Lead Software Engineer, Gen AI

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:
As a Lead Software Engineer you will work on Generative AI projects focused on building assistants, AI-infused processing pipelines, tooling, and software. Join our innovative team and contribute to the development of cutting-edge AI solutions at Cat Digital.
What You Will Do:

• Develop and deploy Gen AI solutions utilizing Python and OOP principles.
• Implement and manage CI/CD pipelines using GitHub Actions.
• Deploy solutions on AWS using CloudFormation.
• Work with frameworks such as LangChain, LangGraph, Semantic Kernel, and Crew.ai.
• Apply knowledge of Large Language Models (LLMs) and prompt engineering concepts.
• Develop and deploy services using FastAPI on AWS.
• Collaborate with data scientists to refactor analytics solutions for production, ensuring scalability and efficiency.
• Assist in the development of machine learning and AI pipelines using Apache Airflow.

What You Will Have:

• 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 the software development life cycle; ability to use a structured methodology for delivering and managing new or enhanced software products.
• Software Product Design/Architecture: Knowledge of software product design; ability to convert requirements into software product design.
• Software Product Technical Knowledge: Knowledge of technical aspects of a software products; ability to design, configure and integrate technical aspects of software products.
• 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.

Considerations for Top Candidates:

• Comfort planning, building, maintaining, and coordinating with others on large, complex projects.
• Software development experience and solid working knowledge of OOP principles
• Experience in designing and developing software applications in Python (nice to have experience: GoLang, frontend frameworks like React)
• Experience with Python libraries such as FastAPI, LangGraph, and LangChain
• Experience with modern Gen AI system architectures and techniques (multi agent, big tool, context management, MCP, long term memory)
• Experience working with Git version control on medium to large teams
• Exceptional communication skills with experience working on a cross-functional team
• Deploying software using GitHub Actions or similar
• Experience with AWS components such as SageMaker Studio, Lambda, API Gateway, and RDS
• Technical writing skills

Additional Information:
This position will be based out of either our Chicago, IL or Peoria, IL offices.
#LI
#BI (used to post on Built In Chicago)
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:
$128,470.00 - $208,770.00
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:
May 27, 2026 - June 2, 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.
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