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Automation Project Team Lead – Autonomy SI&V

Caterpillar · East Peoria, IL · $128,470–$208,770 a year · Full time

Posted Oct 1, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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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 time you had to prioritize integration and validation work when there was not enough time to test everything.

What they are checking: Whether they make risk-based choices and are honest about what was not tested.

Tell me about a time you led a team without being their formal manager.

What they are checking: Whether they can lead through influence, which a project team lead needs.

Tell me about a defect that escaped to the field. What did you change afterward?

What they are checking: Whether they learn from escapes and improve the process instead of just fixing the one bug.

How do you keep your team's morale up during a long, high-pressure validation push?

What they are checking: Whether they look after people while still delivering on schedule.

What would you do

Your team spans Mossville, Tucson, Montreal, Australia and India. How do you keep integration testing moving across those time zones?

What they are checking: Whether they can run a distributed team with clear handoffs and shared priorities.

A partner development team delivers a build that breaks integration two days before a milestone. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they can manage partner teams firmly while keeping the relationship working.

MineStar Solutions is your internal client. How would you report test status to them so they can make good decisions?

What they are checking: Whether they communicate risk clearly and honestly instead of just reporting pass rates.

About the work

Walk me through how you would plan system integration and validation for a new MineStar release on an NPI program.

What they are checking: Whether they can structure integration work from requirements through test, not just run test cases.

How do you decide that an autonomy system is ready to go to a customer's mine site?

What they are checking: Whether they think about safety, release criteria and field risk before saying yes.

What makes testing a whole site system with many machines harder than testing one machine?

What they are checking: Whether they understand interactions, timing and network issues in site-wide autonomy systems.

How would you use automation in your test process for an autonomy product line?

What they are checking: Whether they know where test automation and simulation save time without hiding real-world risk.

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The full job description

As published by Caterpillar.

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. Job Summary: This exciting opportunity will place you in a crucial role in Caterpillar’s delivery of Autonomous and Site Solutions to our largest Resource and Construction Industry customers. This position is for an Automation Project Team Lead within the Autonomy & Site Technology Integration & Validation group. This individual will perform system integration and validation activities on NPI programs in the MineStar product line. This role includes opportunity to perform system integration testing activity, collaborate closely with team members based in Mossville, Tucson, Montreal, Australia, and Cat India – as well as serving as a key point of contact with partner development teams and our internal client, MineStar Solutions. What You Will Do: • Prioritize and execute integration and validation activities, from understanding major release strategies to coordinating day-to-day execution through team huddles and development cycles. • Engage deeply in the issue management process across integration and validation teams, system development groups, and product support organizations to drive issue resolution. • Lead continuous improvement efforts through issue retrospectives, lessons learned reviews, and process enhancements. • Engage with customers, Cat dealers, and MineStar Solutions team members through periodic product demonstrations, both virtual and in person. What You Will Have: Planning, Tactical, Strategic: Knowledge of effective planning techniques and ability to contribute to operational (short term), tactical (1-2 years) and strategic (3-5 years) planning in support of the overall business plan. Effective Communications: Understanding of effective communication concepts, tools and techniques; ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through the application of appropriate communication behaviors. Cross-Team Integration: Understanding of the importance of inter-team collaboration in breaking down silos and achieving business results; ability to lead employees from various functions to communicate, coordinate work across divisions, and collaborate in solving problems as one team Project Management: Knowledge of effective project management strategies and tactics; ability to plan, organize, monitor, and control projects, ensuring efficient utilization of technical and administrative resources to achieve project objectives Relationship Management: Knowledge of relationship management techniques; ability to establish and maintain healthy working relationships with clients, vendors, and peers. Considerations For Top Candidates: • Foundational understanding of ICS functions, processes, and organizational structure. • Experience supporting heavy equipment, mining, construction, or industrial machine applications. • Working knowledge of Agile software development methodologies and associated workflow management tools such as Azure DevOps, Targetprocess, or Jira. • Experience planning, coordinating, and executing integration and validation activities, including the use of quality management and tracking tools such as HP Quality Center and Azure DevOps. • Familiarity with Caterpillar's software development frameworks, processes, and engineering methodologies. Additional Information: • This position requires the candidate to work full-time at the Peoria Proving Grounds. • Domestic relocation assistance is NOT available for this position. • Visa sponsorship is NOT available with this position. • This position will require up to 10% travel • #LI 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 This position requires working onsite five days a week. Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position. 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 .

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