Caterpillar Innovation, Technology & Agility

Describe a typical day for you. What work do you tackle, who do you collaborate with and what tech do you use?

In my current role, I have the flexibility to work both from home and the office, though I am typically at home. I begin my mornings with a cup of coffee and a walk with my wife and dog, during which I listen to financial podcasts or audio articles on computer science and physics. I settle into work around 8:30 a.m. and try to wrap up by 5 p.m.

I prioritize and tackle my tasks based on the day’s requirements, the type of work and the effort needed to complete specific tasks or tickets. Each day is a little different. 

Currently, my work focuses on two main areas: training reinforcement learning models for logistical decision-making in simulated environments, and exploring the applications of GenAI models, investigating new models and engaging in prompt engineering. 

I frequently use Python and leverage AWS services like Sagemaker, ECS, S3 and Lambda to scale up training and prototype solutions. I also use Snowflake SQL for various tasks. For deployment, reproducibility purposes and running things on AWS, I try to develop everything in Docker containers.

Describe a project you’re working on right now. What’s the impact of this project, and what do you find rewarding or challenging about it?

One of my projects involves training reinforcement learning models for logistical decision-making in simulated environments of mine sites and, eventually, construction sites. 

Caterpillar places significant emphasis on virtual product development, a critical phase in the product development process where the behavior of Cat machines is tested in a virtual simulation environment. This stage is essential for validating the designs and performance of new machines, particularly those for which no field data exists. 

A dedicated team at Caterpillar focuses on creating physics-based models of these machines, working closely with engineering teams responsible for various machine components. 

Electrification, the focus of one of my current projects, introduces a unique set of challenges and constraints, including charging and battery management, which must be considered in the development process. 

Creating simulated environments can help identify these challenges and opportunities that may arise in the real world. Through digital solutions, we can test and understand real-life operations using AI technologies, connecting the physical and the digital world.

What’s the culture like on your team? Are there any rituals or practices that enable team members to grow their knowledge and connect with each other?

Within Caterpillar, we utilize multiple communication channels. I collaborate with two teams, both of which operate similarly, and keep in touch with one another, despite being located around the globe.

We hold virtual meetings a couple of times a week to discuss project progress, address any blockers and seek assistance as needed. These meetings are concise, with additional breakout sessions for more in-depth collaboration or preparation. We also have weekly virtual meetings dedicated to showcasing new technologies, repositories and libraries that we find interesting and useful.

We also connect in person. A few times a year, we have team bonding activities that can take place at one of our locations: Colorado; Peoria, Illinois; and Chicago, of course.

Aside from our meetings, our culture drives me to learn more. My manager encourages me to engage with academic research groups, attend conferences and experiment with new technologies. Additionally, Caterpillar offers training programs focused on our products’ design and creation, helping us better understand them.

This supportive environment makes it straightforward to build a stable and fulfilling career.