Autonomy Technology Strategist

Location: Irving, Texas

Career Area

Technology, Digital and Data

Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.

When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.

Lead the software behind machines that move earth, haul material, and work alongside people every day. You’ll set the technical direction for complex solutions across robotics, build systems, and operator/machine safety. You’ll turn real business needs into software that’s reliable, testable, and safe enough to trust on a job site.

What You Will Do

• Lead the design, implementation, testing, and release of software for robotic, automated, and safety-critical machine systems, from first architecture sketch to fielded product.
• Own the path to “proven.” Drive test strategy, review and analyze results, witness tests, and guide software through validation and certification.
• Build and improve the build, integration, and release pipelines that let teams ship complex embedded and autonomy software quickly and repeatably.
• Shape operator and machine safety systems such as perception, interlocks, and safety monitoring. Apply sound functional safety practices so people and equipment stay protected.
• Find new technologies, including AI and machine learning, and put them to work to expand what our software portfolio can do.
• Act as the go-to advisor on integration. Solve the hard problems where new software meets existing machines, infrastructure, and products.
• Mentor engineers and raise the technical bar across teams.

Degree Requirement

Degree required in an accredited Engineering, Computer Science, or Materials Science curriculum.

What You Will Have

Communicating Complex Concepts

• Reads the room and adjusts language to the audience’s experience level.
• Introduces technical terms in the context of the product, so they stick.
• Uses sharp analogies to explain new or unfamiliar features.
• Ties technical details back to the value they deliver.
• Tries a different angle when the first explanation doesn’t land.
• Knows when the audience is ready for the next layer of detail.

Effective Communications

• Coaches others on their writing and presentations.
• Tailors documents and presentations to the people who need them.
• Balances empathy with conviction when defending a position.
• Communicates well with peers, leaders, and external partners.
• Builds agreement through sound reasoning and persuasion.
• Keeps discussions focused and productive.

Managing Multiple Priorities

• Juggles multiple diverse efforts with clarity.
• Shifts focus quickly as priorities change.
• Spots conflicts early that could threaten delivery commitments.
• Leads others through re-prioritizing and rescheduling when needed.
• Keeps regular work moving while responding to change.
• Expects priorities to shift and plans for it.

Technical Excellence

• Advises others on evaluating and delivering technical solutions.
• Pulls in the right experts to resolve tough issues.
• Mentors engineers to grow their skills and apply them effectively.
• Coaches teams to define, analyze, and deliver strong solutions to business problems.
• Solves technical challenges by thinking through the full implications.
• Owns their technical results and holds others to the same standard.

Strategic Thinking

• Builds and directs strategic partnerships that benefit both sides.
• Makes sound decisions for the group when the options are complex or conflicting.
• Grows the strategic thinking of the people around them.
• Uses data and analysis to shape business plans.
• Recommends moves that strengthen long-term competitiveness.
• Prepares the group to respond to market trends, opportunities, and risks.

Influencing Through Expertise

• Explains complex ideas clearly and concisely.
• Brings real depth and breadth in robotics, build systems, or safety-critical software.
• Offers timely, objective insight across multiple business areas.
• Creates opportunities for others to build their expertise.
• Backs arguments with evidence and drops the ones that lack it.
• Coaches others to become trusted technical advisors.

Software Product Design/Architecture

• Has architected and designed major or multiple products.
• Weighs architecture alternatives and explains the tradeoffs.
• Understands design considerations for embedded, real-time, database, operating system, and web environments.
• Estimates the cost of proposed designs.
• Leads design reviews and walkthroughs.
• Evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of specific designs and architectures.

Artificial Intelligence

• Performs hands-on work in an applied AI area such as perception, autonomy, or anomaly detection.
• Helps define business requirements for AI solution design and deployment.
• Maintains and updates AI systems and equipment.
• Deploys, develops, or operates AI products and platforms to reach business goals.
• Tests and troubleshoots AI applications and systems.

What Will Make You Stand Out

• 10+ years’ Experience supporting platform level development projects and interfacing with internal development groups
• Proven experience supporting Product Development for on-road/off-road software engineering projects.
• Experience with Core Robotics Planning level development projects

Experience with NVDIA hardware preferred

Additional Information

• This position requires the candidate to work full-time at the Irving, TX office.
• Domestic relocation assistance is available for this position.
• Visa sponsorship is NOT available with this position.
• This position will require up to 10% travel

#LI

Summary Pay Range

$159,120.00 - $258,570.00

Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar.

Benefits

• Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of benefits.
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits*
• Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)*
• 401(k) savings plans*

Health Savings Account (HSA)*

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)*

Health Lifestyle Programs*

Employee Assistance Program*

Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts*

Career Development*

Incentive bonus*

Disability benefits

Life Insurance

Parental leave

Adoption benefits

Tuition Reimbursement

• These benefits also apply to part-time employees

• This position requires working onsite five days a week.
• Relocation is available for this position.
• Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Posting Dates

• October 21, 2026 - November 1, 2026
• Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.
• Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.
• Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.