Senior Software Engineer - Backend Engineering

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision benefits

401(k) savings plans

Incentive bonus

Tuition Reimbursement

Parental leave

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. in Chicago is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to design, build, and operate scalable backend services on AWS using Java, Spring Boot, and microservices.

The role includes technical leadership, architecture influence, and mentorship across teams to deliver secure, high-performing backend solutions at scale. You will collaborate with Product, Architecture, DevOps, and QA to ensure quality and reliability while advancing cloud-native capabilities.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of enterprise backend experience.
• Strong Java 11+/17+ and Spring Boot expertise.
• Hands-on AWS and cloud-native development.
• Knowledge of distributed systems and event-driven architectures.
• Experience with PostgreSQL, MySQL, DynamoDB.
• Proven ability to lead technical initiatives and mentor engineers.
• Excellent problem-solving and collaboration skills.
• Strong communication abilities.

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.

Skills

Java

Spring Boot

REST APIs

Microservices

AWS

Distributed systems

PostgreSQL

MySQL

DynamoDB

Mentoring

Job description

Job Description

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.

Career Area

Technology, Digital and Data

Job Description

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

October 20, 2026 - October 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.