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Caterpillar Inc. · 2 days ago

Autonomy Validation Engineer

Mossville, IL

Full-time

Onsite

Mid Level

$98K/yr - $158K/yr

Caterpillar Inc. is a global team dedicated to building sustainable communities through innovative solutions. The Autonomy Validation Engineer will focus on system integration and validation activities for autonomous machines, ensuring the proper functioning of both hardware and software components in various testing environments.

ConstructionMachinery ManufacturingManufacturingMechanical Engineering

No H1B

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain MATLAB/Simulink real-time models for machine dynamics, including actuator/ECM I/O behaviors, to enable closed-loop validation, fault injection, and regression testing on HIL benches

Configure, operate, and troubleshoot dSPACE SCALEXIO benches using ConfigurationDesk, and ControlDesk, including deployment, parameter/variant management, automated test execution, and bench bring-up activities supporting Autonomous system integration

Design, build, and validate wiring harnesses and interconnects; document and communicate end-to-end electrical interfaces between multiple ECMs supporting machine and technology integration, including power distribution, grounding/shielding, and subsystem-to-subsystem connectivity

Apply electronics engineering fundamentals to verify harness integrity and bench interface circuitry (power/protection, isolation, filtering, shielding, signal integrity) for reliable integrated HIL operation across multiple controllers, components, actuator loads and signal types

Integrate and validate communications across CAN/J1939 plus Ethernet/TCP-IP within an integrated architecture, including troubleshooting of bandwidth, timing, and interoperability issues affecting autonomy functions and data transport where applicable

Integrate and validate workflows that interface with back office (client/server connectivity, site configuration, and operational readiness) to support end-to-end autonomy validation scenarios on HIL benches and test environments

Integrate and validate sensor simulation for autonomous machines—LiDAR point clouds, Radar detections/tracks, and Camera, GPS, IMU—ensuring correct interfaces, timing/synchronization, calibration alignment, and controllable fault modes (dropouts, noise, occlusions, latency) to exercise perception and system behaviors in HIL

Drive structured troubleshooting to isolate and resolve issues spanning full system level integration—software defects, interface mismatches, timing/network conflicts, sensor simulation fidelity or synchronization gaps, workflow issues, and HIL bench design shortcomings—then implement corrective actions with traceable evidence (logs, captures, test artifacts, documentation)

Qualification

MATLAB/SimulinkDSPACE SCALEXIOElectrical systems integrationModel-based simulationAI conceptsSoftware product testingTechnical troubleshootingAgile methodologiesProblem solvingCommunication skills

Required

Bachelor's degree in engineering or computer science, or an advanced degree (Masters or Ph.D.) in related field

Experience with design, development, validation, or product support role of complex autonomous vehicle systems

Knowledge in iterative testing using agile methodologies. Understanding of V-model for verification & validation

Experience with model-based simulation programs

Extensive experience with electrical systems including harness & electrical integration, interface and sensors

Advanced data analysis and systems analysis efforts and skills are needed to help troubleshoot complex issues from test or customer sites, and to examine information from test sites to improve overall systems performance

Good communication is expected for technical status updates, test plan reviews, and when working closely with other autonomy validation engineers, support teams and product support

Knowledge of AI concepts, technologies and methodologies to develop and implement/apply AI products