Senior Robotics Planning Engineer

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The Robotics Planning Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and validating planning software that enables autonomous machines to safely and efficiently navigate, perform work tasks, and execute complex operations in dynamic environments. This role develops planning algorithms, APIs, software frameworks, and reusable components that support navigation planning, motion planning, path planning, terrain planning, and autonomous work execution across a variety of machine platforms and applications. The engineer collaborates closely with autonomy, perception, controls, simulation, and software platform teams to define requirements, develop robust planning solutions, create test scenarios, and evaluate system performance. Responsibilities include implementing and optimizing planning algorithms, developing C++ software libraries and interfaces, supporting simulation and validation activities, analyzing field and test data, and contributing to scalable planning architectures that can accommodate different machine types, operating environments, objectives, and constraints. The ideal candidate combines strong software engineering skills with expertise in robotics, motion planning, optimization, controls, or autonomous systems and demonstrates a passion for solving challenging real-world robotics problems.

Problem Solving: Knowledge of approaches, tools, techniques for recognizing, anticipating, and resolving organizational, operational or process problems; ability to apply knowledge of problem solving appropriately to diverse situations.

Software Development Life Cycle: Knowledge of software development life cycle; ability to use a structured methodology for delivering and managing new or enhanced software products to the marketplace.

Programming: Knowledge of relevant programming languages and tools; ability to test, write, design, debug, troubleshoot and maintain source codes and computer programs.

Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Robotics Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline.

4+ years of experience developing robotics or autonomous solutions with demonstrated technical expertise in complex software systems.

Strong C++ development skills with proficiency in Python for algorithm development, testing, and automation.

Experience interpreting system architectures, application designs, and technical specifications to deliver robust software solutions.

Knowledge of robotics frameworks and middleware technologies, including Robot Operating System (ROS).

Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex software and application issues through code analysis, debugging, profiling, log analysis, and root cause investigation.

Experience applying structured software engineering practices, documenting technical issues and resolutions, and contributing to maintainable, scalable software architectures.

This position requires the candidate to work full-time at the Irving, TX office.

Domestic relocation assistance is available for this position.

Visa sponsorship is NOT available with this position.

This position will require up to 10% travel

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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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