Summary written by USA Jobs 24 from Caterpillar's advert and our data on 16,898 current US jobs. How we check every job
At a glance
Caterpillar is hiring a Lead Software Engineer, Gen AI in Chicago, IL; Peoria, IL +2. It is a full-time role in Data, AI & Analytics, open to entry-level candidates, first listed on November 11. The advertised pay is $128,470–$208,770 a year. The description mentions Generative AI, Python, CI/CD, Git, AWS and Machine learning. Caterpillar has 99 other openings in the US, 3 of them in Chicago, IL. Across all employers on USA Jobs 24 there are 68 Data & AI openings in Chicago, IL today; the typical one asks for 5 years and advertises about $168,000 a year at the midpoint.
How the pay compares
Caterpillar advertises $128,470 to $208,770 a year, a midpoint of $168,620 a year. Where an offer lands in a range usually depends on experience and on the exact location. That is lower than about 54% of the 74 data & AI jobs in Illinois that publish a yearly rate on USA Jobs 24, where the typical midpoint is $174,000 a year. To see roughly what this leaves after federal and Illinois tax, try our take-home pay calculator.
Skills in this advert
How often each skill named in this advert appears across the 1,836 data & AI jobs we list today. Python is the most widely requested (46% of jobs), while Go is the least common (2%). Widely requested skills are what employers expect as a baseline; rarer ones show what is special about this job.
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Before you apply
- Check it is still open. We found this job on Caterpillar's Workday site on November 11 and checked it again November 11, 5:17 AM ET. When an employer takes a job down, we remove it at our next daily update.
- Check the location works for you. This role is based in Chicago, IL (or one of 3 other locations). If you would need to move, ask whether relocation help is offered.
- Entry-level friendly. The advert is open to people early in their career. Our guide to entry-level jobs covers what to put on a first resume.
- Tailor your resume. Use the advert's own words, such as Generative AI, Python and CI/CD, wherever they are true for you. Our resume guide shows how.
- Know your number. Decide the lowest offer you would accept before the first call. Our salary negotiation guide explains how to ask for more.
- Apply only through Caterpillar's own site. Our Apply button goes straight to Caterpillar's Workday page. If anyone contacts you about this job and asks for money, gift cards or bank details, stop and check it with our scam checker. Read how to spot a fake job offer.
About hiring at Caterpillar
Caterpillar has 100 openings on USA Jobs 24 today across 20 states. Most are in software & IT (35), engineering & mfg (14) and operations (7). The biggest locations are Irving, TX (22), Peoria, IL (17) and East Peoria, IL (10). None of them is fully remote, 15% are open to entry-level candidates and 98% show pay. We collect Caterpillar's jobs every day straight from its own careers system (Workday), never from job boards or agencies.
The employer's advert
This is Caterpillar's own description of the job, copied word for word from its careers site. We have not edited it.
Show the full advert from CaterpillarHide the advert816 words
Career Area:
Technology, Digital and DataJob 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 building assistants, agents, GenAI 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 software development life cycle; ability to use a structured methodology for delivering and managing new or enhanced software products to the marketplace.
- Software Product Design/Architecture: Knowledge of software product design; ability to convert market requirements into the 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.
Top Candidates Will Also Have:
- As technical lead you will have the ability to manage larger and more complex projects.
- Software development experience and solid working knowledge of OOP principles
- Experience in designing and developing software applications in Python and/or GoLang
- Experience with Python libraries such as FastAPI, LangGraph, and LangChain
- 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 Details:
- This position has the option to be based out of either our Chicago, IL; Peoria, IL; Broomfield, CO (Denver) or Irving, TX (Dallas) offices
- Relocation Assistance is NOT available for this role
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 - $208,770.00Compensation 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:
November 10, 2026 - November 16, 2026Any 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.
Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.
USA Jobs 24 copied this listing from Caterpillar's official careers site on November 11, 2026 and checked it again November 11, 5:17 AM ET. Caterpillar will never ask you to pay to apply or to buy equipment with a check they send you. If anyone does, it is a scam.
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