Principal Digital Twin Engineer

Role Definition: The Digital Twin & Simulation Principal will lead the strategy, design, and implementation of high‑fidelity digital twins for machines, job sites, and end‑to‑end workflows supporting automation and robotics.

Responsibilities:

• Work with senior management to define the long‑term vision, for simulation supporting automation and robotics.
• Partner with leadership to establish a multi‑year simulation and digital twin roadmap, supporting automation and robotics.
• Translate Business and autonomy requirements into simulation solutions. Identifying where simulations and digital twins can support robotics.
• Create detailed system level architecture deliverables in partnership with the chief architect and robotics team.
• Determine the technologies, platforms, and integration patterns required to support simulation capabilities.
• Work closely with engineering, autonomy, controls, software, product teams, and enterprise data groups to ensure simulation solutions meet business outcomes and integrate seamlessly with existing systems.
• Assess current simulation assets across Caterpillar and define the strategy to integrate, extend, or consolidate them into a cohesive digital ecosystem supporting robotics.
• Oversee model validation, correlation with physical test data, and governance processes so digital twins remain accurate.

Qualifications:

• Strong expertise in system‑level simulation and digital twin technologies accompanied with a background in robotics.
• Background in construction, mining automation and robotics will be preferred.
• Knowledge of information architecture for simulation data, and perception engineering.
• Deep expertise in NVIDIA Omniverse for building digital twins supporting robotics.
• Experience architecting or integrating modeling ecosystems with tools such as CARLA, Dynasty, Simulink/Modelica, AMESim, ANSYS, Adams, GT‑Suite, Unity/Unreal, or robotics/automation frameworks.
• Ability to evaluate emerging technologies and strategically recommend adoption paths for simulation and robotics.
• Deep understanding of simulation architecture, model governance, verification/validation practices, and integration of simulations with real‑time data sources.
• Proven ability to work with senior management to establish vision, strategy, and multi‑year roadmaps.
• Excellent communication skills for translating complex technical concepts into actionable business insights.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics, or related discipline (Master’s or PhD preferred).
• Ideally 10+ years in simulation, robotics or autonomy—with direct experience deploying Omniverse‑based digital twins strongly preferred.

Summary Pay Range:

$159,120.00 - $258,570.00

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.

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