Be an Early Applicant
Cat Digital delivers digital and technology solutions that power Caterpillar's world-famous yellow iron.
The Role
Leads the strategy, architecture, and implementation of high-fidelity digital twins and simulation systems for autonomous construction machines, jobsites, robotics, and end-to-end workflows. Develops multi-year roadmaps, translates autonomy requirements into simulation solutions, evaluates and integrates simulation platforms, oversees model validation and governance, and partners with engineering, software, controls, data, product, and executive teams.
Summary Generated by Built In
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.
Help Build the Future of Caterpillar - Be Part of What's Next in Autonomous Construction Sites
At Caterpillar, technology always has a purpose, which is to solve our customers' toughest challenges. Construction autonomy is one of the most complex challenges in applied AI, and at Caterpillar, advancements in physical AI, simulation, sensing, and edge computing are turning things that once felt impossible-intelligent machines operating in dynamic jobsites-into reality.
Role Definition: The Digital Twin & Simulation Principal will lead the strategy, design, and implementation of high-fidelity digital twins for machines, job sites, and end-to-end workflows supporting automation and robotics.
Responsibilities:
Qualifications:
Summary Pay Range:
$159,120.00 - $258,570.00
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.
* These benefits also apply to part-time employees
Posting Dates:
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.
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.
Help Build the Future of Caterpillar - Be Part of What's Next in Autonomous Construction Sites
At Caterpillar, technology always has a purpose, which is to solve our customers' toughest challenges. Construction autonomy is one of the most complex challenges in applied AI, and at Caterpillar, advancements in physical AI, simulation, sensing, and edge computing are turning things that once felt impossible-intelligent machines operating in dynamic jobsites-into reality.
Role Definition: The Digital Twin & Simulation Principal will lead the strategy, design, and implementation of high-fidelity digital twins for machines, job sites, and end-to-end workflows supporting automation and robotics.
Responsibilities:
- Work with senior management to define the long-term vision, for simulation supporting automation and robotics.
- Partner with leadership to establish a multi-year simulation and digital twin roadmap, supporting automation and robotics.
- Translate Business and autonomy requirements into simulation solutions. Identifying where simulations and digital twins can support robotics.
- Create detailed system level architecture deliverables in partnership with the chief architect and robotics team.
- Determine the technologies, platforms, and integration patterns required to support simulation capabilities.
- Work closely with engineering, autonomy, controls, software, product teams, and enterprise data groups to ensure simulation solutions meet business outcomes and integrate seamlessly with existing systems.
- Assess current simulation assets across Caterpillar and define the strategy to integrate, extend, or consolidate them into a cohesive digital ecosystem supporting robotics.
- Oversee model validation, correlation with physical test data, and governance processes so digital twins remain accurate.
Qualifications:
- Strong expertise in system-level simulation and digital twin technologies accompanied with a background in robotics.
- Background in construction, mining automation and robotics will be preferred.
- Knowledge of information architecture for simulation data, and perception engineering.
- Deep expertise in NVIDIA Omniverse for building digital twins supporting robotics.
- Experience architecting or integrating modeling ecosystems with tools such as CARLA, Dynasty, Simulink/Modelica, AMESim, ANSYS, Adams, GT-Suite, Unity/Unreal, or robotics/automation frameworks.
- Ability to evaluate emerging technologies and strategically recommend adoption paths for simulation and robotics.
- Deep understanding of simulation architecture, model governance, verification/validation practices, and integration of simulations with real-time data sources.
- Proven ability to work with senior management to establish vision, strategy, and multi-year roadmaps.
- Excellent communication skills for translating complex technical concepts into actionable business insights.
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics, or related discipline (Master's or PhD preferred).
- Ideally 10+ years in simulation, robotics or autonomy-with direct experience deploying Omniverse-based digital twins strongly preferred.
Summary Pay Range:
$159,120.00 - $258,570.00
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
Posting Dates:
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
- Strong expertise in system-level simulation and digital twin technologies
- Background in robotics
- Knowledge of information architecture for simulation data and perception engineering
- Deep expertise in NVIDIA Omniverse for building robotics-focused digital twins
- Experience architecting or integrating modeling ecosystems using tools such as CARLA, Dynasty, Simulink, Modelica, AMESim, ANSYS, Adams, GT-Suite, Unity, Unreal, or robotics and automation frameworks
- Ability to evaluate emerging technologies and recommend adoption paths for simulation and robotics
- Deep understanding of simulation architecture, model governance, verification and validation, and real-time data integration
- Proven ability to establish technical vision, strategy, and multi-year roadmaps with senior management
- Excellent communication skills for translating complex technical concepts into actionable business insights
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics, or a related discipline
- Master's degree or PhD
- Background in construction, mining automation, and robotics
- At least 10 years of experience in simulation, robotics, or autonomy
- Direct experience deploying Omniverse-based digital twins
What the Team is Saying
Pradeep
Software Engineer
Christina
Platform Services
Chad
Business Intelligence & Visualization
Madison
Recruiter
Rakshan
Digital Product Manager
MacGregor
Lead Software Engineer
Stan
Software Engineering Manager
Caterpillar Compensation & Benefits Highlights
-
Retirement Support — Company materials and labor agreements describe a strong 401(k) program with matching and additional employer contributions for many groups, with recent union terms further enhancing retirement provisions. This breadth and employer funding position retirement as a core strength across regular full‑time roles.
-
Healthcare Strength — The Total Rewards overview lists comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, HSAs/FSAs, and an enhanced EAP with up to 16 counseling or coaching sessions per covered person, alongside wellness tools like Healthcare Bluebook. Such depth and supporting resources indicate robust healthcare support for most eligible employees.
-
Leave & Time Off Breadth — Offerings include PTO (vacation, holidays, volunteer time), parental and adoption leave, and in some locations a year‑end shutdown, with tenure‑based accrual growth; union updates also expanded paid‑absence policies. These features provide multiple pathways for time away and family support, though exact practices can vary by site.
Caterpillar Insights
Am I A Good Fit?
Get Personalized Job Insights.
Our AI-powered fit analysis compares your resume with a job listing so you know if your skills & experience align.
Success! Refresh the page to see how your skills align with this role.
The Company
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
Gallery
Caterpillar Teams
Caterpillar Offices
Hybrid Workspace
Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.
Typical time on-site:
Flexible
