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.
As a Grade Control Validation Engineer, you will develop, integrate, and test complex grade control systems that meet prioritized requirements for machine or technology programs that focus on machine safety, productivity, accuracy, and provide a differentiated product value to our customers. This position networks closely with internal product/project teams to provide high-quality products to the earthmoving and mining industries. This is a hands-on role that requires working on or around large mining equipment.
What You Will Do:
- Responsible for understanding and translating system requirements into actionable validation plans.
- Accountable for finding, documenting, and communicating issues found during testing and validation activities.
- Responsible for working with on-site machine owners to schedule machine time for testing activities.
- Responsible for working with and directing hourly staff (machine operators, mechanics, and technicians) on machine installs and validation activities.
What You Have:
- Software Product Testing: Extensive experience in software vehicle product testing; ability to design, plan, and execute testing strategies and tactics to ensure software product quality and adherence to stated requirements.
- Industry Knowledge: Knowledge of the mining technology, trends, directions, major issues, regulatory considerations, and trendsetters; ability to apply industry knowledge appropriately to diverse situations.
- Problem Solving: Knowledge of approaches, tools, and techniques for recognizing, anticipating, and resolving organizational, operational or process problems; ability to apply knowledge of problem solving appropriately to diverse situations.
- 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.
- Technical Troubleshooting: Knowledge of technical troubleshooting approaches, tools and techniques; ability to anticipate, recognize, and resolve technical issues on hardware, software, application or operation.
- Education Requirements: Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent industry experience
Consideration for Top Candidates:
- 3+ years' of Machine Controls Technical Experience
- Experience in the field of surveying.
- Experience with GNSS, machine control, and guidance system design or validation.
- Mechanical and electrical aptitude as well as manual dexterity to work well in bench test and machine test environments.
- Previous testing and validation experience with grade control products preferred.
- Data processing computer skills.
Additional Information:
- This position requires the candidate to work full-time in Green Valley, AZ (Tucson Proving Grounds)
- Domestic relocation assistance is available for this position.
- Visa sponsorship is NOT available with this position.
- This position will require up to 15% travel
- #LI
Summary Pay Range:
$97,530.00 - $158,480.00
Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar.
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
This position requires working onsite five days a week.
Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.
Posting Dates:
October 1, 2026 - October 11, 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.
Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent industry experience
- Extensive experience in software vehicle product testing, including designing, planning, and executing testing strategies
- Knowledge of mining technology, trends, issues, and regulatory considerations
- Problem-solving skills using approaches, tools, and techniques to resolve organizational, operational, or process problems
- Knowledge of the software development life cycle and structured software delivery methodologies
- Technical troubleshooting skills across hardware, software, applications, or operations
- 3+ years of machine controls technical experience
- Experience in surveying
- Experience with GNSS, machine control, and guidance system design or validation
- Mechanical and electrical aptitude and manual dexterity for bench and machine testing
- Previous testing and validation experience with grade control products
- Data processing computer skills
- Ability to work full-time onsite in Green Valley, Arizona, five days per week
- Ability to travel up to 15%
Caterpillar Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Retirement Support — Retirement plans are highlighted as a standout element, with a strong company match and an additional company contribution noted for certain groups. Feedback suggests this is a notable strength of the package, with specifics dependent on plan and eligibility.
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage is described as comprehensive, spanning medical, dental, vision, HSAs/FSAs, wellness resources, and mental-health support through the EAP. Feedback suggests these offerings are competitive and broadly well regarded.
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Parental & Family Support — Paid parental leave and adoption assistance are explicitly included, with adoption reimbursement and supportive leave policies emphasized. Feedback suggests family support is generous and a meaningful part of total rewards.
Caterpillar Insights
What We Do
Cat Digital is the digital and technology arm of Caterpillar Inc., responsible for bringing digital capabilities to our world-famous yellow iron. With over 1.5M connected assets worldwide, our teams use data, technology, advanced analytics and AI capabilities to help solve our customers' toughest challenges.
Why Work With Us
At Cat Digital, we're accelerating Caterpillar's digital transformation to help customers solve their toughest challenges. Our teams use enterprise-wide data, emerging technologies, and customer insights to deliver solutions that drive real-world impact. Join us as we create innovative experiences that help customers succeed and power the world aro
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