Associate System Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Embedded Software Engineer 3 – Autonomous Systems
Requisition ID: 97769-1
Location: Mossville Tech Center – Building A, Illinois
Work Schedule: Onsite
Duration: 12 Months
Interview Process: 2 Rounds
Interview Format: 1st Round – Virtual / 2nd Round – In-Person or Virtual Technical Interview
Interview Type: Panel Interview

Job Overview
We are seeking an experienced Embedded Software Engineer to support the development of advanced technologies, semi-autonomous, and autonomous solutions for heavy equipment applications. This role will focus on designing, developing, integrating, and validating robust embedded software systems for Surface Loading machines such as Wheel Loaders and Excavators.
The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in C++ development, robotics frameworks, embedded systems, autonomy technologies, and software architecture, along with a passion for solving complex real-world engineering challenges.

Position Summary
The Embedded Software Engineer will work as part of an engineering team responsible for developing scalable embedded software and autonomous machine technologies for heavy equipment applications. This role includes contributing to software design, architecture, coding, debugging, validation, and product quality activities across the full software development lifecycle.
The engineer will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to prototype innovative solutions and bring production-ready autonomous technologies to market.

Key Responsibilities
•    Develop production-quality C++ software for embedded and autonomous machine systems. 
•    Participate in software design, coding, testing, validation, and documentation activities. 
•    Contribute to architecture and requirements development for advanced autonomy solutions. 
•    Support functional safety software design and validation processes. 
•    Design and integrate scalable features for embedded electronic control systems and vision systems. 
•    Collaborate with engineering teams to solve complex autonomy and robotics challenges. 
•    Analyze, troubleshoot, and resolve software and system-level technical issues. 
•    Support product development activities from prototype through production deployment. 
•    Mentor and collaborate with team members to achieve project goals. 

Required Qualifications
Education
•    Bachelor’s Degree in: 
o    Engineering 
o    Computer Science 
o    Related Technical Field 
Experience
•    5–7 years of experience supporting: 
o    Robotics 
o    Autonomous systems 
o    Automation projects 
•    Internship experience accepted 

Top Required Skills
•    Strong expertise in C++ Programming 
•    Knowledge of Robot Operating System (ROS) or similar robotics frameworks 
•    Experience in one or more of the following areas: 
o    Positioning 
o    Planning 
o    Perception 
•    Ability to research technical literature and translate research concepts into product implementation 

Required Technical Skills
Embedded & Autonomous Systems
•    Embedded software development 
•    Autonomous machine systems 
•    Electronic control systems 
•    Vision systems integration 
•    Functional safety software validation 
Software Development
•    Strong understanding of Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) 
•    Experience interpreting system designs and technical specifications 
•    Strong debugging and profiling skills 
•    Structured programming techniques 
•    Technical troubleshooting and root cause analysis 
Additional Technical Expertise
•    Telematics-based messaging and machine protocols 
•    Experience with production software deployment and support 
•    Ability to analyze logs, software behavior, and current systems 
Industry Experience Preferred
•    Mining or Construction industry experience 
•    Experience with: 
o    Track Type Tractors 
o    Motor Graders 
o    Wheel Loaders 
o    Excavators 
o    Mining Shovels 
o    Tracked Loaders 

Soft Skills
Problem Solving & Analytical Skills
•    Strong troubleshooting and diagnostic abilities 
•    Ability to identify risks and evaluate alternative solutions 
•    Data-driven decision-making approach 
•    Strong attention to detail 
Communication & Collaboration
•    Strong verbal and written communication skills 
•    Ability to collaborate effectively within engineering teams 
•    Willingness to document designs, solutions, and validation processes clearly 

Team & Work Environment
•    Work within a collaborative engineering team of 3–6 members 
•    Office-based onsite environment 
•    Frequent collaboration with software, systems, validation, and autonomy engineering teams 
•    Fast-paced innovation-focused development environment 

Candidate Value Proposition
This opportunity provides hands-on involvement in the development of next-generation autonomous heavy equipment systems. Candidates will gain exposure to cutting-edge robotics, embedded software, autonomy platforms, and large-scale machine control technologies while working on impactful engineering solutions within Caterpillar’s autonomy initiatives.

Important Notes / Disqualifiers
Disqualifiers
•    Candidates seeking remote work 
•    Associate Degree only (Bachelor’s Degree required) 
Preferred Candidate Traits
•    Strong passion for robotics and autonomy technologies 
•    Excellent problem-solving mindset 
•    Ability to work effectively in highly technical and collaborative environments 
•    Comfortable handling complex engineering challenges and production-quality software development