Caterpillar, Inc

Lead Software Engineer

Caterpillar, Inc$128K — $208K *
Enterprise Technology
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-7 years of experience in software engineering with a strong focus on Java, Spring Boot, and cloud services.
  • Demonstrable expertise in developing enterprise-scale REST APIs and microservices architecture.
  • Proficient in translating business requirements into technical designs and implementation plans.
  • Familiarity with security protocols such as OAuth 2.0 and JWT.
  • Strong communication skills to engage effectively with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

  • Lead design and development of REST APIs and microservices for cloud solutions.
  • Define service contracts and specifications for API-first initiatives.
  • Guide engineers in creating secure and scalable integrations.
  • Translate business requirements into technical user stories and designs.
  • Drive engineering best practices through design and code reviews.
  • Collaborate with product owners and teams for successful delivery of solutions.
  • Oversee the entire software lifecycle from deployment to documentation.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits.
  • Generous paid time off plan including vacation and holidays.
  • 401(k) retirement savings plans with company contributions.
  • Flexible spending accounts for health and dependent care.
  • Career development opportunities and tuition reimbursement.
Full Job Description
Career Area:
Technology, Digital and Data

Job Description:

JOB PURPOSE:

Join Cat Digital Platform and help build the technology that powers Caterpillar's digital future. Our platform fuels the secure flow of data, insights, and services connecting customers, dealers, machines, and applications worldwide. As a Lead Software Engineer, you will provide technical leadership and drive the delivery of scalable, secure, and customer-focused cloud solutions.

JOB DUTIES:
  • Lead the design and development of enterprise-scale REST APIs and microservices using Java, Spring Boot, and AWS cloud services.
  • Build API-first solutions, define service contracts, payload schemas, and OpenAPI/Swagger specifications.
  • Guide engineers in building secure and scalable service integrations using OAuth 2.0, JWT, and enterprise authorization models.
  • Translate business requirements into scalable technical designs, user stories, and implementation plans.
  • Provide technical leadership for the initiatives by driving design reviews, design decisions, code reviews, and engineering best practices.
  • Collaborate with product owners, UI development teams, architects, and partner teams to ensure successful delivery of customer-focused solutions.
  • Lead the adoption and continuous improvement of engineering best practices for reliability, scalability, observability, security, and maintainability.
  • Drive quality engineering through automated testing, performance testing, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.
  • Lead troubleshooting and resolution of complex production issues.
  • Own the end-to-end software lifecycle, including deployment, monitoring, support, documentation, and operational runbooks.


What you will have:
  • Software Development: Knowledge of software development tools and activities; ability to produce software products or systems in line with product requirements.
  • Software Product Design/Architecture: Knowledge of software product design; ability to convert market requirements into the software product design.
  • Decision Making and Critical Thinking: Knowledge of the decision-making process and associated tools and techniques; ability to accurately analyze situations and reach productive decisions based on informed judgment.
  • Effective Communications: Understanding of effective communication concepts, tools and techniques; ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through the application of appropriate communication behaviors.


Top candidates will also have:
  • Extensive experience developing RESTful APIs and microservices using Java 21+ and Spring Boot, including API management platforms such as Apigee.
  • Experience designing, deploying, and operating applications in public cloud environments such as AWS, Azure, or GCP.
  • Proven ability to own the end-to-end software lifecycle, including writing comprehensive automated tests (unit, integration, and end-to-end) using frameworks like JUnit and Mockito.
  • Experience designing and implementing Event-Driven Architectures using message streaming solutions (eg: AWS Kinesis, AWS SQS, AWS SNS, Apache Kafka, RabbitMQ, Apache ActiveMQ, Azure Event Hub)
  • Strong knowledge of relational, NoSQL, caching, search, and vector database technologies, including PostgreSQL, MySQL, Oracle, Aurora, MongoDB, DynamoDB, Cassandra, Elasticsearch, and Redis.
  • Hands-on experience building and maintaining CI/CD pipelines using Azure DevOps, Jenkins, GoCD, or similar tools.
  • Familiarity with leveraging AI-assisted coding companions, such as GitHub Copilot or Cursor, to accelerate the software development lifecycle.
  • Demonstrated success working within an Agile development framework, ideally Scrum.


Additional Details:
  • This position requires the candidate to be based in Chicago, IL
  • Relocation assistance is not available for this position
  • Visa sponsorship is not available for this position


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

Posting Dates:
August 12, 2026 - August 23, 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.

Join Our Team

Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We are looking for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players. Ready to start your journey at Caterpillar, Inc.? Explore our career portal for the latest job opportunities.

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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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