Lead Software Development Engineer in Test

About the role

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.