Caterpillar, Inc

Lead Software Engineer

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

Qualifications

  • 5+ years of experience in software development and architecture.
  • Proficient in Java 17 or higher and SpringBoot for RESTful API development.
  • Experience with cloud platforms like AWS or Azure.
  • Knowledge of message streaming solutions such as AWS Kinesis, Kafka, and RabbitMQ.
  • Familiarity with various datastores including AWS Aurora, PostgreSQL, and MongoDB.

Responsibilities

  • Design and develop backend RESTful APIs using Microservices architecture.
  • Oversee and mentor developers, conduct code reviews.
  • Lead development and support teams, providing technical guidance.
  • Identify and resolve complex technical problems directly.
  • Drive application development, prioritizing business value delivery.
  • Establish software quality standards and best practices.
  • Facilitate structured documentation for applications and user interfaces.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits.
  • Paid time off including vacation and holidays.
  • 401(k) savings plans with company match.
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).
  • Career development opportunities and tuition reimbursement.
  • Incentive bonuses and employee assistance programs.
Full Job Description
Career Area:
Technology, Digital and Data

Job Description:

Job Summary:
Lead Software Engineer provides technical leadership in design, development, testing and deployment of Caterpillar's state-of-the-art digital platform hosted on AWS. This position will build a world class platform to host a wide range of digital applications.

What You Will Do:
  • As a Lead Software Engineer, you will be responsible for designing and developing backend RESTful API web services using Microservices architecture.
  • Be responsible for overseeing and mentoring other developers and handle code reviews.
  • Acts as team leader for development and support groups; provides programming and application/technical leadership, guidance, and assistance to other team members.
  • Works directly on complex application/technical problem identification and resolution.
  • Drives application development focused around delivering valuable business features
  • Maintains high standards of software quality within the team by establishing good practices and habits
  • Guide the team to develop a structured application/interface code, new program documentation, operations documentation and user guides in a casual, flexible environment
  • Lead development of new functionality and applications on cross-functional Agile project teams


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:
  • Experience software development experience using Java 17 or higher and SpringBoot RESTful API development
  • Experience deploying and maintaining software using public clouds such as AWS or Azure.
  • Message streaming solutions, such as AWS Kinesis, AWS SQS, AWS SNS, Apache Kafka, RabbitMQ, Apache ActiveMQ, Azure Event Hub.
  • Datastores such as AWS Aurora, AWS RDS, AWS DynamoDB, PostgreSQL, MySQL, Oracle, ElasticSearch, MongoDB, Cassandra, Redis.
  • Deploying software using CI/CD tools such as Azure Devops, Jenkins, GoCD, etc.
  • Working within an Agile framework (ideally Scrum).


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


#LI

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:
June 4, 2026 - June 15, 2026

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

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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