Lead Software Development Engineer in Test

Lead Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) 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.