Senior Systems Integration & Validation Engineer – Autonomous Trucks

ARi; Peoria (IL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

ARi in East Peoria, IL seeks an experienced Systems Integration & Validation Engineer to drive SIL testing, system integration, and validation of autonomous mining truck systems. You will develop test plans, automate tests with Python, and troubleshoot complex, multi-platform hardware-software systems.

The role requires 8+ years of experience in software and systems validation, SDLC understanding, and strong collaboration with global teams.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of relevant experience; master’s degree preferred.
• Strong experience with SIL testing, system integration, and software validation.
• Hands-on Python scripting for automation and test execution.
• Experience with complex software/hardware-integrated systems.
• SDLC understanding from requirements to delivery.
• Ability to coordinate with globally distributed teams.

Responsibilities

• Perform system integration, testing, and validation of autonomous truck systems using SIL, HIL, and on-machine testing environments.
• Develop and execute test plans; create new test procedures for validation.
• Document defects, troubleshoot issues, and track resolutions.
• Create Python scripts or automation tools to improve test execution and system admin efficiency.
• Collaborate with MineStar teams in Australia, India, and Peoria teams.
• Maintain test documentation and validation results; support demonstrations.

Skills

SIL testing

Python scripting

Systems integration

Troubleshooting

Test automation

cross-functional collaboration

Education

Master’s degree preferred in EE/CE

Tools

VMware vSphere

Wireshark

Linux/Windows servers

Job description

ARi is a fast-growing global engineering firm headquartered in East Peoria, IL, USA. Our power of I represents the innovation, intelligence, ingenuity, and insight that differentiates us from our competition. With 1,500+ engineering talent worldwide, representing multiple nationalities and countries, we are well-positioned to deliver sophisticated and custom solutions to our clients .

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Systems Integration & Validation Engineer to support the development and validation of Caterpillar’s autonomous mining truck systems. This role focuses on Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) testing, system-level integration, test automation, troubleshooting, and validation of complex autonomous systems supporting the Cat Command for Hauling product line.

The ideal candidate will have strong experience in software and systems validation, Python scripting, complex system troubleshooting, and test environment management, with the ability to collaborate with global engineering teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform system integration, testing, and validation of autonomous truck systems using Software-in-the-Loop (SIL), Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL), and on-machine testing environments.
• Execute existing test plans and develop new test procedures to validate autonomous system features and functionality.
• Identify, troubleshoot, document, and track software, system integration, and test environment issues.
• Develop and maintain Python scripts or other automation tools to improve test execution and system administration efficiency.
• Support integration and validation of multiple hardware and software components within autonomous mining truck systems.
• Analyze test results, investigate failures, and collaborate with development teams to resolve technical issues.
• Support testing infrastructure, simulation environments, and complex client-server applications.
• Collaborate with MineStar development teams in Australia, validation teams in India, and local engineering teams.
• Participate in system-level debugging, issue resolution, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Maintain detailed test documentation, defect reports, and validation results.
• Support autonomous system demonstrations for dealers and customers.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of relevant experience, regardless of educational qualifications, including a master’s degree.
• Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related engineering discipline preferred.
• Strong experience with Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) testing, system integration, and software validation.
• Experience testing and troubleshooting complex software and hardware-integrated systems.
• Hands-on experience developing automation scripts using Python or similar scripting languages.
• Strong understanding of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), including requirements analysis, development, testing, validation, and delivery.
• Experience developing, executing, and documenting system-level test plans and test cases.
• Strong troubleshooting skills with the ability to investigate complex technical issues and implement solutions.
• Familiarity with software development and testing tools across multiple platforms.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage priorities, and coordinate with globally distributed teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing, simulation environments, and autonomous vehicle systems.
• At least 2 years of experience managing Windows Server and Ubuntu virtual machines using VMware vSphere.
• Experience with operating system updates, server maintenance, LDAP-based user administration, and SQL Server management.
• Experience troubleshooting complex client-server applications in distributed test environments.
• Knowledge of networking protocols, including TCP/IP, unicast, multicast, and broadcast communication.
• Experience using Wireshark for network traffic analysis and troubleshooting.
• Experience with server performance monitoring, system administration, and IT infrastructure support.
• Familiarity with autonomous mining equipment, industrial automation, or off-highway vehicle systems.
• Experience developing test automation and simulation solutions for complex engineering systems.
• 100% onsite position in the Peoria, Illinois area.
• Candidates must reside in or relocate to the Peoria area before the assignment begins.
• Work involves SIL/HIL labs, simulation environments, and coordination with on-machine validation activities.
• Frequent collaboration with global engineering teams in Australia and India.
• Opportunity to work on advanced autonomous mining technologies supporting Caterpillar’s Command for Hauling systems.

Top 3 Must-Have Technical Skills

• SIL Testing & Systems Validation: Strong hands-on experience executing system-level tests, developing test plans, documenting results, and troubleshooting complex integrated software systems.
• Python Scripting & Automation: Experience developing scripts to automate testing, system administration, and validation workflows.
• Complex Systems Troubleshooting: Strong debugging and problem-solving skills across software, system integration, and multi-platform test environments.

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