Senior Software Engineer - Backend Engineering

Caterpillar Inc; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 113,000 - 183,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Paid time off

401(k)

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Career development

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to build and support scalable, cloud-native applications on AWS. You will lead technical design and mentor engineers while delivering secure, reliable backend solutions at scale.

You will collaborate across teams to drive engineering excellence, use Java and Spring Boot to design REST APIs and microservices, and optimize data access with PostgreSQL, MySQL, and DynamoDB in a distributed environment.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience building enterprise-scale backend applications.
• Strong expertise in Java 11+/17+, Spring Boot, REST APIs, and Microservices.
• Hands-on experience with AWS and cloud-native application development.
• Strong understanding of distributed systems, event-driven architectures, and messaging patterns.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and support scalable backend services and REST APIs using Java and Spring Boot.
• Architect and deliver cloud-native solutions on AWS.
• Lead technical design and architecture decisions for new capabilities.
• Build and optimize solutions using PostgreSQL, MySQL, and DynamoDB.
• Develop event-driven and asynchronous processing systems.
• Collaborate with Product, Architecture, DevOps, and QA teams to deliver high-quality software.
• Conduct code reviews, mentor engineers, and promote engineering best practices.
• Troubleshoot complex production issues and drive performance, scalability, and reliability improvements.
• Implement CI/CD, observability, and operational excellence practices.

Skills

Java 11+/17+

Spring Boot

REST APIs

Microservices

AWS

Distributed systems

PostgreSQL

MySQL

DynamoDB

Leadership

Problem solving

Communication

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.

Cat Digital is the digital and technology arm of Caterpillar Inc., leveraging the latest technologies to build industry leading digital solutions for our customers and dealers. With over 1.5 million connected assets worldwide, our teams use data, technology, advanced analytics, telematics, and AI capabilities to help our customers build a better, more sustainable world.

Job Summary:

We are looking for a Senior Software Engineer to build and support scalable, cloud-native applications on AWS. The ideal candidate has deep expertise in Java, Spring Boot, Microservices, and distributed systems, with a strong track record of delivering secure, reliable, and high-performing backend solutions at scale.

You will provide technical leadership, influence architecture, mentor engineers, and collaborate across teams to drive engineering excellence.

What You’ll Do

• Design, develop, and support scalable backend services and REST APIs using Java and Spring Boot.
  
• Architect and deliver cloud-native solutions on AWS.
  
• Lead technical design and architecture decisions for new capabilities.
  
• Build and optimize solutions using PostgreSQL, MySQL, and DynamoDB.
  
• Develop event-driven and asynchronous processing systems.
  
• Collaborate with Product, Architecture, DevOps, and QA teams to deliver high-quality software.
  
• Conduct code reviews, mentor engineers, and promote engineering best practices.
  
• Troubleshoot complex production issues and drive performance, scalability, and reliability improvements.
  
• Implement CI/CD, observability, and operational excellence practices.
  

What You Will Have

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.

Software Development: Knowledge of software development tools and activities; ability to produce software products or systems in line with product requirements.

Software Development Life Cycle: Knowledge of software development life cycle; ability to use a structured methodology for delivering and managing new or enhanced software products to the marketplace.

Software Integration Engineering: Knowledge of software integration processes and functions; ability to design, develop and maintain interfaces and linkage to alternative platforms and software packages.

Software Product Design/Architecture: Knowledge of software product design; ability to convert market requirements into the software product design.

Software Product Testing: Knowledge of software product testing; ability to design, plan, and execute testing strategies and tactics to ensure software product quality and adherence to stated requirements.

What You’ll Bring

• 8+ years of experience building enterprise-scale backend applications.
  
• Strong expertise in Java 11+/17+, Spring Boot, REST APIs, and Microservices.
  
• Hands‑on experience with AWS and cloud-native application development.
  
• Strong understanding of distributed systems, event-driven architectures, and messaging patterns.
  
• Experience with relational and NoSQL databases, including PostgreSQL, MySQL, and DynamoDB.
  
• Proven ability to lead technical initiatives, mentor engineers, and drive architectural decisions.
  
• Excellent problem‑solving, communication, and collaboration skills.
  

What You Will Get

Working with a Fortune 100 leader, you can build your career on a global scale and take advantage of development opportunities with emerging technologies. We've created an inclusive environment for you to explore your passions, make an impact and do the work that really matters. Join Us.

About Caterpillar

Caterpillar Inc. is the world's leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. For nearly 100 years, we've been helping customers build a better, more sustainable world and are committed and contributing to a reduced-carbon future. Our innovative products and services, backed by our global dealer network, provide exceptional value that helps customers succeed.

Summary Pay Range

$112,710.00 - $183,140.00

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

August 14, 2026 - August 23, 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.