Senior Validation Engineer

Caterpillar Inc.; Mossville (IL); On-site; USD 113,000 - 183,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401(k) plans

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. is seeking a Senior Validation Engineer to develop, integrate, and test complex autonomy systems for autonomous mining machines.

The role centers on system integration and validation at Caterpillar's BB Test Track, with surrogate-vehicle testing, data-driven problem solving, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure safety and performance. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience validating autonomous or robotic platforms, strong Linux skills, and the ability to work with

Qualifications

• Experience validating autonomous, robotic, or automated vehicle systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities with the ability to troubleshoot complex technical issues.
• Linux operating system experience.
• Understanding of autonomy technologies such as path planning, perception, positioning, localization, or vehicle controls.
• Experience executing system integration and validation activities in simulated or real-world environments.
• Ability to communicate technical information effectively across cross-functional engineering teams.
• Experience with data analysis and root cause investigation using test or field-generated data.
• Proven ability to perform complex technical assignments with limited supervision.

Responsibilities

• Execute system integration and validation activities for the Command for Hauling autonomous mining truck program.
• Conduct testing at the BB Test Track using surrogate vehicles to validate autonomous system functionality, performance, and safety requirements.
• Develop, integrate, troubleshoot, and evaluate autonomy software systems used on autonomous mining machines.
• Analyze test and operational data to identify root causes, resolve complex technical issues, and improve overall system performance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering, software development, and testing teams to deliver high-quality autonomous solutions and communicate technical results.

Skills

Linux

Path planning

Localization

Perception

Vehicle controls

Data analysis

Root cause analysis

Collaboration

Job description

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.

The Senior Validation Engineer will develop, integrate, and test complex autonomy systems that meet prioritized requirements for autonomous machine programs focused on machine safety, productivity, and delivering differentiated value to Caterpillar customers. This position supports the Command for Hauling autonomous mining truck program and is responsible for System Integration and Validation (SI&V) activities conducted primarily at Caterpillar's virtual mine site, the BB Test Track. The role involves operating surrogate vehicles, executing validation activities, and ensuring autonomous system performance meets product requirements and customer expectations.

Career Area

Engineering

What You Will Do

• Execute system integration and validation activities for the Command for Hauling autonomous mining truck program.
• Conduct testing at the BB Test Track using surrogate vehicles to validate autonomous system functionality, performance, and safety requirements.
• Develop, integrate, troubleshoot, and evaluate autonomy software systems used on autonomous mining machines.
• Analyze test and operational data to identify root causes, resolve complex technical issues, and improve overall system performance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering, software development, and testing teams to deliver high-quality autonomous solutions and communicate technical results.

What You Will Have

• Technical Troubleshooting: Knowledge of technical troubleshooting approaches, tools and techniques; ability to anticipate, recognize, and resolve technical issues on hardware, software, application or operation.
• Programming: Knowledge of relevant programming languages and tools; ability to test, write, design, debug, troubleshoot and maintain source codes and computer programs.
• Application Development Tools: Knowledge of application and system development; ability to utilize a variety of specific tools and toolkits for developing applications.
• Software Product Testing: Knowledge of software product testing; ability to design, plan, and execute testing strategies and tactics to ensure software product quality and adherence to stated requirements.
• Software Development Life Cycle: Knowledge of software development life cycle; ability to use a structured methodology for delivering and managing new or enhanced software products to the marketplace.
• Problem Solving: Knowledge of approaches, tools, techniques for recognizing, anticipating, and resolving organizational, operational or process problems; ability to apply knowledge of problem solving appropriately to diverse situations.
• Industry Knowledge: Knowledge of the organization's industry group, trends, directions, major issues, regulatory considerations, and trendsetters; ability to apply industry knowledge appropriately to diverse situations.

Considerations For Top Candidates

• Experience validating autonomous, robotic, or automated vehicle systems.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving capabilities with the ability to troubleshoot complex technical issues.
• Linux operating system experience.
• Understanding of autonomy technologies such as path planning, perception, positioning, localization, or vehicle controls.
• Experience executing system integration and validation activities in simulated or real‑world environments.
• Ability to communicate technical information effectively across cross‑functional engineering teams.
• Experience with data analysis and root cause investigation using test or field‑generated data.
• Proven ability to perform complex technical assignments with limited supervision.

Additional Information

• This position requires the candidate to work full-time at the Mossville, IL office.
• Domestic relocation assistance is available for this position.
• Visa sponsorship is NOT available with this position.
• This position will require up to 10% travel.

This position requires working onsite five days a week.

Relocation is available for this position.

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Summary Pay Range

$112,710.00 - $183,140.00

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

September 17, 2026 - October 1, 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.