Principal Application Architect

Job Overview The Principal Application Architect will shape the future of Caterpillar’s state-of-the-art digital applications, including the Service Information System (SIS), supporting parts sales and dealer services. The role requires a passion for designing modern, scalable, secure solutions for large enterprise environments, strong technical leadership, and the ability to translate complex business needs into practical architecture strategies. Responsibilities Develop detailed architecture deliverables to solve business problems. Design an application's technical infrastructure, including databases, programming languages, utilities, and testing approaches. Lead the evaluation and deployment of new technologies to enhance existing digital capabilities. Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to address business requirements and deliver digital solutions that meet business results. Qualifications & Desired Skills Analytical Thinking – ability to determine root causes of organizational problems and design alternative solutions. Effective Communication – ability to transmit, receive, and interpret ideas, information, and needs accurately. Application Design & Architecture – knowledge of design principles and practices, and ability to convert business requirements into technical designs. Data Architecture – knowledge of processes and techniques for integrating data resources into business processes. IT Architecture – ability to design and improve organizational IT structures to support business operations. Platform Architecture – design processing mechanisms and roadmaps for business application systems. Requirements Analysis – elicit, analyze, and record required business functionality and non‑functionality requirements. Target Architecture – develop IT blueprints and roadmaps aligned with business strategies and objectives. Experience in designing and delivering scalable, secure, and maintainable application architectures for large enterprise solutions. Hands‑on experience with Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Azure DevOps, Java, React, APIs, integrations, and cloud‑native patterns. Strong understanding of enterprise security tools and secure application design practices, identity & access management, vulnerability management, and security controls. Technical leadership experience guiding engineering teams and influencing architecture decisions aligned with business priorities. Experience modernizing complex digital platforms (cloud‑native architectures, APIs, integrations, data platforms, enterprise application patterns). Ability to collaborate across product, engineering, architecture, business, and support teams to translate SIS business needs into practical technical roadmaps and solution designs. Passion for learning, innovation, and applying emerging technologies to improve customer and dealer experiences. Location & Travel Candidates must be located in Chicago, IL; Peoria, IL; Denver, CO; or Dallas, TX. Relocation assistance and visa sponsorship are not available. The role requires up to 5% travel. Compensation Salary range: $147,760.00 – $240,110.00. Compensation and benefits may vary depending on factors such as job level, market location, skills, and performance. Benefits Medical, dental, and vision benefits* Paid time off (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)* 401(k) savings plan* 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* Legal Notices Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen. #J-18808-Ljbffr