Principal Software Engineer

Posted:
6/9/2026, 7:02:59 AM

Location(s):
Texas, United States ⋅ Irving, Texas, United States

Experience Level(s):
Expert or higher ⋅ Senior

Field(s):
Software Engineering

Workplace Type:
On-site

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.

The Digital Twin & Simulation Engineer will lead the strategy, design, and implementation of highfidelity digital twins for machines, job sites, and endtoend workflows supporting automation and robotics

What You Will Do:

  • Work with senior management to define the vision, for simulation supporting automation and robotics. 

  • Partner with leadership to establish a multiyear simulation and digital twin roadmap, supporting automation and robotics. 

  • Partner with leadership to build out the team. 

  • Translate Business and autonomy requirements into simulation solutions.  Identifying where simulations and digital twins can support robotics. 

  • Determine the technologies, platforms, and integration patterns required to support simulation capabilities. 

  • Work closely with engineering, autonomy, controls, software, product teams, and enterprise data groups to ensure simulation solutions meet business outcomes and integrate seamlessly with existing systems. 

  • Assess current simulation assets across Caterpillar and define the strategy to integrate, extend, or consolidate them into a cohesive digital ecosystem supporting robotics. 

  • Oversee model validation, correlation with physical test data, and governance processes so digital twins remain accurate. 

What You Will Have:

  • Strong expertise in systemlevel simulation and digital twin technologies accompanied with a background in robotics 

  • Background in construction, mining automation and robotics will be preferred. 

  • Knowledge of information architecture for simulation data, and perception engineering. 

  • Deep expertise in NVIDIA Omniverse for building digital twins supporting robotics. 

  • Experience architecting or integrating modeling ecosystems with tools such as CARLA, Dynasty, Simulink/Modelica, AMESim, ANSYS, Adams, GTSuite, Unity/Unreal, or robotics/automation frameworks. 

Top Candidate Will Have:

  • Ability to evaluate emerging technologies and strategically recommend adoption paths for simulation and robotics. 

  • Deep understanding of simulation architecture, model governance, verification/validation practices, and integration of simulations with realtime data sources. 

  • Proven ability to work with senior management to establish vision, strategy, and multiyear roadmaps. 

  • Excellent communication skills for translating complex technical concepts into actionable business insights. 

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics, or related discipline (Master’s or PhD preferred). 

  • 10+ years in simulation, robotics or autonomy—with direct experience deploying Omniversebased digital twins strongly preferred. 

Additional details:

  • This position requires the candidate to be based in Irving, Tex or Pittsburgh.
  • Relocation assistance is available for this position
  • Visa sponsorship is available for this position
  • Posting Dates 6/9 - 6/19
  • LI#

 

 

Summary Pay Range:

$159,120.00 - $258,570.00

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 available for eligible applicants.

 

 

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.

Caterpillar

Website: https://caterpillar.com/

Headquarter Location: Peoria Heights, Illinois, United States

Employee Count: 10001+

Year Founded: 1925

IPO Status: Public

Last Funding Type: Grant

Industries: Construction ⋅ Machinery Manufacturing ⋅ Manufacturing ⋅ Mechanical Engineering