Lead Software Engineer

Caterpillar Inc.

Lead Software Engineer at Caterpillar Inc. guiding a team to develop scalable eCommerce search solutions.

Posted 7/11/2026full-timeChicago • Illinois, Texas • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $128,470 - $208,770 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in search engineering with a focus on scalability, advanced capabilities like NLP and vector search, and a strong foundation in programming languages such as Java, Python, or Scala. Proven ability to lead technical teams, manage projects, and align search initiatives with business objectives while utilizing modern search technologies and cloud platforms.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Search Engineering LeadershipNLP and Vector Search ImplementationJava, Python, or Scala ProficiencyExperience with OpenSearch, Elastic Search, SOLRCloud Technologies (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud)

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Search EngineeringNLPVector SearchJavaPythonScalaMachine LearningAPI DevelopmentSoftware DebuggingCloud Deployment

Soft Skills

Strong CommunicationOrganization SkillsStakeholder ManagementInterpersonal SkillsProblem-Solving

Tools & Technologies

OpenSearchElastic SearchSOLRLuceneCoveoLucidWorks FusionDevOps ToolsA/B Testing FrameworksGitHubCloud Platforms

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Computer Science

Industry Keywords

ECommerce SearchITSM ProcessesDistributed SystemsLow-Latency APIEvent Streaming

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

AWSAzureCloudDistributed SystemsITSMJavaPythonScala

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Define and implement a long-term technical vision for the search platform to ensure scalability and adaptability to growing data volumes and query complexity.
Mentor and guide a team of search engineers through technical reviews, best practices, and collaborative problem-solving.
Introduce advanced capabilities such as NLP, vector search, and personalization to enhance relevance and accuracy.
Build search capabilities with measurable KPIs (e.g., CTR, Query Distribution, Zero Search) and leverage analytics to continuously improve search performance.
Partner with product managers, data scientists, and engineering teams to align search initiatives with business objectives

Requirements

What you’ll need

Progressively complex professional experience.
Experience as a lead software engineer, Architect , engineering manager.
Experience leading technical teams and managing multiple projects simultaneously.
Experience working within ITSM processes (incident, change, problem).
Strong communication, organization, and stakeholder management skills.
Ability to handle sensitive, complex, or high-visibility issues.
Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
Technical expertise required for the role Experience in eCommerce Search deployments.
Previous experience with Search products such as OpenSearch, Elastic Search, SOLR, Lucene, Coveo, and LucidWorks Fusion.
Strong expertise in building head-less frameworks to integrate with ecommerce applications Distributed Systems: Proven experience building large-scale, highly available systems.
Programming: Proficiency in Java, Python, or Scala, including source control tools and practices for managing code and changes to it.
Proficiency in software debugging and problem-solving techniques.
Proficiency in AI code generation tools such as Claude Code, ChatGPT, or GitHub Copilot.
Familiarity with DevOps tools and techniques for cloud deployment.
Producing and consuming APIs
Data Technologies: Familiarity with event streaming and cloud platforms.
Machine Learning: Practical experience applying ML to improve search relevance.
Considerations for Top Candidates: Bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science or related field. Or equivalent working experience
7+ years of experience in search engineering.
3+ years in a technical leadership role.
Strong understanding of modern search technologies and frameworks.
Working experience with heavy equipment engineering or data analysis.
Working experience with building Low-latency API in AWS using Memory-storage solutions.
Familiarity with A/B testing frameworks for evaluating and improving Strong knowledge with cloud technologies (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, etc.)
Advanced experience with version control / repositories such as GitHub
Experience operating in an Agile / Global team environment
Must demonstrate strong initiative, interpersonal skills, and the ability to communicate effectively.

Benefits

Comp & perks

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*