Senior Autonomy Engineering Specialist

Career Area:

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.

About Us:

With 2024 sales and revenues of $64.8 billion, 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.

Caterpillar does business on every continent, principally operating through three primary segments – Construction Industries, Resource Industries and Energy & Transportation – and providing financing and related services through our Financial Products segment.

The Global Data Science Architect will:

• serve as the technical lead for data science architecture across Caterpillar's Autonomy & Automation (A&A) programs, and this role is embedded within the Global Data Science team which acts as a supplier to multiple solution trains and cross-functional A&A initiatives.

• work closely with A&A Cloud, OnPrem and Onboard Application Architects, Caterpillar IT & Cat Digital Architects, Global Data Science Tech BAs, ensuring that traditional AI and GenAI capabilities are designed to accelerate product innovation and internal tooling velocity.

Key Responsibilities:

• Architect and oversee Traditional AI and Governed AI solutions across A&A domains.

• Collaborate with Tech BAs to translate business requirements into scalable, production-ready architectures.

• Define and maintain architectural standards for model delivery, documentation, and deployment (e.g., .WHL packaging, MLOps & GenAI integration).

• Ensure ISO 9001 compliance and alignment with Caterpillar's AI governance and IT infrastructure.

• Support Epic Grooming and Front Door processes working with Tech BAs and ensuring architectural consistency across pods.

Required Skills & Experience:

• 10+ years in data science, data engineering, or architecture roles, with at least 3 years in a global or enterprise architect capacity.

• Proven experience designing and deploying Traditional AI and Generative AI solutions at scale in production environments.

• Strong understanding of data governance, model lifecycle management, and enterprise integration.

• Proficiency in Python, SQL, and ML frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch).

• Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and containerisation (Docker, Kubernetes).

• Experience working with cross-functional teams including Tech BAs, product managers, and solution architects.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

Influencing Through Expertise: Knowledge of effective influencing tactics and strategies; ability to use these to deepen own expertise and impact or challenge decisions within and outside own organization.
Level Working Knowledge:

• Acquires expertise through training and practical experience in the relevant field.

• Analyzes the needs, desires, and motivations of the other party to effectively understand a given scenario.

• Identifies who the decision makers are and how they receive information.

• Provides evidentiary support while giving opinions or recommendations to influence decision-making.

• Conducts tasks in such a way as to build a strong reputation and credibility as an expert in the field.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's or PhD in Data Science, Computer Science, or related field.

• Experience with GenAI tools and ISO-compliant development practices

• Familiarity with Caterpillar's A&A ecosystem and Solution Train delivery models

• Familiarity with Caterpillar's IT ecosystem, security and organisation

Additional Information:

This position requires the successful candidate to be full-time in our Brisbane CBD office.

Compensation & Benefits:
Competitive salary based on degree and professional industry working experience. The Total Rewards package includes:

• Competitive remuneration package

• Attractive Bonus and Share options

• Career development with global prospects

• A strong commitment to safety and your wellbeing

• An inclusive workplace culture focused on quality, customer service and the environment

• A commitment to diversity and inclusion, equal opportunity, and equal outcome

• SMART spending APP

• The opportunity to do truly meaningful work in a supportive, constructive culture that encourages you to make the most of your talents.

Caterpillar of Australia is not currently hiring individuals for this position who now or in future require sponsorship for employment-based non-immigrant and immigrant visas. However, as a global company, Caterpillar offers many job opportunities outside of Australia which can be found through our employment website http://www.caterpillar.com/careers.

Your road to success begins with a Caterpillar career. By joining the Caterpillar team, you'll discover that working for a global leader creates endless opportunities for you.

Posting Dates:

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply

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