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

Position Overview

Senior SDET in a high-performing engineering team at Caterpillar. Focus on designing, developing, and maintaining enterprise-level test automation frameworks. Ensure software quality, reliability, and performance for modern applications. Mentor junior engineers and drive testing best practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and enhance Java-based test automation frameworks.
• Develop automated functional, regression, integration, and API test suites.
• Create and maintain automation scripts and frameworks.
• Build automation for CI/CD pipelines.
• Perform REST API, end-to-end integration, and scenario-based performance testing (JMeter).
• Execute exploratory/manual testing as needed.
• Develop test strategies, plans, cases, and data.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Product Owners, Developers, QA).
• Troubleshoot defects, ensure product quality, and mentor team members.
• Participate in Agile ceremonies and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Review software quality standards and best practices.
• Support SQL database validation.
• Document testing processes and automation solutions.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field.
• 8+ years professional software testing/SDET experience.
• Experience designing enterprise automation frameworks.
• Strong SDLC understanding, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Able to work independently in a fast-paced Agile environment.

Technical Skills (Required)

• Java (3+ years)
• Test Automation Framework Design (8+ years)
• Cucumber & Karate (MUST HAVE)
• REST API, Web Services, Integration, and End-to-End System Testing
• JMeter (3+ years)
• SQL and Relational Databases
• Functional, Regression Testing, Test Strategy/Planning, Test Case/Data Creation

Preferred Skills

• Python
• AWS
• Jenkins
• Git
• Microservices
• DevOps
• TDD
• Apigee/API gateways
• Load/Performance Testing
• Strong documentation

Soft Skills

• Excellent verbal/written communication and collaboration
• Adaptability, proactive, creative problem-solver
• Leadership, mentoring, organizational, and time management skills

Team Environment

20+ engineers in a cross-functional Agile team. Close collaboration with Product Owners, Devs, QA. Hybrid work model in Chicago.

Candidate Requirements

• Must be local to Chicago or relocate at own expense before Day 1.
• Stable employment history (no excessive job hopping).
• Not eligible if seeking 100% remote work or unwilling to relocate.
• Must have $billion manufacturing client experience in last 5 years.

Value Proposition

• Opportunity to work on enterprise-scale automation and mission-critical platforms.
• Exposure to modern CI/CD and DevOps practices.
• Grow technical leadership and domain expertise.
• Top Required Skills: Java, Test Automation, Cucumber/BDD, Karate, REST API Testing, Framework Design, JMeter, SQL, Integration Testing, CI/CD, Java-based Automation Development.
• Nice-to-Have Skills: Python, AWS, Jenkins, Git, Microservices, DevOps, TDD, Apigee, Load/Performance Engineering.