Forward Deployed Robotics & Systems Engineer

Career Area:

Technology, Digital and Data

Job Description:

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.

Job Summary:

Caterpillar is scaling intelligent heavy equipment — autonomy, safety systems, production and efficiency monitoring, grade and positioning, and field data collection — from early customer deployments to commercial operations across North America and around the world. The Field Engineering & Deployment team takes these edge systems from engineering release through installation, commissioning and stabilization to safe, productive operation at customer sites, on Caterpillar and other OEM machines. As the systems mature, routine installation and service will transition to the Caterpillar dealer network, with this team building the standards, training and support that make that transition succeed.

Forward Deployed Robotics & Systems Engineers are the engineers on the ground who bring these systems to life. This is a hands-on field role. You will work directly on and around large operating equipment, inspect and correct installations, use hand tools and electrical test equipment, and diagnose problems across the machine, sensors, harnesses, power, networks, embedded compute and software using C++, Python and Linux. You will work alongside Machine & Site Engineers, Deployment Technicians and dealer technicians as one field team, own the customer outcome at the site, turn what we learn into standard work dealers can execute, and create a critical feedback loop between the field and product engineering.

What You Will Do:

• Assess machine and jobsite readiness using established checklists, checking machine condition, connectivity, GNSS/RTK positioning and site infrastructure and escalating integration issues as needed.

• Install, inspect and correct edge hardware alongside Machine & Site Engineers, Deployment Technicians and dealer technicians — mounting and verifying sensors, compute, harnesses, power, grounding, communications and machine interfaces against established standards.

• Independently execute assigned configuration, calibration, acceptance validation and early-operation stabilization activities, seeking senior guidance for complex issues and supporting site-exit readiness.

• Execute site test plans using approved acceptance criteria and operating procedures, documenting validation results and maintaining complete deployment records.

• Perform first-line electrical and network diagnosis at the machine using multimeters, CAN tools and laptops — tracing power, ground, connector and harness faults and repairing or replacing components within established procedures.

• Troubleshoot Linux services, networking and performance issues at the machine, classify faults by domain (machine, installation, electrical, sensor, positioning, network, compute, software, site/operation) and escalate complex findings with clear supporting evidence.

• Investigate issues across cameras, radar, lidar, GNSS/RTK, CAN/J1939 networks, embedded compute, connectivity and autonomy behavior, partnering with senior engineers on cross-system root causes.

• Develop and debug assigned C++ and Python fixes, scripts and configurations using logs, telemetry, traces and electrical measurements; document reproduction steps and validate corrective actions with engineering guidance.

• Make onsite technical decisions within established procedures, seek guidance on unfamiliar risks or trade-offs and stop autonomous operation whenever conditions fall outside approved safety limits.

• Complete the data-quality check at commissioning sign-off — sensor calibration verified and sample data validated against the agreed data specification.

• Document repeatable fixes in the team knowledge system as troubleshooting steps and work instructions dealer technicians can follow, and coach dealer technicians onsite during co-delivered deployments.

• Route customer requests and scope changes to the Field Deployment Program Manager rather than committing to scope onsite.

• Share technical findings and proposed fixes through the Field Review Board and engineering reviews, and document lessons learned to improve deployment playbooks.

• Collect and analyze site performance and readiness data, flag recurring issues and share findings that support technical improvements and deployment decisions.

• Work with customer supervisors, operators, dealers and engineers on assigned technical activities, explaining system capabilities and constraints and supporting training on daily operation.

• Represent Caterpillar professionally onsite, own assigned issues through closure and communicate customer feedback and field evidence to senior engineers, product and engineering teams.

What You Will Have:

• Decision Making and Critical Thinking: Knowledge of the decision-making process and associated tools and techniques; ability to accurately analyze situations and reach productive decisions based on informed judgment.

• Effective Communications: 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.

• Customer Focus: Knowledge of the value and processes of customer focus; ability to establish and maintain positive customer relationships and deliver on customer expectations.

• Software Development: Knowledge of software development tools and activities; ability to produce software products or systems in line with product requirements.

• Software Integration Engineering: Knowledge of software integration processes and functions; ability to design, develop and maintain interfaces and linkage to alternative platforms and software packages.

• Software Product Technical Knowledge: Knowledge of technical aspects of software products; ability to design, configure and integrate technical aspects of software products.

• Software Product Testing: Knowledge of software product testing; ability to design, plan, and execute testing strategies and tactics to ensure software product quality and adherence to stated requirements.

Top Candidates Will Have:

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical, mechatronics, robotics, mechanical, computer or systems engineering, computer science, or equivalent hands-on technical experience.

• 4+ years of experience in robotics, autonomous vehicles, machine controls or industrial automation, including hands-on field deployment and hardware/software integration on physical machines.

• Demonstrated hands-on experience installing, wiring, commissioning or repairing electrical, electronic, sensor or robotic systems on vehicles or machinery, including safe use of hand tools, multimeters and other electrical test equipment, and reading wiring diagrams and schematics.

• Proficiency in Python and working proficiency in C++, with experience developing and debugging software and applying solid software engineering practices.

• Hands-on Linux troubleshooting at the machine across services, networking, logs and performance, with the ability to investigate issues and escalate complex findings clearly.

• Working knowledge of CAN-based vehicle networks, Ethernet/IP networking and autonomy sensors such as cameras, radar, lidar and GNSS/RTK; J1939, drive-by-wire, machine-control integration and ROS or similar robotics middleware experience preferred.

• Systems troubleshooting experience across hardware and software, including distinguishing base-machine faults from autonomy faults; remote diagnostics, telemetry and field data analysis experience preferred.

• Ability to independently execute assigned deployment, configuration and validation activities at remote sites with limited support, own issues through closure and seek senior technical guidance when needed.

• Clear communication with engineers, operators, dealers and customers, including documenting troubleshooting findings and providing practical operational guidance.

• Construction, mining, quarry, agriculture, trucking or off-highway experience preferred, ideally with Caterpillar or comparable machines; Caterpillar dealer experience a plus.

• OSHA 10 or equivalent jobsite safety training preferred; MSHA Part 46/48 training preferred for mining sites. Training may be completed after hire.

Work Environment:

• Frequent travel to remote construction, quarry and mining sites and to Caterpillar dealer locations, including extended onsite stays; schedules follow site operations and may include early mornings, nights or weekends during deployments.

• Work outdoors in heat, cold, dust, mud and noise, on and around large operating mobile equipment, including climbing machines using three points of contact.

• Ability to lift and carry equipment up to approximately 50 lb, wear required PPE and follow customer and Caterpillar site safety rules, including lockout/tagout and mobile-equipment interaction procedures.

• Valid driver’s license required

Additional Details:

• This is a remote position. You may be located anywhere in the US, but the expectation is you will travel frequently to customer and dealer locations.

Summary Pay Range:

$97,530.00 - $158,480.00

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

Relocation is available for this position.Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Posting Dates:

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.

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