Headline

Engineering Leader | Autonomous Systems & Simulation | Generative AI, RAG & Automation | Engineering Strategy

About

Engineering & technology leader with 15+ years of experience across autonomous systems, software engineering, simulation, AI, automation, and technical strategy. Experienced in building scalable platforms and leading distributed engineering teams across complex technology environments. At Caterpillar, led architecture and simulation initiatives that reduced simulation setup time by 95%, from three weeks to two hours, generating $450K in savings. Also delivered $190K in annual licensing savings and developed AI-driven solutions that reduced manual effort while improving productivity. Known for combining strategic thinking with hands-on engineering, stakeholder management, and team leadership. Led 22 engineers across three geographies while driving technical roadmaps, innovation, and delivery. Inventor on US Patent US11906981B2 with 12 invention disclosures. let’s connect: 📩 lokanath1209@gmail.com

Location

Greater Bengaluru Area

AI stack

antigravity

claude code

claude

codex

cursor

gemini

Work experience

Autonomy Team Leader at Caterpillar Inc., May 2022 - Aug 2026 · 4 yrs 4 mos, Bengaluru, ► Led 22 engineers across 3 geographies, driving technical strategy, architecture, mentoring, and roadmap execution. ► Architected scalable autonomous simulation platforms integrating LiDAR, radar, and camera sensors for faster-than-real-time validation. ► Reduced simulation setup time by 95%, from 3 weeks to 2 hours, delivering $450K in savings. ► Reduced simulation runtime from 24 hours to 1–2 hours, accelerating engineering iteration cycles. ► Drove Generative AI, RAG, and AI Agent initiatives supporting 60 engineers and reducing manual effort. ► Developed Python automation that reduced simulation scenario setup by 60% and improved team productivity by 3x. ► Secured US Patent US11906981B2 for autonomous mine operations and contributed to 12 invention disclosures.

Autonomy Engineer at Caterpillar Inc., Jan 2020 - Apr 2022 · 2 yrs 4 mos, Bengaluru, ► Developed simulation solutions for autonomous mining and construction applications. ► Built Python-based automation to streamline simulation scenario creation and reduce manual effort. ► Worked on autonomous simulation environments, sensor simulation, and virtual worksite development. ► Contributed to scalable simulation capabilities supporting autonomy development and validation.

Technical Lead at RLE INDIA | Ford motors, Feb 2017 - Dec 2019 · 2 yrs 11 mos, Greater Chennai Area, ► Led a team of 3–5 engineers, managing project scope, risks, budget, hiring, and customer coordination. ► Developed automated ECU update and validation systems using Python and release automation. ► Built SQL and Python automation to streamline automotive validation and reduce manual test-environment setup. ► Served as the single point of contact for internal customers across application development, testing, and automation.

Senior Software Development Engineer at McAfee, Aug 2014 - Feb 2017 · 2 yrs 7 mos, Bangalore, ► Developed and enhanced enterprise software using C++ and SQL. ► Modernized McAfee Quarantine Manager for mobile accessibility and improved product usability. ► Implemented multi-LDAP support across MQM and McAfee ePO to address complex directory integration requirements. ► Collaborated with Product Management and Architecture teams on technical strategy, roadmap, and engineering priorities.

Software Engineer at IBM, Aug 2011 - Jul 2014 · 3 yrs, Bangalore, ► Developed enterprise applications using C++, integrating with DB2, MQ, and DataPower. ► Worked on the EPIC underwriting application, addressing application processing and integration requirements. ► Contributed to Windows 7 modernization, application compatibility, and stability initiatives. ► Collaborated cross-functionally to support enterprise application delivery and reliability.

Education

Bachelor of Engineering - BE, Information Science, PES University

Master of Engineering, Web technology, UVCE