Lead Software Engineer

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.

Role Summary

The Lead Software Test Engineer is responsible for implementing, maintaining, and supporting software testing activities within an agile development environment. This role drives high‑quality software delivery by designing test strategies, resolving workflow challenges through automation, and ensuring adherence to functional and technical requirements.

Responsibilities

Software Development & Testing

• Design, modify, develop, and implement software applications using agile methodologies.
• Write and enhance source code for new and existing applications.
• Utilize automated testing tools to execute and maintain test suites.
• Perform functional, performance, volume, and load testing.
• Conduct system testing across multi-platform and distributed applications.
• Manage execution of test plans, resources, schedules, strategies, and tools.
• Collaborating with various stakeholders to ensure the acceleration of delivery while maintaining high standards of quality throughout the application lifecycle.
• Apply your business and functional knowledge to develop comprehensive testing strategies, utilizing quality processes and methodologies to enhance the overall testing framework.
• Lead quality engineers, guiding them through the complexities of multi-disciplinary team planning
• focus on defining and implementing key metrics that effectively manage and assess the testing process, including test execution and defect resolution
  
  

Requirements & Workflow Optimization

• Acquire and analyze client requirements.
• Resolve workflow challenges through automation.
• Participate in defining and conducting technical acceptance tests.
• Interpret product development plans and functional documentation.
• Ensure software components align with requirements and specifications.
  
  

Quality Assurance & Documentation

• Participate in readiness reviews and test planning.
• Document test activities, results, defects, and non-conformance reports.
• Evaluate system interoperability and ensure proper transaction flow.
• Guide end users in test data and scenario creation.
  
  

Technical Leadership

• Supervise testing of complex systems across platforms.
• Mentor and coach peers on system testing practices.
• Provide consulting on development tools and methodologies.
• Monitor and evaluate development quality and effectiveness.
  
  

Skills & Competencies

Decision Making & Critical Thinking (Extensive Experience)

• Analyze assumptions and frameworks for informed decisions.
• Evaluate past decisions for improvement.
• Advise others on data synthesis and decision planning.
• Apply appropriate decision-making styles.
  
  

Effective Communication (Extensive Experience)

• Deliver clear written and verbal communication.
• Provide feedback on documents and presentations.
• Demonstrate empathy and assertiveness.
• Influence stakeholders effectively.
  
  

Software Development (Extensive Experience)

• Conduct development walkthroughs.
• Utilize multiple development toolkits.
• Compare advantages of languages and tools.
• Estimate and monitor development costs.
  
  

Software Development Life Cycle (Working Knowledge)

• Understand lifecycle differences across releases.
• Identify issues and dependencies.
• Work with structured SDLC methodologies.
  
  

Software Product Design & Architecture (Basic Understanding)

• Identify design tools and components.
• Recognize good and bad design examples.
  
  

Technical Knowledge of Software Products (Working Knowledge)

• Manage configuration and environment specific data.
• Participate in technical requirement creation and acceptance testing.
• Track customer feedback and issues.
  
  

Software Product Testing (Working Knowledge)

• Execute testing strategies for quality assurance.
• Conduct functional testing and document results.
  
  

System Testing (Extensive Experience)

• Ensure proper transaction flow across systems.
• Evaluate interoperability.
• Lead system testing for distributed applications.
• Develop processes for long-term system quality.
  
  

Relocation is available for this position.

Posting Dates

January 29, 2026 - February 12, 2026

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

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