience (robotics or autonomous vehicles preferred) or leading complex autonomous or heavy‑equipment product development
New Product Introduction (NPI) leadership experience for complex machines or product features
Strong technical background in complex hardware–software systems
Experience leading cross‑functional teams and managing release schedules
Familiarity with agile development methodologies
Exposure to verification and validation of safety‑critical software and systems
Experience delivering programs to production
Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and project leadership skills

Responsibilities

Coordinate system programs across multiple machines, ensuring alignment to common strategy, architecture, and customer expectations
Translate product and system requirements into achievable milestones, roadmaps, and execution plans
Manage project schedules, budgets, resources, dependencies, risks, and mitigation plans across the full program lifecycle, including clear communication of business and financial impacts to stakeholders
Support system design, subsystem testing, system integration, and troubleshooting as needed
Identify and track technical and organizational risks and opportunities across teams and organizations
Drive cross‑team collaboration, remove blockers, and manage interdependencies with internal teams and external vendors, particularly for issues that span multiple organizations
Run program reviews, stakeholder meetings, customer demos, and executive updates, including participation in management and customer‑facing demonstrations as needed
Establish program KPIs and provide clear status reporting on progress, quality, cost, and schedule
Mentor and support team members, contribute to team vision, and provide input on performance and team selection, while creating a supportive environment focused on coaching, development, and continuous improvement
Help define and communicate the team’s vision and purpose, aligning technical execution with long‑term product and business goals
Actively manage one’s own professional development and model strong leadership behaviors for the team