Caterpillar, Inc

Principal Application Architect

Caterpillar, Inc$147K — $240K *
Information Technology
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-7 years of experience in application architecture.
  • Strong background in enterprise-level technologies including Azure and AWS.
  • Expertise in secure application design and enterprise security practices.
  • Proven leadership experience in guiding engineering teams and influencing architecture decisions.
  • Experience modernizing complex digital platforms and integrating new technologies.

Responsibilities

  • Develop detailed architecture deliverables to address specific business challenges.
  • Design technical infrastructure for applications, including databases and programming languages.
  • Lead the evaluation and implementation of emerging technologies to enhance digital capabilities.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate business requirements into effective digital solutions.
  • Engage in comprehensive requirements analysis to ensure project success.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
  • Flexible paid time off plan, including vacation and holidays.
  • 401(k) savings plan with company contributions.
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).
  • Career development opportunities to enhance your skills and career progression.
Full Job Description
Career Area:
Technology, Digital and Data

Job Description:

Job Summary
We are seeking a Principal Application Architect to help shape the future of Caterpillar's state-of-the-art digital applications, including the Service Information System (SIS), which enables the dealer service business and supports enterprise goals for parts sales. This role is ideal for someone with a passion for designing modern, scalable, and secure solutions for large enterprise environments. The successful candidate will bring strong technical leadership, an interest in emerging technologies, and the ability to translate complex business needs into practical architecture strategies that deliver reliable, high-value digital solutions. If this aligns with your goals, then we are interested in talking to you!

What You Will Do:
  • Developing detailed architecture deliverables to solve business problems
  • Designing an application's technical infrastructure, such as specific databases, programming languages, utilities, and testing approaches.
  • Leading the evaluation and deployment of new technologies to add or enhance existing digital technical capabilities.
  • Participating in addressing business requirements for applications and collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver digital solutions that meets business results


What you will have:
  • Analytical Thinking: Knowledge of techniques and tools that promote effective analysis; ability to determine the root cause of organizational problems and create alternative solutions that resolve these problems.
  • 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.
  • Application Design, Architecture: Knowledge of application design and architecture principles and practices; ability to utilize application design methodologies, tools, and techniques to convert business requirements and logical models into a technical application design.
  • Data Architecture: Knowledge of processes, techniques and factors that affect data architecture; ability to design blueprints on how to integrate data resources for business processes and functional support.
  • IT Architecture: Knowledge of Information Technology (IT) architecture; ability to design and improve organizational IT structures, supporting business operations.
  • Platform Architecture: Knowledge of technologies and methods to design processing mechanisms and roadmaps to execute business application systems; ability to design these roadmaps and deploy supportive interfaces for end-users to access related systems, in accordance with standards and processes.
  • Requirements Analysis: Knowledge of tools, methods, and techniques of requirement analysis; ability to elicit, analyze and record required business functionality and non-functionality requirements to ensure the success of a system or software development project.
  • Target Architecture: Knowledge of target architecture; ability to develop the IT blueprint and roadmap while aligning the architecture and processes with business strategies and objectives.


Consideration for top candidates:
  • Experience designing and delivering scalable, secure, and maintainable application architectures for large enterprise solutions.
  • Extensive knowledge and hands-on experience with enterprise-level technologies and applications, including Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Azure DevOps, Java, React, APIs, integrations, and cloud-native application patterns.
  • Strong understanding of enterprise security tools, secure application design practices, identity and access management, vulnerability management, and security controls required to protect large-scale digital platforms.
  • Strong technical leadership with the ability to guide engineering teams, influence architecture decisions, and align technical direction with business priorities.
  • Experience modernizing complex digital platforms, including cloud-native architectures, APIs, integrations, data platforms, and enterprise application patterns.
  • Ability to collaborate across product, engineering, architecture, business, and support teams to translate SIS business needs into practical technical roadmaps and solution designs.
  • Passion for learning, innovation, and applying emerging technologies to improve customer and dealer experiences through reliable, high-value digital solutions.


Additional Details:
  • This position requires the candidate to be in Chicago, IL, Peoria, IL, Denver, CO or Dallas, TX
  • Relocation assistance is NOT available for this position
  • Visa sponsorship is NOT available with this position
  • This position will require up to 5% travel


Summary Pay Range:

$147,760.00 - $240,110.00

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

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Posting Dates:

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.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with company news, career tips, and industry insights—all from the people who work here. Subscribe to our careers blog and personalize your subscription to receive updates that align with your career interests.

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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