Caterpillar, Inc

Lead Data Architect

Caterpillar, Inc$147K — $221K *
Energy & Utilities
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, Information Systems, Data Engineering, or related field.
  • 12+ years of experience in data, analytics, or information architecture roles.
  • 4+ years leading enterprise-scale data architecture initiatives.
  • Deep expertise in data warehousing and modeling principles.
  • Proven success in implementing data strategies and governance frameworks.

Responsibilities

  • Map current-state data landscape to identify gaps and redundancies.
  • Define and maintain a future-state data architecture vision.
  • Build and maintain conceptual data models for core business entities.
  • Partner with engineers to translate architecture into solutions.
  • Ensure architecture promotes performance, scalability, and extensibility.
  • Promote data quality and enforce governance policies.
  • Collaborate with stakeholders to align data architecture with business needs.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits available from day one.
  • Paid time off including vacation and holidays.
  • 401(k) savings plans with company contribution.
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) options.
  • Tuition reimbursement for continuing education.
  • Employee Assistance Program and lifestyle benefits.
Full Job Description
Career Area:
Technology, Digital and Data

Job Description:

Lead Data Architect

Role Summary:

We are seeking an experienced Lead Data Architect to define and guide the Power & Energy segment data vision, structure, and standards in close partnership with the Lead Data Engineer. This role is accountable for designing the blueprint of the data ecosystem-ensuring that data is structured, governed, and aligned to business needs-while the engineering team operationalizes and builds the solutions. The ideal candidate brings a balance of strategic thinking, data modeling expertise, and firsthand architectural guidance across modern data platforms.

What You Will Do:

Data Strategy & Target State Vision
  • Map the current-state data landscape, including systems, flows, redundancies, and gaps.
  • Define and maintain the future-state data architecture vision and roadmap aligned to business strategy.
  • Establish guiding principles for scalable, reusable, and governed data ecosystems.


Data Modeling & Architecture
  • Build and maintain conceptual data models that define core business entities and relationships.
  • Guide the development of logical and physical data models in collaboration with engineering teams.
  • Ensure consistent application of industry-standard modeling techniques (e.g., dimensional, data vault)
  • Define canonical data definitions and promote reuse across domains.


Solution Design & Engineering Partnership
  • Partner closely with the Lead Data Engineer to translate architecture into implementable solutions.
  • Provide oversight and guidance on end-to-end data solution design, from ingestion through consumption.
  • Ensure architecture decisions support performance, scalability, and extensibility.
  • Review and validate solution designs to ensure alignment with architectural standards.


Data Governance & Standards
  • Ensure the right data sources are identified and leveraged for each use case.
  • Enforce alignment with enterprise data standards, governance policies, and security requirements.
  • Promote data quality, consistency, and lineage across the data ecosystem.
  • Define standards for metadata management, data classification, and access controls.


Cross-Functional Alignment
  • Collaborate with business stakeholders, analytics teams, and IT to ensure architecture supports business capabilities.
  • Drive alignment across domains to reduce duplication and enable enterprise-wide data consistency.
  • Function as a trusted advisor on data-related decisions and trade-offs.


What You Have:
  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, Information Systems, Data Engineering, Software Engineering, or related technical field (or equivalent experience)
  • 12+ years of progressive experience in data, analytics, information architecture, or enterprise technology roles.
  • 4+ years of experience leading enterprise-scale data architecture initiatives across multiple business domains.
  • Deep expertise in enterprise data architecture, data warehousing principles and data modeling (conceptual, logical, physical)
  • Proven experience defining and implementing enterprise data strategies, roadmaps, standards, and governance frameworks.
  • Experience partnering with executive leadership, business stakeholders, and technology teams to translate business strategy into data architecture solutions.


Top Candidates Will Have:
  • Knowledge of Caterpillar's Power & Energy business, including products, customers, operations, and key business processes.
  • Proficiency in at least one programming language (e.g., Python, Java, etc.)
  • Demonstrated success leading large-scale data modernization, cloud migration, and digital transformation programs.


Additional Info:
  • The location for this position is East Peoria or Mossville, IL.
  • Domestic relocation is NOT available.
  • This role requires 5 days onsite.
  • 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. Added benefits include paid vacation days and paid holidays.
  • All qualified individuals - Including minorities, females, veterans, and individuals with disabilities - are encouraged to apply.


Summary Pay Range:

$147,760.00 - $221,640.00

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

Posting Dates:
August 24, 2026 - August 28, 2026

Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.

Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.

About Caterpillar, Inc

Progress Rail Services Corporation, a Caterpillar company, is one of the largest integrated and diversified suppliers of railroad and transit system products and services worldwide. Since its acquisition by Caterpillar Inc. in 2006, Progress Rail has used the Caterpillar international footprint to gain quick and widespread notice and approval across the globe. Product technology, reliability and durability, along with legendary aftermarket parts and service support, have been their keys to success. Caterpillar is the world's leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines and industrial gas turbines. The technology and world reach of Caterpillar, combined with the service standard and historical reliability of Progress Rail, ensures their products and services make a growing impact on the world rail industry. With their acquisition of Electro-Motive Diesel (EMD), Progress Rail is the world's largest builder of diesel-electric locomotives for all commercial railroad applications including freight, intercity passenger, commuter, switching, industrial and mining. EMD is also a global provider of diesel power engines for marine propulsion, offshore and land based oil well drilling rigs and stationary power generation. Electro-Motive is the only diesel engine manufacturer of its size to have produced more than 70,000 engines. This success stems from product reliability, serviceability, load acceptance capability, low operating costs and ease of maintenance with standardized components.

Caterpillar, Inc. Careers

Join the robust team at Caterpillar, Inc., a global leader in construction and mining equipment, where innovation drives everything we do. As part of our team, you'll engage in work that improves the world and furthers your career with every project you touch.

Work You’ll Do

At Caterpillar, Inc., you will have the opportunity to contribute to a variety of groundbreaking projects that extend across the globe. Our commitment to leadership in the industry is unwavering, and we achieve it through a culture that fosters diversity and leadership development.

Explore Job Opportunities and Growth

Caterpillar offers a wide range of job opportunities and career paths, providing a platform for professional growth and development. Whether you're interested in engineering, sales, marketing, or management, Caterpillar has a position that will utilize your unique skills and talents. We are continuously hiring innovative minds to propel our mission forward and maintain our status as industry leaders.

Internship Programs

Kickstart your career with a Caterpillar internship. Our internships provide invaluable workplace experience and networking opportunities that often lead to full-time employment at our company. As an intern, you will work alongside experienced professionals and gain insights that will benefit you as you advance in your career.

Benefits and Culture

Choosing a career at Caterpillar means more than just having a job. It means you're part of a team that values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment. We offer competitive benefits to ensure the health and well-being of our employees and their families. These benefits include health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off, alongside unique perks like professional development and diversity training programs.

Innovation and Leadership

Drive innovation and industry leadership as part of the Caterpillar team. We empower our employees to lead from their first day on the job, encouraging continuous improvement and career advancement. At Caterpillar, your ideas will shape the future of our business and the industries we serve.

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Prepare for Your Interview

Make a great first impression. Prepare for your interview at Caterpillar by reviewing common questions and practicing your responses. Tailor your resume to highlight the experiences and skills that make you the ideal candidate for the position you are applying for. At Caterpillar, Inc., every role offers the chance to make an impact. Come be a part of our team and drive the future of our global industries. Your career at Caterpillar is not just about what you'll accomplish, but how you'll grow and the innovation you'll lead. Join us and build a career that matters.
Learn more about Caterpillar, Inc
Size
107,700 employees
Market Cap
$125.3 billion
Industry
Net Income
$2.9 billion
Founded
1925
5 Year Trend
+5.8%
Revenue
$41.7 billion
NASDAQ

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