Caterpillar, Inc

Lead Software Engineer - Search

Caterpillar, Inc$128K — $208K *
Enterprise Technology
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or master's degree in computer science or related field.
  • 7+ years of experience in search engineering.
  • 3+ years in a technical leadership role.
  • Strong understanding of modern search technologies and frameworks.
  • Experience with heavy equipment engineering or data analysis.

Responsibilities

  • Define and implement a long-term technical vision for the search platform.
  • Mentor and guide a team of search engineers on best practices.
  • Introduce advanced capabilities like NLP and personalization for better search results.
  • Build measurable KPIs and use analytics for performance improvement.
  • Collaborate with product managers and engineering teams on search initiatives.

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)
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Career Development
  • Tuition Reimbursement
Full Job Description
Career Area:
Technology, Digital and Data

Job Description:

The Cat Digital group is the digital and technology arm of Caterpillar Inc., responsible for bringing world class capabilities to our products and services. With over 1.5 million connected assets worldwide, we're focused on using data, advanced analytics, and AI capabilities to help our customers build a better world.

Job Summary:

eCommerce is a key digital enabler to Caterpillar's aftermarket parts and services growth strategy. Delivering on the Caterpillar brand promise of premium, high-quality solutions is an important element in accelerating the development and deployment of Caterpillar's expanded capabilities in eCommerce.

The Lead Software engineer - Ecommerce Search is responsible for setting the technical direction and overseeing the execution of advanced search solutions. This role combines strategic vision, hands-on technical expertise, and leadership to build scalable, high-performance search platforms that deliver exceptional user experiences.

What You Will Do:
  • Technical Strategy: Define and implement a long-term technical vision for the search platform to ensure scalability and adaptability to growing data volumes and query complexity.
  • Team Leadership: Mentor and guide a team of search engineers through technical reviews, best practices, and collaborative problem-solving.
  • Feature Development: Introduce advanced capabilities such as NLP, vector search, and personalization to enhance relevance and accuracy.
  • Data Analysis & Optimization: Build search capabilities with measurable KPIs (e.g., CTR, Query Distribution, Zero Search) and leverage analytics to continuously improve search performance.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with product managers, data scientists, and engineering teams to align search initiatives with business objectives


Considerations For Top Candidates:
  • Progressively complex professional experience.
  • Experience as a lead software engineer, Architect , engineering manager.
  • Experience leading technical teams and managing multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Experience working within ITSM processes (incident, change, problem).
  • Strong communication, organization, and stakeholder management skills.
  • Ability to handle sensitive, complex, or high-visibility issues.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.


Technical expertise required for the role
  • Experience in eCommerce Search deployments.
  • Previous experience with Search products such as OpenSearch, Elastic Search, SOLR, Lucene, Coveo, and LucidWorks Fusion.
  • Strong expertise in building head-less frameworks to integrate with ecommerce applications
  • Distributed Systems: Proven experience building large-scale, highly available systems.
  • Programming:
    • Proficiency in Java, Python, or Scala, including source control tools and practices for managing code and changes to it.
    • Proficiency in software debugging and problem-solving techniques.
    • Proficiency in AI code generation tools such as Claude Code, ChatGPT, or GitHub Copilot.
    • Familiarity with DevOps tools and techniques for cloud deployment.
    • Producing and consuming APIs
  • Data Technologies: Familiarity with event streaming and cloud platforms.
  • Machine Learning: Practical experience applying ML to improve search relevance.

Considerations for Top Candidates:
  • Bachelor's or master's degree in computer science or related field.
  • 7+ years of experience in search engineering.
  • 3+ years in a technical leadership role.
  • Strong understanding of modern search technologies and frameworks.
  • Working experience with heavy equipment engineering or data analysis.
  • Working experience with building Low-latency API in AWS using Memory-storage solutions.
  • Familiarity with A/B testing frameworks for evaluating and improving
  • Strong knowledge with cloud technologies (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, etc.)
  • Advanced experience with version control / repositories such as GitHub
  • Experience operating in an Agile / Global team environment
  • Must demonstrate strong initiative, interpersonal skills, and the ability to communicate effectively.


What You Will Get:

Working with a Fortune 100 leader, you can build your career on a global scale and take advantage of development opportunities with emerging technologies. We've created an inclusive environment for you to explore your passions, make an impact and do the work that really matters. Join Us.

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

Relocation is available for this position.

Visa sponsorship is available for eligible applicants.

Posting Dates:
June 18, 2026 - June 25, 2026

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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