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

• Deploy, configure, calibrate, validate, and stabilize autonomous machine systems at customer sites, ensuring machine, connectivity, positioning, and site readiness.
• Install, inspect, and troubleshoot hardware and software components, including sensors, compute platforms, electrical systems, networking, GNSS/RTK, CAN/J1939, cameras, radar, lidar, and machine interfaces.
• Diagnose and resolve system issues using electrical test equipment, Linux tools, logs, telemetry, and field data; develop and validate software fixes, scripts, and configurations in Python and C++.
• Execute test plans, document deployment results, maintain deployment records, and verify sensor calibration and data quality during commissioning.
• Collaborate with customers, operators, dealers, and engineering teams to support deployment activities, training, issue resolution, and continuous product improvement.
• Promote safe operations, document best practices, contribute to technical reviews, and represent Caterpillar professionally while owning assigned issues through resolution.

What You Will Have

• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to analyze technical issues and implement effective solutions.
• Effective communication and customer engagement skills, with the ability to collaborate across technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Knowledge of software development, integration, testing, and deployment practices.
• Experience working with complex software and hardware systems in real-world operating environments.

Top Candidates Will Have

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics, Mechatronics, or a related field, or equivalent hands-on technical experience.
• 4+ years of experience in robotics, autonomous systems, machine controls, industrial automation, or related fields, including field deployment and system integration.
• Hands-on experience installing, commissioning, troubleshooting, or repairing electrical, sensor, networking, or robotic systems on vehicles or heavy equipment.
• Proficiency in Python and working knowledge of C++, with experience developing, debugging, and supporting production systems.
• Experience with Linux, CAN/J1939 networks, Ethernet/IP, and autonomy technologies including cameras, radar, lidar, and GNSS/RTK.
• Strong cross-functional communication skills and the ability to independently execute work at remote customer sites.
• Experience in construction, mining, agriculture, trucking, off-highway equipment, or similar industries preferred; Caterpillar or dealer experience is a plus.
• OSHA 10, MSHA Part 46/48, or similar safety training preferred.

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.

#LI-Remote
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
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.
Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.