Lead Software Engineer
Caterpillar
Lead Software Engineer
Caterpillar
Makes heavy machinery, engines and gas turbines
Career Area:
Technology, Digital and DataJob 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.
Key Responsibilities
Lead and contribute to strategic modernization initiatives across Helios platforms, including transformation of legacy Java/J2EE applications to cloud-native(AWS) and scalable architectures
Guide implementation approach for modernization initiatives, ensuring alignment between architecture intent and delivery execution
Define and guide target architecture patterns and design principles for modernization efforts
Drive experiments and proof-of-concepts (POCs) to evaluate new technologies, frameworks, and architectural patterns, enabling data-driven technology decisions
Translate successful POCs into scalable, production-ready solutions and drive adoption across teams
Influence engineering practices, standards, and architectural decisions across the broader Helios development community
Lead architecture and design reviews, and code reviews, enforcing coding standards, best practices, and maintainable design patterns
Mentor and coach engineers on low-level design, object-oriented design, and modern software engineering practices, elevating overall engineering capability
Deep-dive into complex legacy modules, identifying constraints, and proposing optimal modernization or refactoring strategies
Partner with DevOps and platform teams to ensure build, release, deployment readiness, and adoption of modern CI/CD and containerization practices
Identify and drive opportunities to embed AI and automation into engineering workflows, improving developer productivity, quality, and delivery speed
Required Skills & Experience
12+ years of experience in software engineering, including strong hands-on development and technical leadership experience
Proven experience in Java/J2EE-based application development, including leading design and delivery of scalable services
Strong expertise in software architecture, design patterns, object-oriented design, and low-level design principles
Experience modernizing legacy enterprise applications and transitioning to microservices-based architectures
Hands-on experience with Spring frameworks, REST/JSON APIs, and distributed system design
Comprehensive knowledge of database technologies, including Postgres, SQL, and NoSQL, with proven ability to design, optimize, and troubleshoot data solutions.
Strong experience with data access technologies (JPA/Hibernate/JDBC)
Experience with testing frameworks (e.g., JUnit) and building high-quality, testable software
Proficiency with Git (branching, merging, tagging), Maven or equivalent build tools, and strong debugging skills
Experience leading or contributing to POCs, innovation initiatives, or modernization programs
Strong experience working with cross-functional and global teams, influencing without direct authority
Excellent technical communication, mentoring, and stakeholder engagement skills
Experience with containerization technologies (e.g., Docker) and working with DevOps/CI-CD pipelines
Solid understanding of Kubernetes for orchestration of containerized applications
Experience working with software systems in autonomous vehicles, mining, construction, or similar industrial domains
Understanding of onboard (machine) and offboard (cloud/office) system architectures and their integration in distributed autonomy platforms
Familiarity with communication protocols and networking concepts used in distributed systems (e.g., TCP/IP, messaging systems, telemetry pipelines)
Experience designing or integrating systems involving machine-to-cloud or edge-to-cloud communication
Posting Dates:
November 6, 2026 - November 12, 2026Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply
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Makes heavy machinery, engines and gas turbines
Caterpillar makes construction and mining machines, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and locomotives for contractors, mines, energy companies and data center builders. It is the world's largest maker of construction and mining equipment, and its yellow Cat bulldozers and excavators work in nearly every country. Customers buy or rent machines through independent Cat dealers, while its engines and turbines generate electricity and push natural gas through pipelines. Caterpillar earns money from equipment sales and from the parts and repairs that dealers supply over a machine's working life. It was formed in 1925 when California's Holt and Best tractor companies merged, and it is based in Irving, Texas.
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