Caterpillar Logo

Caterpillar

Lead Software Engineer (Simulation/Digital Twin)

Reposted Yesterday
Be an Early Applicant
Hybrid
Irving, TX
128K-209K Annually
Senior level
Hybrid
Irving, TX
128K-209K Annually
Senior level
Designs, develops, and integrates simulation and digital twin capabilities for autonomous construction robotics. Builds high-fidelity 3D scenes, sensor simulations, and Omniverse-based pipelines using C++ and Python. Integrates simulation models with data systems, optimizes large-scale workflows, develops validation frameworks, and connects simulations to real-time visualization and operator experiences. The role also evaluates emerging tools, reduces the real-to-sim gap using machine data, and leads technical planning and mentoring.
The summary above was generated by AI
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.
Help Build the Future of Caterpillar - Be Part of What's Next in Autonomous Construction Sites
At Caterpillar, technology always has a purpose, which is to solve our customers' toughest challenges. Construction autonomy is one of the most complex challenges in applied AI, and at Caterpillar, advancements in physical AI, simulation, sensing, and edge computing are turning things that once felt impossible-intelligent machines operating in dynamic jobsites-into reality.
Role Definition:
The Simulation & Digital Twin Engineer will design, develop, and integrate simulation capabilities that support Caterpillar's next-generation of robotics. This role combines simulation engineering, real-time visualization, and 3D scene-building using NVIDIA Omniverse and modern C++/Python toolchains. This is a senior hands-on role which will plan, architect and lead and mentor.
Responsibilities
  • Develop simulation for construction machines, jobsites and sensors (Camera, LIDAR, RADAR etc.) in NVIDIA Omniverse.
  • Integrate simulation components with current Caterpillar simulation models, data systems, and digital twin frameworks.
  • Create high-fidelity 3D models, scenes, and environments using NVIDIA Omniverse, USD, and Omniverse Kit-based pipelines.
  • Collaborate with the simulation and robotics teams to define and implement a simulation Omniverse based platform with existing simulation tools.
  • Contribute to toolchain and pipeline design, including scripting utilities, automated test frameworks, and modular code libraries.
  • Develop interfaces that connect simulations to real-time visualization, dashboards, and operator-focused experiences.
  • Ensure performance optimization for large-scale scenes, complex mechanical models, and multi-machine workflows.
  • Develop and execute model validation and verification plans, ensuring digital twins are accurate and numerically stable.
  • Active reduce the real to sim gap by comparing simulation outputs to real machine test data, telematics, and historical performance metrics.
  • Evaluate emerging tools and frameworks to expand Caterpillar's simulation and digital-twin capabilities.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, or a related field.
  • Experience developing digital twins and simulations to support robotics. This includes machine, vehicle and/or sensor simulation. (ideally 5+ years)
  • Experience with NVIDIA Omniverse, Isaac Sim, Cosmo, NVIDIA WARP, Newton, and Omniverse-based pipeline development.
  • Knowledge of other digital-twin and real-time simulation tools, such as CARLA, Unity, Unreal Engine, Siemens NX/Teamcenter/Plant Simulation, Dassault 3DEXPERIENCE, Ansys Twin Builder etc.
  • Strong hands-on programming skills in C++ and Python for simulation logic, behavior modeling, and tooling.
  • Experience with cloud-based simulation workflows, large-scale data integration, or distributed simulation pipelines.

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 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.

Similar Jobs at Caterpillar

Yesterday
Hybrid
98K-158K Annually
Entry level
98K-158K Annually
Entry level
Artificial Intelligence • Cloud • Internet of Things • Software • Cybersecurity • Industrial • Industrial Equipment
Develop and deploy AI-powered annotation, labeling, and captioning systems for robotics, computer vision, autonomy, and VLA datasets. Build data pipelines supporting human review, quality validation, and dataset publication; train and evaluate machine learning models; integrate Caterpillar systems with annotation providers; and ensure scalable, observable production services for heavy-equipment and construction environments.
Top Skills: Computer VisionDockerKubernetesLabelboxLidarMlflowNvidia Cosmos CuratorNvidia Cosmos ReasonOnnxPythonPyTorchRadarRoboflowSuperviselyTensorFlowVision-Language-Action (Vla)Weights & Biases
Yesterday
Hybrid
148K-222K Annually
Entry level
148K-222K Annually
Entry level
Artificial Intelligence • Cloud • Internet of Things • Software • Cybersecurity • Industrial • Industrial Equipment
Manages pre-launch Physical AI and autonomy initiatives from intake through launch approval. Aligns Product, Commercial, Engineering, and Technical Program Management stakeholders on scope, timing, value, capacity, dependencies, risks, and resources. Builds launch decision packages, facilitates governance reviews, establishes milestones and objectives, and transitions approved programs into execution. Governs launched programs at the portfolio level while maintaining prioritization, sequencing, reporting, and continuous improvement across the initiative pipeline.
Top Skills: Artificial IntelligenceAutonomyAzure DevopsConnected-Machine TechnologyEdge ComputingPhysical AiPower BIRobotics
Yesterday
Hybrid
98K-158K Annually
Entry level
98K-158K Annually
Entry level
Artificial Intelligence • Cloud • Internet of Things • Software • Cybersecurity • Industrial • Industrial Equipment
Develop simulation logic, behavioral models, digital twins, and real-time 3D visualization experiences. Build high-fidelity scenes and environments with NVIDIA Omniverse, USD, and Omniverse Kit. Validate simulation models through data correlation, scenario testing, regression testing, and real-world telematics data. Contribute to integration pipelines, scripting utilities, automated testing frameworks, and modular C++ and Python libraries across digital-twin platforms and simulation engines.
Top Skills: Ansys Twin BuilderC++CarlaDassault 3DexperienceNvidia OmniverseOmniverse KitPhysxPlant SimulationPythonSiemens NxTeamcenterUnityUniversal Scene Description (Usd)Unreal Engine

What you need to know about the Seattle Tech Scene

Home to tech titans like Microsoft and Amazon, Seattle punches far above its weight in innovation. But its surrounding mountains, sprinkled with world-famous hiking trails and climbing routes, make the city a destination for outdoorsy types as well. Established as a logging town before shifting to shipbuilding and logistics, the Emerald City is now known for its contributions to aerospace, software, biotech and cloud computing. And its status as a thriving tech ecosystem is attracting out-of-town companies looking to establish new tech and engineering hubs.

Key Facts About Seattle Tech

  • Number of Tech Workers: 287,000; 13% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
  • Major Tech Employers: Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, Google
  • Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, cloud computing, software, biotechnology, game development
  • Funding Landscape: $3.1 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
  • Notable Investors: Madrona, Fuse, Tola, Maveron
  • Research Centers and Universities: University of Washington, Seattle University, Seattle Pacific University, Allen Institute for Brain Science, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle Children’s Research Institute

Sign up now Access later

Create Free Account

Please log in or sign up to report this job.

Create Free Account