Lead Software Development Engineer in Test

Role: Lead Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) Location: Chicago, IL

• Hybrid onsite – Initially 2-3 onsite with possibility of full 5 days in few months Duration: 12+ Month Contract Must Have Skills/Attributes: API, AWS, Cucumber, Java, Jenkins, Python, REST, SQL Experience Desired: Experience in full-stack testing, integration testing with 3rd parties, and end-to-end system integration (10 Years); Experience with DevOps tools (CI/CD, Jenkins, Git) (10 Years); Strong experience developing test scripts, test cases, and test data (10 Years); Ability to write queries in SQL or other relational databases (10 Years) Required Minimum Education: Bachelor’s Degree **Only those lawfully authorized to work in the designated country associated with the position will be considered. **Please note that all position start dates and durations are estimates and may be reduced or lengthened based upon a client’s business needs and requirements. Job Description Required Education
• Degree: Bachelor's degree (required).
• Total Experience: 10+ years of overall professional experience.
• Leadership Tenure: 5+ years in a Lead role (with minimum experience leading 5 QE folks at a time).

Required Skills

• Test Automation Framework: 8+ years of experience in test automation framework design.
• Programming: 5+ years of strong design and development experience in Java.
• BDD Tools: 3–5 years of experience with Cucumber, JBehave, or other BDD testing frameworks.
• API Testing: 3–5 years of strong experience testing Web Services (REST APIs).
• Database: Ability to write queries in SQL or other relational databases.
• Testing Scope: Proven experience in full-stack testing, integration testing with 3rd parties, and end-to-end system integration testing for software platforms.
• DevOps: Experience with CI/CD concepts and tools (e.g., Jenkins, Git).
• Test Artifacts: Proven experience developing test scripts, test cases, and test data. Desired Technical Skills (Nice-to-Have):
• Hands-on experience with Python.
• Development experience in AWS Cloud technology.
• 3+ years of experience in scenario-based performance testing using JMeter.
• Experience with Apigee or other API gateways.
• Experience with TDD, continuous integration, and code review practices.
• Understanding of microservice architecture.
• Experience with load and performance testing.
• Strong documentation skills. Required Soft Skills:
• Ability to adapt quickly to a complex environment.
• Pro-active, flexible, and creative mindset.
• Very strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with developers and business users. Critical Disqualifiers (Skill/Logistics Related):
• Choppy tenure / consistent job hopping.
• Absolutely no 100% remote work – must be willing to work in the Chicago office (eventually 5x/week).
• If not local, must relocate at their own expense and be onsite Day 1 (must be stated clearly on the resume). Job Description
• This role supports the VL Autonomy program – a new initiative under Fleet Management at Caterpillar.
• This is a new headcount request. The resource will serve as the Lead Software Engineer/SDET to spearhead this effort.
• The primary mission is to expand the SIT (System Integration Testing) automation framework and drive the overall test strategy for the program.
• Develop test automation code for Continuous Integration (CI) and Continuous Delivery (CD) of systems, infrastructure, and test frameworks.
• Plan, design, develop, and maintain the API test automation framework to facilitate scripting, execution, and results analysis.
• Provide technical leadership and mentoring for test engineers across multiple applications/projects (onshore and offshore); train team members to create, execute, analyze, and maintain automated regression suites.
• Coordinate with the Product Owner to resolve open issues, enhancements, upgrades, and understand specific functionality usage.
• Develop automated functional scripts using tools such as Java, Karate, and JMeter.
• Perform exploratory and manual testing of the product suite as appropriate.
• Provide expertise in testing methodologies, best practices, and standards.
• Works within a larger team of 20+ members.
• Participates in AVT calls, design discussions, and coordinates with several other cross-functional teams.
• Position is hybrid onsite (Chicago office) starting Day 1, with a full return to office (5 days/week) expected eventually.