Autonomy Project Team Lead

Caterpillar Inc.•Mossville, IL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

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. The Technical Program Manager (TPM) or Project Team Lead for Remote Control leads the development, integration, and delivery of remote-control systems for Caterpillar construction and mining machines within the Remote-Control System section within Autonomy & Automation Division. This role blends technical leadership with hands-on contribution, coordinating cross‑functional teams to deliver high‑quality, safety‑critical, hardware–software systems.

Requirements

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.
Relationship Management: Knowledge of relationship management techniques; ability to establish and maintain healthy working relationships with clients, vendors, and peers.
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.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or computer science; advanced degree preferred
Proven experience in Technical Program Management experience (robotics or autonomous vehicles preferred) or leading complex autonomous or heavy‑equipment product development
New Product Introduction (NPI) leadership experience for complex machines or product features
Strong technical background in complex hardware–software systems
Experience leading cross‑functional teams and managing release schedules
Familiarity with agile development methodologies
Exposure to verification and validation of safety‑critical software and systems
Experience delivering programs to production
Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and project leadership skills

Responsibilities

Lead and coordinate remote control system programs across multiple machines, ensuring alignment to common strategy, architecture, and customer expectations
Translate product and system requirements into achievable milestones, roadmaps, and execution plans
Manage project schedules, budgets, resources, dependencies, risks, and mitigation plans across the full program lifecycle
Maintain a strong technical understanding of remote-control systems, including machine interactions, line‑of‑sight and non‑line‑of‑sight technologies, and functional safety
Support system design, subsystem testing, system integration, and troubleshooting as needed
Identify and track technical and organizational risks and opportunities
Drive cross‑team collaboration, remove blockers, and manage interdependencies with internal teams and external vendors
Run program reviews, stakeholder meetings, customer demos, and executive updates
Establish program KPIs and provide clear status reporting on progress, quality, cost, and schedule
Mentor and support team members, contribute to team vision, and provide input on performance and team selection