Lead Software Engineer at Caterpillar in Chicago, IL

Lead Software Engineer Location: Chicago, Illinois 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 PURPOSE: 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. JOB DUTIES: 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 business valuable 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: Extensive experience software development experience using Java 17 or higher and SpringBoot RESTful API development Extensive 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 Relocation assistance is NOT available for this position Visa sponsorship is 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 available for eligible applicants. Posting Dates: April 24, 2026 - May 10, 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.