Assistant Product Developer Jobs in Elgin, IL (NOW HIRING)

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.
Cat Digital is the digital and technology arm of Caterpillar Inc., leveraging the latest technologies to build industry leading digital solutions for our customers and dealers. With over 1.5 million connected assets worldwide, our teams use data, technology, advanced analytics, telematics, and AI capabilities to help our customers build a better, more sustainable world.
Job Summary:
Caterpillar is seeking a highly motivated Senior Product Owner to join the CAT® AI Assistant team. This role will serve as a critical member of the In-Cab AI Assistant Product Owner Delivery (POD), helping define, prioritize, and deliver intelligent operator experiences that bring machine-aware AI capabilities directly into Caterpillar equipment. The team is currently organized into dedicated product PODs supporting AI Assistant initiatives, including the In-Cab-focused POD.
The Senior Product Owner will partner closely with Product Managers, Engineering, UX, Architecture, Commercial teams, and Cat Technology stakeholders to translate business objectives into executable product requirements. This individual will own backlog readiness, feature definition, user stories, acceptance criteria, and delivery coordination while helping shape future AI-enabled operator experiences, including voice interaction, machine guidance, fault interpretation, display navigation, and operator coaching capabilities.
What You Will Do:
Product Ownership & Backlog Management

• Own and manage prioritized product backlogs for assigned In-Cab AI Assistant capabilities
• Create and maintain epics, features, user stories, and acceptance criteria in Azure DevOps
• Ensure requirements are complete, testable, traceable, and aligned with program objectives
• Define business value, scope boundaries, non-functional requirements, and success criteria for new capabilities
• Continuously refine and prioritize work based on customer feedback, technical dependencies, and business priorities

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Engineering, Architecture, UX, Validation, Commercial, and Machine teams to drive alignment and execution
• Facilitate requirements workshops, architecture reviews, technical sessions, and backlog grooming activities
• Coordinate across large matrix organizations to resolve ambiguity, mitigate risks, and accelerate decision-making
• Support integrated program planning and dependency management across workstreams

AI Product Development

• Support development and delivery of AI Assistant capabilities including:
• Machine system integration with AI based cloud and edge devices
• Voice-first interaction experiences and contextual assistance
• Machine display navigation, fault codes and events interpretation
• Machine-specific knowledge retrieval, operator coaching and guided workflows
• Safety, security, governance, and optimization guidance
• Engage with stakeholders across CAT Digital and CAT Technology teams
• Represent the product team in architecture and design discussions
• Collaborate with program management to drive product development milestones

Customer & Early Learner Engagement

• Support customer-back product development through dealer, customer, and operator feedback loops
• Help define measurable success criteria for Early Learner initiatives and future product releases
• Translate field insights into backlog priorities and roadmap recommendations

Process Execution & Communication

• Track and mitigate risks, issues, blockers, and dependencies affecting delivery
• Prepare executive-ready presentations, status reports, and stakeholder updates
• Participate in sprint planning, product reviews, release planning, and POD operating rhythms.

What You Will Have:
Business Analysis: Knowledge of business analysis and the set of tasks, techniques and tools required to identify business needs; ability to recommend solutions that deliver value to stakeholders.
Decision Making and Critical Thinking: Knowledge of the decision-making process and associated tools and techniques; ability to accurately analyze situations and reach productive decisions based on informed judgment.
Software Change Request Management: Knowledge of software change request management; ability to manage software product change requests from customers, prospective customers, vendors, and internal staff.
Software Engineering: Knowledge of software engineering; ability to deliver new or enhanced fee-based software products.
Software Product Business Knowledge: Knowledge of and experience with the business aspects and operation of a software product; ability to manage install base, current uses, future plans, and product vision.
User Acceptance Testing (UAT): Knowledge of UAT activities, tasks, tools and techniques; ability to design, implement and evaluate acceptance tests for end-users.
Considerations For Top Candidates:

• 5+ years of Product Owner, Product Management, Business Analyst, or related experience
• Experience working within Agile product development environments
• Experience managing complex cross-functional initiatives involving multiple stakeholders
• Proven ability to translate customer, business, and operational needs into actionable product requirements, prioritized backlogs, and delivery plans

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong backlog management and requirements definition skills
• Ability to facilitate technical and business discussions
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Experience with Azure DevOps, Agile, Scrum, or SAFe methodologies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities
• Ability to influence without direct authority

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Generative AI, AI Assistants, Voice and Conversational AI, LLMs, or Agentic AI solutions
• Experience with connected products, IoT, embedded systems, industrial equipment, automotive, or telematics platforms
• Experience working in safety-critical environments
• Familiarity with heavy equipment, machine control systems and operator-focused digital experiences
• User focused mindset and perspective

What You Will Get:
Working with a Fortune 100 leader, you can build your career on a global scale and take advantage of development opportunities with emerging technologies. We've created an inclusive environment for you to explore your passions, make an impact and do the work that really matters. Join Us.
Additional Information:
Sponsorship is not available
Relocation is not approved for this role
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.
Summary Pay Range:
$112,710.00 - $183,140.00
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
Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.
Posting Dates:
August 3, 2026 - August 10, 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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