Caterpillar, Inc

Principal Software Engineer (Autonomy Services)

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

Qualifications

  • 5-7 years experience in software engineering with a focus on backend development and architecture.
  • Expert in building microservices and APIs using Java, Spring Boot, or Python.
  • Strong understanding of cloud-native architectures and integration patterns.
  • Experience with real-time systems, simulations, or robotics-related software.
  • Proven leadership in guiding complex system designs and ensuring engineering excellence.

Responsibilities

  • Define and drive architecture for backend microservices and APIs.
  • Lead design and delivery of scalable cloud-native services and integration solutions.
  • Establish and enforce API standards and service contracts across distributed systems.
  • Mentor engineers in microservices design and best practices for backend engineering.
  • Collaborate with teams to define API interfaces and integration workflows.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits.
  • Paid time off including vacation, holidays, and volunteer days.
  • 401(k) savings plans with company contributions.
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs).
  • Career development programs and tuition reimbursement.
  • Employee assistance and wellness programs.
  • Incentive bonuses based on performance.
Full Job Description

Career Area:

Technology, Digital and Data

Job Description:

What You Will Do:

The Principal Software Engineer provides technical leadership to define architecture and integration strategies for Physical AI services, digital twin integration, simulation data exchange, and cloud-native backend platforms. The role focuses on building scalable microservices and APIs, while establishing engineering standards and driving platform consistency across teams.

  • Define and drive architecture for backend microservices and APIs (Java, Spring Boot, Python) supporting integration, data exchange, and platform services
  • Lead design and delivery of scalable, secure, and high-performance cloud-native services and integration adapters
  • Establish and enforce API standards, service contracts, and integration patterns (REST, gRPC, event-driven) across distributed systems
  • Provide technical leadership on complex system design, service scalability, and integration challenges
  • Review architecture, designs, code, APIs, and data contracts to ensure reliability, performance, security, observability, and maintainability
  • Drive engineering excellence across architecture, testing, CI/CD, observability, and operational readiness
  • Mentor engineers and elevate team capability in microservices design, API development, and backend engineering best practices
  • Guide teams in building robust integration services, adapter layers, and artifact/data exchange workflows
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define API interfaces, integration contracts, and platform service boundaries
  • Identify and drive platform simplification, reuse, and organizational efficiency improvements

WHAT YOU WILL HAVE

  • Software Product Design/Architecture: Knowledge of software product design; ability to convert market requirements into software product design and strategic technical direction.
  • Software Product Technical Knowledge: Knowledge of technical aspects of software products; ability to design, configure, and integrate technical aspects of software products.
  • 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 appropriate communication behaviors.

TOP CANDIDATES WILL HAVE

  • Strong experience building backend microservices and APIs (REST, gRPC, event-driven) for autonomy or real-time systems
  • Experience in autonomy systems, robotics, simulation, or real-time control platforms
  • Expertise in designing scalable cloud-native architectures, service contracts, and integration patterns
  • Strong backend development using Java or Python for APIs, orchestration, and data processing
  • Deep understanding and application of design patterns
  • Experience with AI-assisted/agentic development workflows and validating AI-generated code
  • Understanding of high-reliability systems (async workflows, retries, idempotency, observability)
  • Nice to Have:

    ·Experience building production AI agents using Python

    ·Experience with agent orchestration frameworks such as LangChain or LangGraph

    ·Experience integration LLMs with external tools, APIs, databases, and retrieval systems

    ·Experience designing evals, guardrails, and monitoring for agent reliability

    ·Multi-agent workflow design and memory/context management

    ·Prompt optimization, latency reduction, and cost control

    ·MLOps or model deployment experience

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

  • This position requires the candidate to be based in Irving, TX (Dallas)
  • Domestic relocation assistance is available for this position.
  • Visa sponsorship is available for this position

#LI


 

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

 

 

This position requires working onsite five days a week. 

 

Relocation is available for this position.

 

 

Visa sponsorship is available for eligible applicants.

 

 

Posting Dates:

July 6, 2026 - July 20, 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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