Senior Data Scientist, Gen AI Delivery

Caterpillar Brazil; Peoria (IL); On-site; USD 113,000 - 183,000; Full time

Job summary

Cat Digital is seeking a Senior GenAI Engineer to join the Delivery team in Chicago/Peoria or other U.S. offices. You will help bring world-class Generative AI capabilities to Caterpillar products and services, shaping how customers interact with our solutions.

You will collaborate with data scientists, software engineers, and product teams to refine models, run experiments, and deploy LLM-based features. Mentorship and strong coding in Python are key as we scale responsible AI across global

Qualifications

• Graduate degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related quantitative field.
• At least 3 years of professional experience in Data Science and Machine Learning.
• At least 1 year of professional experience in the Generative AI domain, specifically working with Large Language Models (LLM).
• Advanced proficiency in Python for AI research and prototyping.

Responsibilities

• Model development: fine-tuning, implementing, developing, and optimizing models used in generative AI solutions.
• Algorithm research: stay updated with AI/ML advancements and integrate into projects.
• Experimentation: run experiments to test model performance and iterate.
• Research and implementation: agentic GenAI solution research and implementation strategies.
• Training and mentorship: mentor junior data scientists and team members.

Skills

Business statistics

Analytical thinking

Machine learning

Programming (Python)

Requirements analysis

Education

Graduate degree (MS/PhD) in STEM

Tools

LangSmith

Langfuse

AgentOps

AWS

Azure

GCP

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. Cat® Digital is the digital and technology arm of Caterpillar Inc., leveraging the latest technologies to build industry leading digital and analytics solutions for our customers and dealers. We’ve created an inclusive environment for you to explore your passions, make an impact and do the work that really matters. With over 1.5M connected assets worldwide, our business and in the industries, we serve, data is generated continuously by Cat® equipment using the latest technology, advanced analytics, telematics and AI capabilities to help our customers build a better world.

Job Summary:

Join the Gen AI Delivery team of Cat Digital and be responsible for bringing world class GenAI capabilities to our products and services.

What You Will Do:

• Model Development: Fine-tuning, implementing, developing, and optimizing models used in generative AI solutions
• Algorithm Research: Staying updated with the latest advancements in AI and machine learning algorithms and integrating them into the team's projects.
• Experimentation: Conducting experiments to test the performance of different models and approaches, and iterating based on the results.
• Research and Implementation: Agentic GenAI solution research and best approach to implement solutions
• Training and Mentorship: Providing guidance and mentorship to junior data scientists and other team members.

What You Will Have:

• Business Statistics: Knowledge of statistical tools and processes to describe results; ability to use statistical tools, including experiment design for LLM evaluation, to assist in making data-driven business decisions.
• Analytical Thinking: Knowledge of techniques to promote effective analysis; ability to determine the root cause of organizational problems and architect agentic workflows that decompose complex tasks into autonomous sub-tasks.
• Machine Learning: Knowledge of algorithms and principles; ability to develop and deliver Generative AI solutions, including Large Language Models (LLMs), Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), and autonomous systems.
• Programming: Solid understanding of software engineering and clean code; ability to utilize Python and deep learning frameworks to conduct AI research, build rapid prototypes, and iterate on diverse Generative AI applications, including but not limited to agentic workflows.
• Requirements Analysis: Ability to elicit and record business requirements to ensure the success of AI-driven products, incorporating human-in-the-loop (HITL) reviews and safety guardrails for autonomous system development.

Considerations for Top Candidates:

• Proven ability to lead and guide a team of data scientists, providing technical mentorship and fostering a collaborative research environment.
• Graduate degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related quantitative field.
• At least 3 years of professional experience in Data Science and Machine Learning.
• At least 1 year of professional experience in the Generative AI domain, specifically working with Large Language Models (LLM).
• Advanced proficiency in Python for carrying out AI research and developing rapid prototypes for diverse AI applications.
• Foundational knowledge in LLM as well as other AI domains such as computer vision, speech and exposure to agentic AI architectures.
• Experience to evaluate generated content from Large Language Models using both automated metrics and human-in-the-loop methodologies.
• Solid understanding of AI observability tools like LangSmith, Langfuse, or AgentOps to monitor traces, identify logic bottlenecks, and debug agent reasoning.
• Hands-on experience with major cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP) for model development, data handling, and AI service integration.

What You Will Get:

Working with a Fortune 100 leader, you can build your career on a global scale and take advantage of development opportunities with emerging technologies.

We’ve created an inclusive environment for you to explore your passions, make an impact and do the work that really matters.

Join Us.

Additional Information:

This position will be based out of either our Chicago, IL; Peoria, IL; Broomfield, CO (Denver) or Irving, TX (Dallas) offices.

#LI #BI (used to post on Built In Chicago)

About Caterpillar

Caterpillar Inc. is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. For nearly 100 years, we’ve been helping customers build a better, more sustainable world and are committed and contributing to a reduced-carbon future. Our innovative products and services, backed by our global dealer network, provide exceptional value that helps customers succeed.

Summary Pay Range:

$112,710.00 - $183,140.00

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

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Posting Dates: August 21, 2026 - September 6, 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.

There’s more to work at Caterpillar than just the work itself. We hire smart, friendly people and it shows in our culture. We hold ourselves to high standards and make sure our values of integrity, excellence, teamwork, commitment and sustainability come to life in the way we work. We make sure our employees feel continuously challenged while also supported. We provide professional growth opportunities, including leadership programs. We celebrate the diversity of our team, while also working together as one Caterpillar. Our culture, like everything at our company, is made possible by each employee’s contribution. Person by person, we create the environment we work in, and we are proud of the Caterpillar we’ve built.