Caterpillar, Inc

Senior Software Engineer

Caterpillar, Inc$112K — $183K *
Information Technology
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-7 years of experience in software engineering or related field.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or equivalent experience.
  • Strong knowledge of software development tools and methodologies.
  • Experience with emerging technologies such as generative AI, large language models, and intelligent automation.
  • Hands-on experience with cloud platforms and APIs.
  • Ability to design and evaluate proofs of concept and scalable software solutions.
  • Experience with security practices and responsible AI usage.

Responsibilities

  • Design and deploy software applications using agile methodologies.
  • Explore and apply emerging technologies to solve business problems.
  • Transform undefined ideas and needs into viable software solutions.
  • Implement engineering best practices for quality and performance.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define and achieve project goals.
  • Stay updated on technology trends and mentor team members.
  • Document and share learnings through demos and documentation.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits.
  • Paid time off including vacation, holidays, and volunteer days.
  • 401(k) savings plans with company contributions.
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).
  • Employee Assistance Program and wellness programs.
  • Incentives for employee performance through bonuses.
  • Comprehensive career development opportunities.
Full Job Description

Career Area:

Technology, Digital and Data

Job Description:

Senior Software Engineer — Emerging Technology

Role Summary

We are looking for a driven, hands-on Senior Software Engineer to help advance emerging technology capabilities from exploration to practical business impact. This role is ideal for someone who is energized by ambiguity, learns quickly, and actively experiments with new tools and approaches—including generative AI, large language models, AI-assisted development, intelligent automation, cloud-native services, APIs, and modern development platforms.

The right candidate will evaluate what is possible, validate what is valuable, and help incorporate the most promising capabilities into scalable, secure, and sustainable solutions.
 

What You Will Do:

  • Design, prototype, test, and deploy modern software applications, pilots, and reusable components using agile and iterative delivery methods.

  • Actively explore, evaluate, and apply emerging technologies—including generative AI, LLM-powered workflows, AI-assisted development, automation, cloud services, and integration platforms—to solve practical business problems.

  • Turn loosely defined ideas, customer needs, and technical opportunities into proofs of concept, pilots, and production-ready features that demonstrate measurable value.

  • Apply engineering best practices for automated testing, security, observability, performance, maintainability, responsible AI usage, and operational readiness.

  • Partner with product, architecture, data, security, operations, and business teams to identify high-impact use cases, define success criteria, communicate tradeoffs, and transition successful experiments into enterprise-ready solutions.

  • Stay current with technology trends, share learnings through demos and documentation, and help raise the team’s capability by mentoring others and championing a culture of curiosity, ownership, and continuous improvement.

What You Will Have:

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.
Software Development: Knowledge of software development tools and activities; ability to produce software products or systems in line with product requirements.
Software Development Life Cycle: Knowledge of software development life cycle; ability to use a structured methodology for delivering and managing new or enhanced software products to the marketplace.
Software Integration Engineering: Knowledge of software integration processes and functions; ability to design, develop and maintain interfaces and linkage to alternative platforms and software packages..
Software Product Design/Architecture:
Knowledge of software product design; ability to convert market requirements into the software product design.
Software Product Testing: Knowledge of software product testing; ability to design, plan, and execute testing strategies and tactics to ensure software product quality and adherence to stated requirements.

Considerations For Top Candidates:

  • Strong software engineering fundamentals across design, integration, testing, and scalable solution delivery.

  • Ability to quickly evaluate emerging technologies, assess risk and value, and make practical recommendations.

  • Hands-on experience with modern development tools, cloud-native patterns, APIs, automation, and AI-enabled capabilities.

  • Comfort working in ambiguity, learning quickly, testing assumptions, and moving ideas toward validated outcomes.

  • Clear communication of technical concepts, prototype outcomes, architecture options, and tradeoffs.

  • Cross-functional collaboration with product, architecture, data, security, operations, and business partners.

  • Growth mindset, strong ownership, and passion for learning, experimentation, mentoring, and continuous improvement.

  • Self-directed, curious, and eager to experiment with new tools and technologies.

  • Able to move quickly while balancing security, quality, scalability, and responsible AI practices.

  • Clear communicator who can translate technical opportunities and tradeoffs into practical business terms.

  • Focused on measurable value, adoption potential, and alignment to product or enterprise strategy.

  • Helps raise team capability through mentoring, shared patterns, and continuous improvement.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Technology, or related field, or equivalent practical experience.

  • Experience with generative AI, LLMs, RAG, prompt engineering, AI-assisted development, or intelligent automation.

  • Experience creating proofs of concept, pilots, or MVPs that validate feasibility and value.

  • Familiarity with cloud platforms, APIs, microservices, data pipelines, vector databases, DevOps, or observability tools.

  • Experience with responsible AI, security, privacy, data governance, testing, and production readiness.

  • Ability to lead technical discussions, mentor others, and influence adoption through demos and documentation.

Additional Information:

Sponsorship is not available for this position

Relocation is not available for this position

Travel is up to 15%

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:

$112,710.00 - $183,140.00

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:

July 21, 2026 - July 28, 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.

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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