Senior Software Engineer-Geospatial

Caterpillar Inc.; Chennai; On-site; INR 2,500,000 - 4,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. seeks a senior Python architect to lead architecture, design, and implementation of geospatial data processing systems and terrain analysis pipelines.

You will optimize algorithms for terrain modeling, handle LiDAR and satellite datasets, collaborate with data engineers and GIS analysts to deliver high‑performance, scalable solutions, and mentor developers through code reviews and best practices.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of Python development experience, with 2–4 years in technical leadership.
• Strong geospatial knowledge and coordinate systems (WGS84, UTM).
• Hands-on experience with geospatial libraries: GDAL, Rasterio, Fiona, Shapely, Pyproj, GeoPandas.
• Experience with terrain data formats and processing workflows (LiDAR, SRTM, GeoTIFF).
• Familiarity with PostGIS and cloud-based geospatial data handling.
• Proficiency in designing RESTful APIs and integrating geospatial services.
• Good communication and collaborative problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead architecture, design, and implementation of Python-based geospatial systems.
• Develop and optimize terrain modeling and spatial interpolation algorithms.
• Integrate and manage large-scale geospatial datasets (LiDAR, satellite imagery, GPS tracks).
• Collaborate with data engineers, GIS analysts, and dev team to deliver high-performance solutions.
• Mentor developers, support code reviews, and promote best practices.
• Ensure code quality, scalability, and maintainability across the geospatial stack.

Skills

Python development

Geospatial data

RESTful APIs

Team leadership

Tools

GDAL

Rasterio

GeoPandas

PostGIS

Docker

AWS/GCP/Azure

Job description

Job Description:

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.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the architecture, design, and implementation of Python-based systems for geospatial data processing and terrain analysis.
• Develop and optimize algorithms for terrain modeling, elevation data handling (e.g., DEM, DSM, DTM), and spatial interpolation.
• Integrate and manage large-scale geospatial datasets (e.g., LiDAR, satellite imagery, GPS tracks).
• Collaborate with data engineers, GIS analysts, and development team to deliver high-performance solutions.
• Mentor developers, support code reviews, best practices, and technical leadership.
• Ensure code quality, scalability, and maintainability across the geospatial data stack.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in Python development, with at least 2-4 years in a technical leadership role.
• Strong understanding of geospatial concepts and coordinate systems (e.g., WGS84, UTM).
• Hands-on experience with geospatial libraries and tools such as GDAL, Rasterio, Fiona, Shapely, Pyproj, GeoPandas.
• Experience with terrain data formats and processing workflows (e.g., LiDAR, SRTM, GeoTIFF).
• Familiarity with spatial databases (e.g., PostGIS) and cloud-based geospatial data handling.
• Proficiency in designing RESTful APIs and integrating geospatial services.
• Good in communication and problem-solving skills, be collaborative.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with 3D terrain modeling, mesh generation, or point cloud processing.
• Knowledge of machine learning applications in geospatial analysis.
• Exposure to tools like QGIS, CesiumJS, or OpenLayers.
• Experience with containerization (Docker), CI/CD pipelines, and cloud platforms (AWS/GCP/Azure).

Posting Dates

October 22, 2026 - November 29, 2026

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply