IT Software Engineer 4 (Senior SDET / Test Automation Engineer)

IT Software Engineer 4 (Senior SDET / Test Automation Engineer)Pay: $65 – 70 /hr. on C2CLocation: Chicago, Illinois - In-person interview - MandateHybrid: 3 days onsite per week (Day 1). Future Requirement: onsite (5 days/week) is expected in the future.Duration: 12 MonthsEstimated Start Date: July 27, 2026Interview Process:Two interview roundsVirtual/Phone interviewPanel and Hiring Manager interviewsIn-person interviews - MandatePosition OverviewCaterpillar is seeking an experienced IT Software Engineer 4 (Senior SDET) to join its engineering team in Chicago. This role focuses on designing, developing, and maintaining enterprise-scale automated testing frameworks while ensuring the quality, reliability, and performance of modern software applications.The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in Java-based test automation, API testing, performance testing, CI/CD, and Agile development practices, along with the ability to mentor engineers and drive testing best practices across projects.This position is a backfill supporting an existing high-performing engineering team.Key ResponsibilitiesDesign, develop, and enhance enterprise test automation frameworks using Java.Develop automated functional, regression, integration, and API test suites.Create automation scripts using existing testing frameworks.Develop automation for Continuous Integration (CI) and Continuous Delivery (CD) pipelines.Design and maintain API automation frameworks.Perform REST API testing and end-to-end integration testing.Develop scenario-based performance testing using JMeter.Execute exploratory and manual testing when required.Develop test strategies, test plans, test cases, and test data.Collaborate closely with Product Owners, Developers, and QA teams.Troubleshoot software defects and improve overall product quality.Mentor junior test engineers and provide technical leadership.Participate in Agile ceremonies and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.Review software quality standards and testing best practices.Support database validation using SQL.Document testing processes and automation solutions.Required QualificationsBachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field.8+ years of professional software testing or SDET experience.Extensive experience designing enterprise test automation frameworks.Strong understanding of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC).Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.Strong communication and collaboration abilities.Ability to work independently in a fast-paced Agile environment.Required Technical SkillsProgramming & AutomationJava (3–5+ years)Test Automation Framework Design (8+ years)Cucumber & Karate - MUST HAVEJBehave or other BDD frameworksAPI TestingREST API TestingWeb Services TestingIntegration TestingEnd-to-End System TestingPerformance TestingJMeter (3+ years)DatabaseSQLRelational DatabasesTestingFunctional TestingRegression TestingTest StrategyTest PlanningTest Case DevelopmentTest Data CreationPreferred SkillsPythonAWS CloudJenkinsGitCI/CD PipelinesDevOps practicesMicroservices ArchitectureTDD (Test-Driven Development)Code ReviewsAgile / ScrumLean MethodologiesApigee or other API GatewaysLoad TestingPerformance TestingStrong technical documentation skillsSoft SkillsExcellent verbal and written communicationStrong collaboration skillsAdaptability in complex technical environmentsProactive mindsetCreative problem-solvingLeadership and mentoring abilitiesStrong organizational and time management skillsTeam EnvironmentTeam size: 20+ engineersCross-functional Agile teamClose collaboration with Product Owners, Developers, and QA EngineersHybrid work environment based in ChicagoCandidate Value PropositionJoining Caterpillar offers the opportunity to:Build enterprise-scale automation solutionsWork on modern CI/CD and DevOps practicesContribute to mission-critical software platformsCollaborate with experienced engineering teamsGrow technical leadership skillsDevelop expertise in enterprise testing frameworks and cloud technologiesTop Required SkillsJava Test AutomationCucumber / BDD FrameworksKarateREST API TestingTest Automation Framework DesignJMeter Performance TestingSQLEnd-to-End Integration TestingCI/CDAgile MethodologiesJava-Based Automation Framework DevelopmentNice-to-Have SkillsPythonAWSJenkinsGitMicroservicesDevOpsTDDApigeeLoad TestingPerformance EngineeringImportant Candidate RequirementsCandidates must:Be local to the Chicago area before Day 1, or clearly state on the resume that they will relocate at their own expense.Be comfortable working 3 days onsite immediately, with the expectation of transitioning to 5 days onsite in the future.Demonstrate stable employment history (avoid frequent job changes).Candidates will be disqualified if they:Require 100% remote work.Are unwilling to relocate before the start date.Have excessive job hopping without reasonable explanation.