Jobs › Caterpillar

2027 Summer Corporate Intern - Autonomy & Intelligent Systems Engineering

Caterpillar · Mossville, IL · $25.00–$43.00 an hour · Full time

Posted Sep 4, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

Apply at Caterpillar

Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a robotics, autonomy or machine learning project you built. What did it actually do?

What they are checking: Whether they have hands-on experience building systems rather than only reading about them.

Tell me about a time your code worked in testing but failed in the real world. What did you learn?

What they are checking: Whether they understand the gap between lab and field, which is central to heavy equipment autonomy.

Tell me about a time you had to ask for help. How did you decide when to ask?

What they are checking: Whether they balance working on their own with knowing when they are stuck.

Why autonomy for heavy equipment instead of self-driving cars or other robotics?

What they are checking: Whether their interest in this field is specific and connects to jobsites, safety and productivity.

What would you do

You are given a bug in a large codebase you have never seen. How do you start?

What they are checking: Whether they can navigate unfamiliar code methodically, which every intern faces in week one.

Safety is a big deal when machines run without operators. How would you think about the risks in a feature you are working on?

What they are checking: Whether they take safety seriously and think about failure cases before features.

About the work

How would a large machine like a mining truck know where it is on a jobsite with no clear roads?

What they are checking: Whether they understand basic localization ideas like GPS, sensor fusion and maps.

What is sensor fusion, and why would you need it on a machine working in dust or rain?

What they are checking: Whether they understand why one sensor is not enough in harsh real-world conditions.

How would you test an autonomy feature safely before it runs on a real machine?

What they are checking: Whether they think about simulation and staged testing when mistakes could hurt people.

What programming languages are you strongest in, and which would you pick for code running on the machine itself?

What they are checking: Whether they know why performance and reliability matter for on-board software.

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at Caterpillar from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

Practice this out loud

The full job description

As published by Caterpillar.

Career Area: Students and Graduates 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. Big machines mean big technology. Are you looking for your next big challenge? Here at Caterpillar, we believe in The Power of Everyone. Our competitive advantage as a Fortune 100 leader begins with our employees who remain passionate, innovative, and diverse. Our most valuable work comes from the inclusive environment we’ve fostered to celebrate people of all backgrounds, ensuring everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. United under our Values in Action, our dedicated teams at Caterpillar do the work to build a better world. What does the summer internship offer? At Cat Technology, we are solving problems by building the intelligence layer that connects machines, data, and people to make jobsites safer, more productive, and more sustainable. By combining deep domain expertise in physical systems with software, connectivity, autonomy, and AI, we deliver solutions that work in the real world—on real jobsites, at a global scale. You’ll join a team with diverse project responsibilities and have valuable networking opportunities with all levels of Caterpillar employees. The internship is a 40-hour-per-week assignment lasting 12 weeks . You can focus on building technical abilities for Physical AI in roles including , but not limited t o , Robotics, Simulation, Architecture, Autonomy and Automation , and Software engineering . T he Physical AI Platform for Construction Autonomy team develops the AI-powered technologies that enable Caterpillar machines to perceive, understand, and interact with the physical world autonomously. By combining artificial intelligence, robotics, machine learning, computer vision, sensor fusion, simulation, connectivity, and scalable software platforms, the team is building the foundation for the next generation of intelligent construction equipment. Their work spans machine perception , autonomous decision-making, navigation, machine control, digital twins, and high-fidelity simulation, enabling equipment to operate safely and efficiently in complex, real-world environments. By transforming heavy machinery into intelligent, connected systems, the team is helping solve critical industry challenges such as labor shortages, jobsite safety, productivity, and operational efficiency while advancing Caterpillar's vision for autonomous construction and the future of physical AI. Within Physical AI, t he Robotics, Autonomy, and Automation team develops advanced technologies that enable intelligent, connected, and autonomous solutions across Caterpillar's mining and construction equipment portfolio. Focused on bringing cutting-edge automation and autonomy capabilities into demanding real-world environments, the team drives innovation in autonomous hauling, machine positioning, safety systems, remote operations, site technologies, and core autonomy platforms. Through robotics, software, sensing, and control technologies, the team is helping shape the future of safer, more efficient, and more productive jobsite operations. Program Qualifications – Skills & Experience • Must be enrolled full time at a 4-year University/College in Computer Science, Robotics Engineering, Mechatronic Engineering, or related degree at the time of application and throughout the program • Must have completed 12 credit hours prior to the start of the program • Minimum 3.0/4.0 cumulative GPA, no rounding • Must be able to relocate to internship location for the duration of the internship and complete daily commute using reliable transportation Top Candidates will also have: • Demonstrated leadership experience • Previous technical internship, co-op, or research/relevant experience • Participation in school clubs or student organizations • Demonstrated experience with several of the following: Machine Learning, Deep Learning, MATLAB, CREO, Simulink, C++, etc. • Relevant coursework and/or projects • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills • Ability to demonstrate strong communication skills, initiative, and intellectual curiosity • Able to work independently or as a collaborative team member • Ability to learn and comply with company policies and procedures • Comfortable working in a dynamic environment where digital is still evolving as a core offering • Passion for technology and an eagerness to contribute to a team-orientated environment • Ability to clearly communicate technical ideas, regardless of the technical capacity of the audience Summary Pay Range: $25.00 - $43.00 Intern Hourly Rate: An intern's hourly rate is based on the major/degree being pursued and the number of completed academic hours achieved before the start of the internship. Intern Benefits: The total rewards package, beyond base salary, may include if eligible: • Accrued Paid Time Off (PTO) • Paid Holidays • Paid Volunteer Day • Housing Stipend • Relocation Assistance • Medical coverage • Voluntary benefits This position requires working onsite five days a week. Relocation is available for this position. Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position. Posting Dates: September 4, 2026 - November 8, 2026 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 .

Apply at Caterpillar