Senior Forward Deployed Robotics & Systems Engineer

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:
Caterpillar is scaling intelligent heavy equipment - autonomy, safety systems, production and efficiency monitoring, grade and positioning, and field data collection - from early customer deployments to commercial operations across North America and around the world. The Field Engineering & Deployment team takes these edge systems from engineering release through installation, commissioning and stabilization to safe, productive operation at customer sites, on Caterpillar and other OEM machines. As the systems mature, routine installation and service will transition to the Caterpillar dealer network, with this team building the standards, training and support that make that transition succeed.
Forward Deployed Robotics & Systems Engineers are the engineers on the ground who bring these systems to life. This is a hands-on field role. You will work directly on and around large operating equipment, inspect and correct installations, use hand tools and electrical test equipment, and diagnose problems across the machine, sensors, harnesses, power, networks, embedded compute and software using C++, Python and Linux. You will work alongside Machine & Site Engineers, Deployment Technicians and dealer technicians as one field team, own the customer outcome at the site, turn what we learn into standard work dealers can execute, and create a critical feedback loop between the field and product engineering.
What You Will Do:
• Complete technical items on the pre-deployment site readiness checklist owned by the Field Deployment Program Manager, identifying and resolving integration issues across machine condition, connectivity, GNSS/RTK positioning and site infrastructure.
• Lead hands-on edge hardware installation with Machine & Site Engineers, Deployment Technicians and dealer technicians, verifying and correcting sensors, compute, harnesses, power, grounding, communications and machine interfaces against established standards.
• Independently lead assigned site deployments through configuration, calibration, acceptance validation (including the data-quality check at commissioning sign-off), early-operation stabilization and site-exit readiness.
• Develop and execute site test plans using approved acceptance criteria and operating procedures, documenting validation results and maintaining complete deployment records.
• Diagnose and repair intermittent and complex electrical, harness, connector, power and communication faults at the machine using schematics, multimeters, oscilloscopes and CAN analysis tools.
• Independently troubleshoot complex Linux services, networking and performance issues at the machine, isolating base-machine versus autonomy faults and coordinating resolution with the appropriate teams.
• Investigate cross-system root causes spanning cameras, radar, lidar, GNSS/RTK, CAN/J1939 networks, embedded compute, connectivity, autonomy behavior and site/operational conditions.
• Develop and debug C++ and Python fixes using logs, telemetry, traces and electrical measurements; partner with engineering on permanent resolutions through reproducible evidence and validated corrective actions.
• Make sound onsite technical decisions under ambiguity and time pressure, escalating risks and trade-offs as needed and stopping autonomous operation whenever conditions fall outside approved safety limits.
• Build reusable diagnostic tools, automation, field test fixtures and site-configuration patterns using established version control, code review and testing practices, with an emphasis on diagnostics dealer technicians can run with standard service tools.
• Drive serviceability and installability feedback into product engineering - field-replaceable units, dealer-runnable diagnostics, serviceable connectors and mounts - so systems can be supported through the dealer network.
• Contribute technical findings and fixes through the Field Review Board and engineering reviews, improve deployment playbooks and troubleshooting trees in the team knowledge system, mentor less-
experienced engineers and technicians, and coach dealer technicians onsite (certification is owned by the Dealer Technical Enablement Lead).
• Analyze site performance, production and readiness metrics to identify recurring issues, recommend technical improvements and inform deployment decisions.
• Coordinate technical activities with customer supervisors, operators, dealers and engineers, explaining system capabilities and constraints and training teams on daily operation.
• Serve as the technical authority for assigned deployments, supporting the Machine & Site Engineer as the named site owner and customer contact, and translating field evidence into actionable recommendations for product and engineering teams.
• Route customer requests and scope changes to the Field Deployment Program Manager rather than committing to scope onsite.
What You Will Have:
• Decision Making and Critical Thinking: Knowledge of the decision-making process and associated tools and techniques; ability to accurately analyze situations and reach productive decisions based on informed judgment.
• Effective Communications: Understanding of effective communication concepts, tools and techniques; ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through the application of appropriate communication behaviors.
• Customer Focus: Knowledge of the value and processes of customer focus; ability to establish and maintain positive customer relationships and deliver on customer expectations.
• Software Development: Knowledge of software development tools and activities; ability to produce software products or systems in line with product requirements.
• Software Integration Engineering: Knowledge of software integration processes and functions; ability to design, develop and maintain interfaces and linkage to alternative platforms and software packages.
• Software Product Technical Knowledge: Knowledge of technical aspects of software products; ability to design, configure and integrate technical aspects of software products.
• 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
Top Candidates Will Have:
• Bachelor's degree in electrical, mechatronics, robotics, mechanical, computer or systems engineering, computer science, or equivalent hands-on technical experience.
• 6+ years of experience in robotics, autonomous vehicles, machine controls or industrial automation, including leading field deployments of robotic or autonomous systems and hands-on hardware/software integration on physical machines.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience building, wiring, installing and repairing electrical, sensor or robotic systems on vehicles or heavy machinery, including harness fabrication or repair, connector termination, power/ground diagnosis and safe use of hand tools and electrical test equipment.
• Strong proficiency in C++ and Python, including debugging production robotics or autonomy code in the field and applying sound software engineering practices.
• Deep, hands-on Linux troubleshooting at the machine across services, networking, logs and performance, with the ability to independently resolve complex deployment issues.
• Hands-on experience integrating CAN-based vehicle networks and autonomy sensors, including cameras, radar, lidar and GNSS/RTK; J1939, drive-by-wire, machine-control integration, field networking (Ethernet, Wi-Fi, LTE/private LTE, mesh radio) and ROS or similar robotics middleware experience preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to investigate cross-system faults, distinguish base-machine issues from autonomy issues and partner with engineering on permanent fixes; remote diagnostics, telemetry and field data analysis experience preferred.
• Ability to independently lead assigned site deployments, own issues through closure and contribute reusable tools and deployment practices while supporting less-experienced engineers and technicians.
• Clear communication with engineers, operators, dealers and customers, including coordinating technical issue resolution, explaining system capabilities and operating constraints and teaching technicians.
• Construction, mining, quarry, agriculture, trucking or off-highway experience strongly preferred, ideally with Caterpillar or comparable machines; experience with dealer or service-network support models a plus.
• OSHA 10 or equivalent jobsite safety training preferred; MSHA Part 46/48 training preferred for mining sites. Training may be completed after hire.
Work Environment:
• Frequent travel to remote construction, quarry and mining sites and to Caterpillar dealer locations, including extended onsite stays; schedules follow site operations and may include early mornings, nights or weekends during deployments.
• Work outdoors in heat, cold, dust, mud and noise, on and around large operating mobile equipment, including climbing machines using three points of contact.
• Ability to lift and carry equipment up to approximately 50 lb, wear required PPE and follow customer and Caterpillar site safety rules, including lockout/tagout and mobile-equipment interaction procedures.
• Valid driver's license required.
Additional Details:

• This is a remote position. You may be located anywhere in the US, but the expectation is you will travel frequently to customer and dealer locations.

Summary Pay Range:
$112,710.00 - $183,140.00
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
Relocation is available for this position.
Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.
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.
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