Principal Robotics Platform Architect

Caterpillar Inc.

. Own the software foundation and platform used by robotics and autonomy teams .

Posted 10/23/2026full-timeUnited StatesLead💰 $175,030 - $284,430 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in software architecture for robotics platforms, including middleware, runtime, and inter-process communication. Proficient in defining cloud and edge compute architectures, establishing standards, and providing technical direction across engineering teams.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Robotics Software ArchitectureMiddleware and Runtime DesignCloud and Edge Compute ArchitectureAgile SDLC ImplementationTechnical Direction and Governance

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Software ArchitectureMiddlewareInter-Process CommunicationAPIs and Reference DesignsReal-Time Execution ModelsResource ManagementGPU Accelerated ComputeContainerized DeploymentTest AutomationCI/CD

Soft Skills

Excellent CommunicationMentoring and CoachingInfluencing Senior LeadersCollaborationPersuasion

Tools & Technologies

ROS 2DDSAgile MethodologiesPublic Cloud EcosystemsDigital Solutions

Industry Keywords

RoboticsAutonomous SystemsMachine LearningSimulationControls

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

CloudSDLC

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Own the software foundation and platform used by robotics and autonomy teams
Define and deliver the end-to-end software architecture for Caterpillar’s robotics platform
Architect middleware, runtime, inter-process communication, platform services, and compute architecture for autonomous machines
Establish standards, APIs, and reference designs that enable teams to build and deploy faster
Define onboard, edge, and cloud compute architecture and the real-time execution model for production machines
Develop detailed architecture deliverables to solve business problems
Design application technical infrastructure, including databases, programming languages, utilities, and testing approaches
Lead evaluation and deployment of new technologies
Address business requirements for applications and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver digital solutions
Work across autonomy, controls, machine learning, simulation, and data engineering teams
Provide technical direction, govern technology decisions, and develop architectural roadmaps across engineering organizations
Help integrate perception, planning, controls, and machine platforms to deliver reliable autonomous behavior

Requirements

What you’ll need

Progressive career in software engineering and architecture with a focus on robotics or platform software (senior or principal level)
Strong experience architecting robot software platforms, including middleware, runtime, inter-process communication, and platform services such as ROS 2 / DDS
Experience defining onboard, edge, and cloud compute architecture, real-time execution, resource management, GPU / accelerated compute, and containerized deployment for production robotic or autonomous systems
Ability to define APIs, reference designs, and standards for autonomy, machine learning, controls, and simulation teams
Deep understanding of software integration across perception, planning, controls, and machine platforms
Ability to influence senior leaders, define architectural roadmaps, establish standards and patterns, govern technology decisions, and provide technical direction across multiple engineering organizations without direct authority
Strong understanding of Agile SDLC implementation in public cloud ecosystems, including environment management, test automation, peer review, CI/CD, and resource optimization
Excellent communication skills and ability to deal with sensitive issues, mentor and coach, and persuade others on new technologies, applications, or solutions
Must work full-time at the Irving, TX office
Visa sponsorship is not available
Successful completion of a drug screen required for employment

Benefits

Comp & perks

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
Domestic relocation assistance