Lead Software Engineer

Caterpillar Inc.

Lead software engineer building scalable emerging-technology and AI solutions for Caterpillar, a global construction and mining equipment manufacturer. Leading architecture, development, testing, and technical direction.

Posted 9/4/2026full-timeChicago • Colorado, Illinois, North Carolina, Texas • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $128,470 - $208,770 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in software architecture, design, and development, with a strong focus on scalable and secure solutions using modern programming languages and cloud-native services. Proven ability to lead technical teams, mentor engineers, and communicate complex technical concepts effectively across various stakeholders.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Software ArchitectureCloud-Native ServicesModern Programming LanguagesAutomated TestingTechnical Leadership

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Software Development LifecycleAPIsDistributed SystemsCI/CDDevOps PracticesPythonJavaJavaScript/TypeScriptC#Go

Soft Skills

Analytical SkillsProblem-SolvingDecision-MakingCommunication Skills

Tools & Technologies

KubernetesMicroservicesEvent-Driven ArchitectureObservability PlatformsInfrastructure-as-Code

Certifications & Qualifications

Cloud CertificationAI/ML CertificationSoftware Architecture Certification

Industry Keywords

Generative AIMachine LearningData PrivacyCybersecurityComplianceEnterprise Risk Management

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

CloudCyber SecurityDistributed SystemsGoJavaJavaScriptKubernetesMicroservicesPythonTypeScript

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead the architecture, design, development, and testing of modern software solutions, prototypes, pilots, and reusable platform capabilities
Evaluate, prototype, and apply emerging technologies such as generative AI, agentic workflows, retrieval-augmented generation, cloud-native services, APIs, automation, and data-driven application patterns
Translate business opportunities, product goals, and technical requirements into scalable software designs, solution patterns, technical roadmaps, and implementation plans
Mentor engineers, provide technical direction, facilitate design reviews, and promote experimentation, learning, engineering excellence, and responsible technology adoption
Collaborate with product managers, architects, data scientists, cybersecurity, infrastructure, UX, and business stakeholders
Define technical evaluation methods, proof-of-concept success criteria, performance measures, quality gates, automated testing, monitoring, and production readiness reviews
Identify technical risks, dependencies, integration needs, security considerations, and operational constraints, and recommend mitigation strategies

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Information Technology, or a related technical discipline; equivalent practical experience may be considered
Progressive professional experience in software engineering, including hands-on development of complex applications, distributed systems, APIs, platforms, or cloud-native services
Ability to lead technical work across the full software development lifecycle, including requirements analysis, architecture, design, coding, testing, and deployment
Strong proficiency in one or more modern programming languages such as Python, Java, JavaScript/TypeScript, C#, Go, or similar languages
Experience designing scalable, secure, observable, and maintainable software using modern architecture patterns, APIs, automated testing, CI/CD, and DevOps practices
Working knowledge of cloud platforms, containerization, infrastructure automation, integration patterns, and production support practices
Ability to communicate complex technical topics clearly to engineering, product, architecture, security, and business stakeholders
Demonstrated analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills in ambiguous or rapidly evolving technical environments
No visa sponsorship available
Must successfully complete a drug screen
Preferred: Experience with AI, machine learning, generative AI, large language models, agentic solutions, retrieval-augmented generation, vector databases, or prompt-based solutions
Preferred: Experience taking emerging technology concepts from proof of concept through pilot, production hardening, governance review, adoption, and operational support
Preferred: Familiarity with responsible AI practices, model evaluation, guardrails, data privacy, cybersecurity, compliance, and enterprise risk management
Preferred: Experience with modern cloud services, serverless architectures, Kubernetes, microservices, event-driven architecture, API management, observability platforms, and infrastructure-as-code
Preferred: Advanced degree, cloud certification, AI/ML certification, software architecture certification, or contributions to technical communities, open-source projects, patents, publications, or internal innovation initiatives

Benefits

Comp & perks

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
Drug screen requirement for employment offer