Lead Software Engineer

Posted Yesterday
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Chicago, IL, USA
Hybrid
128K-209K Annually
Senior level
Artificial Intelligence • Cloud • Internet of Things • Software • Cybersecurity • Industrial
Cat Digital uses digital technologies to help Caterpillar Inc. customers build a better, more sustainable world.
The Role
Lead Software Engineer provides technical leadership to design, develop, test and deploy backend RESTful microservices on cloud (AWS/Azure), mentors developers, leads code reviews, drives delivery in Agile teams, and establishes strong software quality and documentation practices.
Summary Generated by Built In
Career Area:
Technology, Digital and Data
Job Description:
Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.
When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do - but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here - we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.
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
Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.
Posting Dates:
July 17, 2026 - July 26, 2026
Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.
Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.
Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.

Skills Required

  • Designing and developing backend RESTful API web services using Microservices architecture
  • Overseeing and mentoring other developers and conducting code reviews (technical leadership)
  • Knowledge of software development tools and activities; ability to produce software products or systems
  • Knowledge of software product design and architecture; convert requirements into software design
  • Decision making and critical thinking skills
  • Effective communication skills
  • Must be based in Chicago, IL or Peoria, IL
  • Experience with Java 17 or higher and SpringBoot RESTful API development
  • Experience deploying and maintaining software on public clouds such as AWS or Azure
  • Experience with message streaming solutions (AWS Kinesis, SQS, SNS, Apache Kafka, RabbitMQ, ActiveMQ, Azure Event Hub)
  • Experience with datastores (AWS Aurora, RDS, DynamoDB, PostgreSQL, MySQL, Oracle, ElasticSearch, MongoDB, Cassandra, Redis)
  • Experience with CI/CD tools such as Azure DevOps, Jenkins, GoCD
  • Experience working within an Agile framework (ideally Scrum)

What the Team is Saying

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Caterpillar Compensation & Benefits Highlights

  • Healthcare Strength Health coverage spans medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, an Employee Assistance Program, wellness programs, and tools like healthcare shopping and second‑opinion services. Parental and adoption benefits and a medical travel reimbursement are also included within the wellbeing offering.
  • Retirement Support A 401(k) savings plan with company matching is broadly available, and some groups receive an additional age‑ or service‑based employer contribution. An employee stock purchase program offers an added pathway to build long‑term financial security.
  • Leave & Time Off Breadth Paid time off includes vacation, holidays, and volunteer time, alongside parental and adoption leave across many employee groups. These provisions create a multi‑faceted time‑off framework beyond standard vacation days.

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The Company
HQ: Irving, TX
100,000 Employees
Year Founded: 1925

What We Do

Cat Digital is the digital and technology arm of Caterpillar Inc., responsible for bringing digital capabilities to our world-famous yellow iron. With over 1.5M connected assets worldwide, our teams use data, technology, advanced analytics and AI capabilities to help our customers build a better world.

Why Work With Us

The Cat Digital team is at the forefront of Caterpillar’s evolution. We take pride in solving complex problems by building new systems from the ground up. On our team, you’ll leverage data from across our entire enterprise to find solutions that open a new world of possibilities for our customers and dealers. Join us in building a better tomorrow.

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Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.

Typical time on-site: Flexible
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Chicago, IL
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