Automation Engineer

Career Area: Engineering 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. Join our Automation & Robotics team as an Automation Engineer, where you will support the design, development, testing, and implementation of robotic software solutions and intelligent automation technologies. In this role, you will collaborate with experienced engineers to develop innovative software applications, troubleshoot robotic systems, and contribute to the advancement of automation and AI-enabled solutions. This position offers an exciting opportunity to work with emerging technologies that improve productivity, quality, and customer value Key Responsibilities ▸Assist in the design, development, and testing of robotics software applications and automation solutions. ▸Develop and support software algorithms for robotic platforms and autonomous systems. ▸Collect, analyze, and research customer feedback and operational data related to robotic technologies. ▸Create and maintain software documentation, including architecture specifications, design documents, verification plans, test procedures, operating instructions, and safety guidelines. ▸Debug, test, validate, and maintain robotics software and hardware systems using industry-standard development tools. ▸Participate in software verification and validation activities to ensure product quality and reliability. ▸Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to solve technical challenges and deliver innovative automation solutions. ▸Support continuous improvement efforts involving artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, and automation technologies. ▸Analyze system performance and provide recommendations to optimize functionality, reliability, and efficiency. Required Skills ▸Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics Engineering, Software Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical discipline. ▸Experience with robotics frameworks such as ROS (Robot Operating System). ▸Exposure to automation systems, sensors, controls, or embedded systems. ▸Knowledge of AI, machine learning, computer vision, or autonomous systems. ▸Experience with cloud platforms, data analytics, or edge computing technologies. ▸Familiarity with Agile software development methodologies. ▸Previous internship, academic project, or industry experience in robotics or automation. Preferred Qualifications ▸Experience with robotics development frameworks such as ROS (Robot Operating System). ▸Knowledge of robotics, autonomous systems, machine vision, sensor integration, or control systems. ▸Experience with Python and C++ in a software development environment. ▸Exposure to industrial automation, embedded systems, PLCs, or mechatronics. ▸Understanding of artificial intelligence, machine learning, or data analytics applications. ▸Familiarity with Git, GitHub, Azure DevOps, or similar source control tools. ▸Experience gained through internships, research projects, university competitions, or industry placements related to robotics or automation. ▸Knowledge of Agile software development practices. This Job Description is intended as a general guide to the job duties for this position and is intended for the purpose of establishing the specific salary grade.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as an exhaustive summary of all responsibilities, duties and effort required of employees assigned to this job.  At the discretion of management, this description may be changed at any