Lead Software Engineer (Simulation/Digital Twin)

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.

Help Build the Future of Caterpillar – Be Part of What’s Next in Autonomous Construction Sites

At Caterpillar, technology always has a purpose, which is to solve our customers’ toughest challenges. Construction autonomy is one of the most complex challenges in applied AI, and at Caterpillar, advancements in physical AI, simulation, sensing, and edge computing are turning things that once felt impossible—intelligent machines operating in dynamic jobsites—into reality.

Role Definition:

The Simulation & Digital Twin Engineer will design, develop, and integrate simulation capabilities that support Caterpillar’s next‑generation of robotics. This role combines simulation engineering, real‑time visualization, and 3D scene‑building using NVIDIA Omniverse and modern C++/Python toolchains. This is a senior hands-on role which will plan, architect and lead and mentor.

Responsibilities

• Develop simulation for construction machines, jobsites and sensors (Camera, LIDAR, RADAR etc.) in NVIDIA Omniverse.
• Integrate simulation components with current Caterpillar simulation models, data systems, and digital twin frameworks.
• Create high‑fidelity 3D models, scenes, and environments using NVIDIA Omniverse, USD, and Omniverse Kit‑based pipelines.
• Collaborate with the simulation and robotics teams to define and implement a simulation Omniverse based platform with existing simulation tools.
• Contribute to toolchain and pipeline design, including scripting utilities, automated test frameworks, and modular code libraries.
• Develop interfaces that connect simulations to real‑time visualization, dashboards, and operator‑focused experiences.

• Ensure performance optimization for large‑scale scenes, complex mechanical models, and multi‑machine workflows.
• Develop and execute model validation and verification plans, ensuring digital twins are accurate and numerically stable.
• Active reduce the real to sim gap by comparing simulation outputs to real machine test data, telematics, and historical performance metrics.

• Evaluate emerging tools and frameworks to expand Caterpillar’s simulation and digital‑twin capabilities.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, or a related field.
• Experience developing digital twins and simulations to support robotics. This includes machine, vehicle and/or sensor simulation. (ideally 5+ years)
• Experience with NVIDIA Omniverse, Isaac Sim, Cosmo, NVIDIA WARP, Newton, and Omniverse‑based pipeline development.
• Knowledge of other digital‑twin and real‑time simulation tools, such as CARLA, Unity, Unreal Engine, Siemens NX/Teamcenter/Plant Simulation, Dassault 3DEXPERIENCE, Ansys Twin Builder etc.
• Strong hands‑on programming skills in C++ and Python for simulation logic, behavior modeling, and tooling.

• Experience with cloud‑based simulation workflows, large‑scale data integration, or distributed simulation pipelines.

Summary Pay Range:

$128,470.00 - $208,770.00

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

Posting Dates:

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.

Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.