Lead Data Scientist, Gen AI

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.
Cat Digital is the digital and technology arm of Caterpillar Inc., leveraging the latest technologies to build industry leading digital solutions for our customers and dealers. With over 1.5 million connected assets worldwide, our teams use data, technology, advanced analytics, telematics, and AI capabilities to help our customers build a better, more sustainable world.
Job Summary:
Join the Gen AI Delivery team of Cat Digital and be responsible for bringing world class GenAI capabilities to our products and services.
What You Will Do:

• Model Development: Fine-tuning, implementing, developing, and optimizing models used in generative AI solutions
• Algorithm Research: Staying updated with the latest advancements in AI and machine learning algorithms and integrating them into the team's projects.
• Experimentation: Conducting experiments to test the performance of different models and approaches, and iterating based on the results.
• Research and Implementation: Agentic GenAI solution research and best approach to implement solutions
• Training and Mentorship: Providing guidance and mentorship to junior data scientists and other team members.

What You Will Have:

• Business Statistics: Knowledge of statistical tools and processes to describe results; ability to use statistical tools, including experiment design for LLM evaluation, to assist in making data-driven business decisions.
• Analytical Thinking: Knowledge of techniques to promote effective analysis; ability to determine the root cause of organizational problems and architect agentic workflows that decompose complex tasks into autonomous sub-tasks.
• Machine Learning: Knowledge of algorithms and principles; ability to develop and deliver Generative AI solutions, including Large Language Models (LLMs), Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), and autonomous systems.
• Programming: Solid understanding of software engineering and clean code; ability to utilize Python and deep learning frameworks to conduct AI research, build rapid prototypes, and iterate on diverse Generative AI applications, including but not limited to agentic workflows.
• Requirements Analysis: Ability to elicit and record business requirements to ensure the success of AI-driven products, incorporating human-in-the-loop (HITL) reviews and safety guardrails for autonomous system development.

Considerations for Top Candidates:

• Proven ability to lead and guide a team of data scientists, providing technical mentorship and fostering a collaborative research environment.
• Graduate degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related quantitative field.
• At least 3 years of professional experience in Data Science and Machine Learning.
• At least 1 year of professional experience in the Generative AI domain, specifically working with Large Language Models (LLM).
• Advanced proficiency in Python for carrying out AI research and developing rapid prototypes for diverse AI applications.
• Foundational knowledge in LLM as well as other AI domains such as computer vision, speech and exposure to agentic AI architectures.
• Experience to evaluate generated content from Large Language Models using both automated metrics and human-in-the-loop methodologies.
• Solid understanding of AI observability tools like LangSmith, Langfuse, or AgentOps to monitor traces, identify logic bottlenecks, and debug agent reasoning.
• Hands-on experience with major cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP) for model development, data handling, and AI service integration.

Additional Details:
This position has the option to be based out of either our Chicago, IL, Peoria, IL, or Irving, TX (Dallas) offices.
#LI
#BI (used to post on Built In Chicago)
What You Will Get:
Working with a Fortune 100 leader, you can build your career on a global scale and take advantage of development opportunities with emerging technologies. We've created an inclusive environment for you to explore your passions, make an impact and do the work that really matters. Join Us.
About Caterpillar
Caterpillar Inc. is the world's leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. For nearly 100 years, we've been helping customers build a better, more sustainable world and are committed and contributing to a reduced-carbon future. Our innovative products and services, backed by our global dealer network, provide exceptional value that helps customers succeed.
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
Visa sponsorship is available for eligible applicants.
Posting Dates:
March 6, 2026 - March 15, 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.
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