Lead Software Engineer (Simulation/Digital Twin)

Caterpillar Inc.; Irving (TX); On-site; USD 128,000 - 209,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

401(k) savings plans

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Career Development

Incentive bonus

Parental leave

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. is seeking a Simulation & Digital Twin Engineer to design, develop, and integrate next‑gen robotics simulation capabilities.

You will work with NVIDIA Omniverse and modern C++/Python toolchains, leading the effort with a senior, hands‑on approach. You will build high‑fidelity 3D models and environments, connect simulations to real‑time visualization, and mentor the team while optimizing performance across large workflows.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, mechanical engineering, robotics, or related field.
• 5+ years experience in digital twins and simulations for robotics.
• Experience with NVIDIA Omniverse, Isaac Sim, and Omniverse-based pipelines.
• Familiar with other real-time simulation tools such as CARLA, Unity, or Unreal Engine.
• Strong C++ and Python programming for simulation logic and tooling.
• Experience with cloud-based simulation workflows and large-scale data integration.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and integrate simulation capabilities for robotics at Caterpillar.
• Build high-fidelity 3D models, scenes, and environments using Omniverse and USD.
• Lead and mentor within a senior hands-on role for the simulation team.
• Integrate simulation components with existing models, data systems, and digital twin frameworks.
• Develop interfaces connecting simulations to real-time visualization and dashboards.
• Ensure performance optimization for large-scale scenes and multi-machine workflows.
• Develop model validation plans and reduce the real-to-sim gap using test data.

Skills

C++

Python

Robotics

Simulation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, or related field

Tools

NVIDIA Omniverse

Isaac Sim

CARLA

Unity

Unreal Engine

Job description

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.

Help Build the Future of Caterpillar – Be Part of What’s Next in Autonomous Construction Sites

At Caterpillar, technology always has a purpose, which is to solve our customers’ toughest challenges. Construction autonomy is one of the most complex challenges in applied AI, and at Caterpillar, advancements in physical AI, simulation, sensing, and edge computing are turning things that once felt impossible—intelligent machines operating in dynamic jobsites—into reality.

Role Definition

The Simulation & Digital Twin Engineer will design, develop, and integrate simulation capabilities that support Caterpillar’s next‑generation of robotics. This role combines simulation engineering, real‑time visualization, and 3D scene‑building using NVIDIA Omniverse and modern C++/Python toolchains. This is a senior hands‑on role which will plan, architect and lead and mentor.

Responsibilities

• Develop simulation for construction machines, jobsites and sensors (Camera, LIDAR, RADAR etc.) in NVIDIA Omniverse.
• Integrate simulation components with current Caterpillar simulation models, data systems, and digital twin frameworks.
• Create high‑fidelity 3D models, scenes, and environments using NVIDIA Omniverse, USD, and Omniverse Kit‑based pipelines.
• Collaborate with the simulation and robotics teams to define and implement a simulation Omniverse based platform with existing simulation tools.
• Contribute to toolchain and pipeline design, including scripting utilities, automated test frameworks, and modular code libraries.
• Develop interfaces that connect simulations to real‑time visualization, dashboards, and operator‑focused experiences.
• Ensure performance optimization for large‑scale scenes, complex mechanical models, and multi‑machine workflows.
• Develop and execute model validation and verification plans, ensuring digital twins are accurate and numerically stable.
• Active reduce the real to sim gap by comparing simulation outputs to real machine test data, telematics, and historical performance metrics.
• Evaluate emerging tools and frameworks to expand Caterpillar’s simulation and digital‑twin capabilities.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, or a related field.
• Experience developing digital twins and simulations to support robotics. This includes machine, vehicle and/or sensor simulation. (ideally 5+ years)
• Experience with NVIDIA Omniverse, Isaac Sim, Cosmo, NVIDIA WARP, Newton, and Omniverse‑based pipeline development.
• Knowledge of other digital‑twin and real‑time simulation tools, such as CARLA, Unity, Unreal Engine, Siemens NX/Teamcenter/Plant Simulation, Dassault 3DEXPERIENCE, Ansys Twin Builder etc.
• Strong hands‑on programming skills in C++ and Python for simulation logic, behavior modeling, and tooling.
• Experience with cloud‑based simulation workflows, large‑scale data integration, or distributed simulation pipelines.

Summary Pay Range

$128,470.00 - $208,770.00

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

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.