Autonomy & Robotics Engineer - AI for Intelligent Machines

Jobtailor; Illinois; On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

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

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.