IT Software Engineer 5 (Lead SDET / Test Automation Lead)

The Lead Software Engineer (Lead SDET) will support Caterpillar’s VL Autonomy Program by leading Quality Engineering initiatives, expanding the existing test automation framework, and collaborating with multiple engineering teams. This role involves designing automation strategies, mentoring Quality Engineers, participating in architecture discussions, and ensuring high-quality software delivery through automated testing and continuous integration practices., * Lead Quality Engineering efforts across multiple applications and projects.

• Own test strategy, test planning, and automation execution.
• Design, develop, and enhance enterprise test automation frameworks.
• Develop automated test scripts using Java and existing automation frameworks.
• Build and maintain API automation frameworks.
• Develop automation supporting Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery (CI/CD).
• Perform end-to-end integration, functional, and system testing.
• Conduct exploratory and manual testing where required.
• Collaborate with Product Owners, developers, architects, and cross-functional teams.
• Mentor and lead onshore and offshore Quality Engineering teams.
• Review automation code and promote testing best practices.
• Support software releases through automation and regression testing.

Team Environment

• VL Autonomy Program
• Fleet Management Organization
• Team Size: 20+ Engineers
• Lead and mentor 10+ Quality Engineers
• Participate in architecture discussions and AVT calls
• Collaborate across multiple engineering teams

• Bachelor’s Degree required, * 10+ years of Software Quality Engineering / Test Automation experience
• 5+ years leading Quality Engineering teams
• Experience leading teams of at least five Quality Engineers
• Extensive experience designing enterprise automation frameworks

Required Technical Skills

Programming Languages

• Java (5+ years)
• JavaScript

Test Automation

• Test Automation Framework Design (8+ years)
• Selenium or enterprise automation frameworks
• API Automation
• Automated Regression Testing
• Functional Automation Testing

BDD Frameworks

• Cucumber (3-5 years)
• JBehave
• Other BDD frameworks

API Testing

• REST API Testing
• Web Services Testing

Performance Testing

• JMeter

Databases

• SQL
• Relational Databases

DevOps & CI/CD

• Jenkins
• Git
• CI/CD Pipelines

Testing Experience

• Integration Testing
• End-to-End System Testing
• Full Stack Testing
• Third-Party Integration Testing
• Test Strategy
• Test Planning
• Test Case Development
• Test Data Management

Preferred Skills

• Python
• AWS Cloud Development
• Microservices Architecture
• Apigee or API Gateway technologies
• Performance & Load Testing
• Test-Driven Development (TDD)
• Continuous Integration
• Code Reviews
• Agile / Lean methodologies
• Strong technical documentation skills

Top Skills

• Lead SDET / Test Automation Leadership
• Java, Cucumber & API Test Automation
• Automation Framework Design & CI/CD

Soft Skills

• Strong leadership and mentoring abilities
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Ability to work in complex enterprise environments
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Proactive and adaptable mindset
• Ability to work effectively with business stakeholders and engineering teams

Caterpillar is seeking an experienced IT Software Engineer 5 (Lead SDET) to join the VL Autonomy Program within the Fleet Management organization. This is a technical leadership role responsible for leading Quality Engineering efforts, expanding the existing automation framework, and driving end-to-end test strategy for enterprise-scale software platforms.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on Lead SDET with deep expertise in Java-based automation frameworks, API testing, CI/CD, and Agile development, along with proven experience leading Quality Engineering teams.