Principal Digital Program Manager - Applied AI

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.
Job Summary:
The AI Accelerator is a key enabler of Caterpillar's next chapter - designed to enable and scale AI adoption and progress across the enterprise. Its mission is to identify opportunities, run experiments, accelerate adoption, ensure AI value realization, support strategic partner engagement, and help develop the frameworks to scale AI solutions globally.
The Portfolio Manager for the AI Accelerator will be responsible for orchestrating the end-to-end lifecycle of AI initiatives across Caterpillar's enterprise functions. This role ensures strategic alignment, prioritization, and execution of AI projects that drive measurable business impact. You will serve as the connective tissue between business segments, technical teams, and executive stakeholders-enabling velocity, visibility, and value realization across the AI portfolio.
What You Will Do:

• Portfolio Execution: Institute standard frameworks for AI Accelerator and Mission team collaboration and execution, including ideation, roadmaps, backlogs, and execution.
  • Develop and maintain a unified view of the AI Accelerator's portfolio, including use cases, value drivers, and delivery milestones.
  • Facilitate prioritization frameworks and backlog management across functional AI leads and mission teams.
  • Ensure compliance with AI governance directives and risk approval standards.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Act as a liaison between the AI accelerator, functional mission teams, and technical delivery teams to ensure alignment and transparency.
• Execution Oversight: Monitor progress across AI workstreams, flag interdependencies, and resolve bottlenecks.
  • Support the development of executive dashboards and reporting templates for strategic reviews.
• Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities to streamline operations, improve resource utilization, and enhance portfolio performance.
  • Drive feedback loops and retrospectives to refine the Accelerator's operating model.

What You Will Have:

• Planning: Tactical, Strategic: Extensive knowledge of effective planning techniques and ability to contribute to operational (short-term), tactical (1-2 years), and strategic (3-5 years) planning in support of the overall business plan.

• Decision Making and Critical Thinking: Extensive knowledge of the decision-making process and associated tools and techniques; ability to accurately analyze situations and reach productive decisions based on informed judgment.
• Project Administration: Extensive knowledge of project administration best practices and ability to use organizational strategies, practices, and tools for administering projects.
• Digital Program Management: Extensive knowledge of program management; ability to plan, organize, monitor, and control digital projects using appropriate technical resources.

Considerations for Top Candidates:

• Expert experience in portfolio management, program delivery, or strategic operations-preferably in AI, digital transformation, or enterprise technology (typically 7+ years).
• Proven ability to manage complex cross-functional initiatives with multiple stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of AI technologies, platforms, and enterprise adoption models.
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills, with experience presenting to senior leadership.
• Familiarity with agile methodologies, OKRs, and enterprise governance frameworks.
• Experience working in a matrixed organization with global teams.
• Background in AI product strategy, technical architecture, or innovation management.
• Familiarity with Caterpillar's functions and how they work with segments.

Why This Role Matters:
Caterpillar is investing in purpose-built AI solutions to transform dealer and customer experiences. This role is critical to ensuring our dealers are equipped with intelligent tools that drive efficiency, personalization, and growth. You'll be at the forefront of shaping how AI is adopted across our dealer ecosystem.
Additional Information:
This position will have the option to be based out of our Chicago, IL; Peoria, IL; Denver, CO or Irving, TX offices.
#LI
#BI (used to post on Built In Chicago)
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.
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:
$144,960.00 - $217,320.00
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
Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position. This employer is not currently hiring foreign national applicants that require or will require sponsorship tied to a specific employer, such as, H, L, TN, F, J, E, O. As a global company, Caterpillar offers many job opportunities outside of the U.S which can be found through our employment website at www.caterpillar.com/careers.
Posting Dates:
October 23, 2025 - November 2, 2025
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.
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