Autonomy and Robotics Engineer

Jobtailor

Illinois

On-site

USD 85,000 - 110,000

Full time

3 days ago
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Job summary

Caterpillar is seeking a Robotics/AI Engineer to help develop AI-powered tech for autonomous machines. You will collaborate across robotics, simulation, autonomy and software teams to enable perception, decision‑making, and control for real‑world environments.

You will work with ROS/ROS2, Python, embedded systems, digital twins, and cloud tools, applying AI/ML to improve safety, productivity, and efficiency on heavy equipment.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree or higher in a related technical field; degree completion by start date.
  • 0–2 years of relevant experience; internships or academic projects count.
  • Minimum GPA 3.0/4.0; no rounding of GPA.
  • Experience with robotics, autonomy, mechatronics, or embedded systems.
  • Hands‑on building, programming, testing, or integrating autonomous systems.
  • Experience using simulation, modeling, or digital twin tools.
  • Exposure to ROS/ROS2, Python, embedded systems, firmware, RT software, interfaces.
  • Experience applying AI/ML, CV, data analytics, or cloud tools.
  • Ability to debug hardware/software and move prototypes to production‑ready.
  • Knowledge of robots programming via software tools; AI concepts and methods.
  • Knowledge of HMI software, hardware components, and comms protocols.
  • Object technologies and OO development; mobile OS/platforms.
  • ABET accreditation preferred; sponsorship not available.
  • Drug screen required for employment.

Responsibilities

  • Develop AI-powered technologies for Caterpillar machines to perceive and act autonomously
  • Collaborate with robotics, simulation, architecture, autonomy and software teams
  • Build tech spanning perception, autonomous decision, navigation, control, and digital twins
  • Help equipment operate safely and efficiently in real‑world environments
  • Contribute to connected technologies powering Caterpillar machines
  • Gain hands‑on experience through development, mentorship, and ownership
  • Transform heavy machinery into intelligent, connected systems to boost safety, productivity, and efficiency

Skills

Robotics
Autonomy
Embedded Systems
Python
AI/ML
Computer Vision
Simulation
Digital Twin
HMI
Debugging

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Robotics Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Data Science, AI Engineering, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering or related degree

Tools

ROS/ROS2
Python
Real‑Time Software
Hardware Interfaces
Communication Protocols
3D Modeling Tools
Graphics Software
Cloud‑Based Tools

Job description

Responsibilities
  • Develop AI-powered technologies enabling Caterpillar machines to perceive, understand, and interact with the physical world autonomously
  • Work with robotics, simulation, architecture, autonomy and automation, and software engineering for Physical AI
  • Build technologies spanning machine perception, autonomous decision‑making, navigation, machine control, digital twins, and high‑fidelity simulation
  • Help enable equipment to operate safely and efficiently in complex, real‑world environments
  • Collaborate with engineers and contribute to connected technologies powering Caterpillar machines
  • Build technical abilities through hands‑on development, mentorship, and meaningful project ownership
  • Transform heavy machinery into intelligent, connected systems addressing labor shortages, jobsite safety, productivity, and operational efficiency
Requirements
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher in Robotics Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Data Science, AI Engineering, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering or related degree; selected candidates must complete their degree by their start date
  • 0-2 years of relevant experience related to this field; internships or academic projects are a plus
  • Minimum cumulative GPA requirement 3.0/4.0 (no rounding)
  • Experience with robotics, autonomy, mechatronics, or embedded systems through a capstone, internship, research, or work experience
  • Hands‑on experience building, programming, testing, or integrating autonomous robots, machines, vehicles, or sensor‑based systems
  • Experience using simulation, modeling, or digital twin tools to validate machine behavior, controls, or system performance
  • Exposure to ROS/ROS2, Python, embedded systems, firmware, real‑time software, hardware interfaces, or machine communication protocols
  • Experience applying AI/ML, computer vision, data analytics, or cloud‑based tools to solve engineering problems
  • Demonstrated ability to debug complex hardware/software systems and move prototypes toward reliable, production‑ready solutions
  • Knowledge of programming and configuring robots using software tools
  • Knowledge of artificial intelligence concepts, technologies, and methodologies
  • Knowledge of HMI software and systems, hardware components, communication protocols, graphics software, and 3D modeling tools
  • Knowledge of object technologies and object‑oriented application development tools and techniques
  • Knowledge of mobile operating systems and platforms
  • ABET accreditation preferred
  • Sponsorship now or in the future is NOT available for this position
  • Successful completion of a drug screen required for employment
Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in Robotics Engineering, AI technologies, and autonomous systems, with hands‑on experience in programming, testing, and integrating complex hardware/software systems. Proficient in using simulation and modeling tools to validate machine performance and enhance operational efficiency.

Highest-signal resume keywords
  • Robotics Engineering
  • AI/ML Application
  • Simulation and Modeling Tools
  • Embedded Systems
  • Autonomous Decision‑Making
Hard Skills
  • Programming
  • Machine Perception
  • Digital Twin Technology
  • Debugging Complex Systems
  • Object‑Oriented Development
  • Sensor‑Based Systems
  • Machine Control
  • Computer Vision
  • Data Analytics
  • HMI Software
Soft Skills
  • Collaboration
  • Mentorship
  • Project Ownership
Certifications & Qualifications
  • ABET Accreditation
Industry Keywords
  • Autonomy
  • Mechatronics
  • Physical AI
  • Connected Technologies
  • Heavy Machinery
  • Operational Efficiency
  • Jobsite Safety
Tools & Technologies
  • ROS/ROS2
  • Python
  • Real‑Time Software
  • Hardware Interfaces
  • Communication Protocols
  • 3D Modeling Tools
  • Graphics Software
  • Cloud‑Based Tools
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