Principal AI Data Scientist / Engineer

Principal Ai Data Scientist / Engineer, Accounting Systems

Caterpillar is seeking an elite Principal AI Data Scientist / Engineer, Accounting Systems to join our team and act as a champion of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Advanced Analytics within Caterpillar's Global Finance Services Division. Reporting directly to the Director of Advanced Analytics within Global Finance, you will lead the AI-enablement vision for our next-generation, enterprise-scale accounting data harmonizer system. This is a critical senior AI engineering position requiring a rare blend of AI/LLM deployment expertise, robust software engineering experience with high-performance languages, and knowledge of modern cloud-native data architecture. Top candidates will also have experience with accounting systems and principles, and be able to collaborate across groups to understand, identify, and resolve all types of issues. You will lead the technical vision of an AI-enabled, resilient, and highly accurate system that serves as the backbone of enterprise-wide corporate accounting.

What You Will Do

Leverage previous experience in end-to-end architecture for a multi-sourced data platform, evaluating scalability, performance, and resilience. Develop and implement sophisticated strategies for Entity Resolution (ER) by utilizing Large Language Models (LLMs) and Graph Databases (e.g., Neo4J, AWS Neptune, CosmosDB) to accurately map, reconcile, and standardize accounting data across diverse sources. Architect and deploy production-grade Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) pipelines for complex data interpretation and standardization. Understand performance SLAs. Leverage specialized databases such as OLAP solutions (e.g., DuckDB, ClickHouse) for rapid analytics and column stores/caching (e.g., Redis) for low-latency access. Engage with IT experts on cloud deployment strategy (AWS/Azure), containerization (Docker) and orchestration (Kubernetes) to ensure robust, scalable, and observable deployments. Collaborate directly with Accounting, ERP knowledge owners, IT, MDM, and Data Quality teams to translate complex accounting requirements into scalable, automated technical solutions.

Skills Descriptors

Must demonstrate strong initiative, interpersonal skills, and the ability to communicate effectively. Mastery in Python (for AI/ML) AND strong proficiency in at least one compiled, high-performance language (e.g., Go, Java, C#/.NET) for building scalable backend services. Extensive experience architecting solutions on AWS or Azure. Knowledge of Docker and Kubernetes (K8s) in a production environment. Proven experience designing systems utilizing Kafka or similar technologies (e.g., Kinesis, RabbitMQ). Demonstrated experience deploying LLMs in a production environment for data-centric tasks (not just chatbots). Specific expertise in building RAG pipelines, managing Vector Databases (e.g., Pinecone, Weaviate, PGVector), and advanced prompt/context engineering. Experience with deep learning frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow) and the HuggingFace ecosystem. Experience with Agentic Frameworks (e.g. LangGraph, AutoGen). Proven track record of solving complex entity resolution challenges at scale. Hands-on experience with Neo4J, AWS Neptune, or CosmosDB, specifically applied to ER or MDM. Deep expertise in Snowflake architecture and optimization. Experience utilizing OLAP databases (e.g., DuckDB) and in-memory/column stores (e.g., Redis) for performance optimization. Strong understanding of corporate accounting principles, consolidation processes, ERP system data structures (e.g., SAP, Oracle), and the nuances of accounting data.

Top Candidates Will Also Have

Certifications in AWS or Azure architecture. Experience with Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools (e.g., Terraform). A track record of technical excellence in a Fortune 500 environment.

Additional Information

This position can be located in Irving, TX or Peoria, IL. Travel requirements will be less than 10%. This role currently has no direct reports. Domestic relocation is available to those that qualify. Sponsorship is NOT available.

What You Will Get

Our goal at Caterpillar is for you to have a rewarding career. Our teams are critical to the success of our customers who build a better world. Here you earn more than just a salary because we value your performance. We offer a total rewards package that provides benefits on day one (medical, dental, vision, RX, and 401K) along with the potential of an annual bonus. Additional benefits include paid vacation days and paid holidays. All qualified individuals - Including minorities, females, veterans and individuals with disabilities - are encouraged to apply.