Senior Autonomy Project Team Lead

Caterpillar Inc.

Senior Autonomy Project Team Lead at Caterpillar leading validation of AI-powered autonomous solutions for construction industries. Ensuring product quality and efficiency in development and integration.

Posted 7/18/2026full-timeMossville • Illinois, Texas • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $147,760 - $240,110 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in Product Quality Management and Validation Planning within Construction Autonomy NPI programs, with a strong focus on AI-based product validation and hardware-in-the-loop testing. Proven ability to lead teams in continuous improvement initiatives and defect management.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Product Quality ManagementValidation PlanningHardware-In-The-Loop TestingContinuous ImprovementAI Exposure in Engineering

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Electrical EngineeringComputer EngineeringMechanical EngineeringComputer ScienceValidation TestingDefect ManagementAI-Based Product ValidationVirtual Product DevelopmentHands-On TestingHeavy Equipment Experience

Soft Skills

Team CoordinationLeadershipCommunicationProblem SolvingContinuous Improvement Mindset

Industry Keywords

Construction AutonomyNPI ProgramsHeavy EquipmentAutomotiveManufacturingRobotics

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Champion Product Quality for all Construction Autonomy NPI programs
Drive Efficiency initiatives to reduce reliance on machines for Development and Validation efforts – specifically in the areas of AI-based product validation, virtual product development (VPD) and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL).
Lead NPI Product Quality swim lane activities including Validation planning and status reporting.
Manage priorities for integration & validation team members – from setting major release strategy down to day-to-day coordination in daily huddles.
Lead coordination of Defect / Issue management.
Lead a culture of continuous improvement through issue retrospectives.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Requires a degree in an accredited Electrical, Computer, or Mechanical Engineering ; or Computer Science curriculum.
Experience supporting projects in Heavy Equipment (Automotive, Manufacturing, Robotics, etc.)
Prior validation or testing experience of Engineering Product Development Required
Prior experience with hands-on testing of HIL equipment
Exposure to AI in Engineering preferred (GenAI)

Benefits

Comp & perks

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