Autonomy Project Team Lead

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.

Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.
 

When you join Caterpillar, you’re joining a global team who care not just about the work we do – but also about each other.  We are the makers, problem solvers and future work 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.

Cat Technology collaborates with partners across the Caterpillar enterprise to advance technologies including autonomy and automation, which helps enhance site safety, productivity and efficiency across customer operations worldwide. Cat Technology also owns enterprise-wide initiatives in innovation, research and development, manufacturing automation and advanced materials, ensuring Caterpillar continues to lead the industry in technological excellence and engineering innovation.

As an Autonomy Project Team Lead, you will be responsible for supporting Cat Technology which will require you to integrate technology onto Caterpillar prime products through all development phases including prototype through production.
 

Additional Information:

• This role is located in Rapid City, SD.
• This role is 1st shift, Monday – Friday.
• This role is 100% on-site with no opportunity for hybrid or remote schedules
• This role requires up to 25% domestic and/or international travel

What You Will Do:

• Lead hardware development project scheduling and execution, ensuring teams meet key milestones.

• Drive resolution of build and field issues while maintaining high standards for design quality, compliance, safety, manufacturability, and serviceability.

• Develop product concepts, models, and drawings in Creo, and manage accurate releases through Teamcenter and engineering documentation systems.

• Own Bill of Materials (BOM) structure, cost rollups, and part readiness for validation, testing, and prototype builds.

• Conduct design reviews and machine audits, ensuring alignment with safety, serviceability, and design requirements.

• Manage engineering deliverables and approvals across Pre‑CPPD, CPPD, CRM, and New Product Introduction workflows.

• Provide clear visuals and presentations to support cross‑functional communication and leadership updates.

• Support forward‑looking planning for resources, budgets, and upcoming programs, including tracking procurement and build schedules.

• Lead, coach, and develop team members while fostering accountability and continuous improvement.

What You Have (Basic Requirements):

• Planning: Tactical, Strategic: Knowledge of effective planning techniques and ability to contribute to operational (short term), tactical (1-2 years) and strategic (3-5 years) planning in support of the overall business plan.

• 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.

• Relationship Management: Knowledge of relationship management techniques; ability to establish and maintain healthy working relationships with clients, vendors, and peers.

• Cross-Team Integration: Understanding of the importance of inter-team collaboration in breaking down silos and achieving business results; ability to lead employees from various functions to communicate, coordinate work across divisions, and collaborate in solving problems as one team.

• Managing People: Knowledge of processes involved in managing people; ability to lead successful teams, and diligently address issues related to performance and conflicts at the workplace.

• Project Management: Knowledge of effective project management strategies and tactics; ability to plan, organize, monitor, and control projects, ensuring efficient utilization of technical and administrative resources to achieve project objectives.

What Will Set You Apart (Top Candidates Will Have):

• Bachelor’s degree in an Engineering/Technical field and/or equivalent experience

• Knowledge of marketplace experience, developments and trends related to the organization's use of Information Technology (IT); ability to apply knowledge of IT appropriately to benefit the organization.

• Prior experience with Creo knowledge and design

• Prior experience with Caterpillar Prime Products, especially technology products

• Ability to manage multiple ongoing projects at the same time

• Previous experience in a similar role

What You Will Get:

Through it all, we are one team – creating and delivering world-class components and solutions superior to the competition.  Learn more about the Caterpillar Experience.

                About Caterpillar:

Caterpillar Inc. is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. For nearly 100 years, we’ve been helping customers build a better, more sustainable world and are committed and contributing to a reduced-carbon future. Our innovative products and services, backed by our global dealer network, provide exceptional value that helps customers succeed.

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Summary Pay Range:

$128,470.00 - $208,770.00

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

This position requires working onsite five days a week.

Relocation is available for this position.

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Posting Dates:

March 30, 2026 - April 5, 2026

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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