Lead Software Engineer - Search

Career Area:
Technology, Digital and Data
Job Description:
Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.
When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do - but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here - we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.
Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.
Cat Digital is the digital and technology arm of Caterpillar Inc., leveraging the latest technologies to build industry leading digital solutions for our customers and dealers. With over 1.5 million connected assets worldwide, our teams use data, technology, advanced analytics, telematics, and AI capabilities to help our customers build a better, more sustainable world.
Job Summary:
eCommerce is a key digital enabler to Caterpillar's aftermarket parts and services growth strategy. Delivering on the Caterpillar brand promise of premium, high-quality solutions is an important element in accelerating the development and deployment of Caterpillar's expanded capabilities in eCommerce.
The Lead data scientist - Search is responsible for building the core search AI/ML/LLM models and overseeing the execution of advanced search algorithms. This role combines strategic vision, hands-on AI/ML expertise, and leadership to build scalable, high-performance search algorithms that deliver exceptional user experiences. If you want to enhance customer search experiences and lead scalable platforms, this role lets you make a significant impact.
What You Will Do:

• Technical Strategy: Define and implement a long-term technical vision for the search platform to ensure scalability and adaptability to growing data volumes and query complexity.
• Team Leadership: Mentor and guide a team of search engineers through technical reviews, best practices, and collaborative problem-solving.
• Feature Development: Introduce advanced capabilities such as NLP, vector search, and personalization to enhance relevance and accuracy.
• Data Analysis & Optimization: Build search capabilities with measurable KPIs (e.g., CTR, Query Distribution, Zero Search) and leverage analytics to continuously improve search performance.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with product managers, data scientists, and engineering teams to align search initiatives with business objectives

Algorithm Development & Modeling

• Optimization: Profile and tune deep learning algorithms for maximum search efficiency for keyword matching, user data and behavior, preferences, popularity, and more.
• Behavioral Models: Profile the end-users' behaviors and signals and fine-tune models to reflect to rearrange the search facet values
• Context Models: Leverage AI/MI/LLM models to Discern User Intent and capture in relevant search categories
• Categorization Models to build fitment recommendation with engineering information
• Personalization models: Rule based segmentation, ML based recommendation models, PFM - SSL models and Implicit Personalization models to enhance the search

What You Will Have:

• Search AI/ML Models : Strong track record to deploy Search related ML models in large industrial /automobile / Manufacturing parts application (Learning-Rank, Lambda MART, Deep Ranking Models )
• Generative AI & LLMs: Proficiency in Fine-tuning and Prompt Engineering for Large Language Models, specifically using Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), Indexing models BM25, Sematic Retrieval, Query rewrite etc
• ML Platform Experience: Proven ability to work with large-scale search logs, Product data and build robust future/label pipelines and deploy models thru MLOps/ML platforms and API's in Cloud environment (AWS/Azure/GCP)
• Business Statistics: Extensive experience with statistical tools, processes, and practices to describe business results in measurable scales; ability to use statistical tools and processes to assist in making business decisions.
• Analytical Thinking: Extensive knowledge of techniques and tools that promote effective analysis; ability to determine the root cause of organizational problems and create alternative solutions that resolve these problems.
• Programming Languages: Extensive knowledge of basic concepts and capabilities of applying Python programming to solve business challenges; ability to use tools, techniques and platforms to write and modify programming languages.
• Requirements Analysis: Working knowledge of tools, methods, and techniques of requirement analysis; ability to elicit, analyze and record required business functionality and non-functionality requirements to ensure the success of a system or software development project.

Considerations for Top Candidates:

• Typically, a Bachelors, Masters, or PhD degree in Applied Statistics, Data Science, Business Analytics, Predictive Analytics, Business Intelligence & Analytics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering (Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical, Computer, Industrial, Agricultural, etc.), or equivalent technical degree
• Extensive experience applying Python (NumPy, SciPy, pandas, etc.) programming to solve business challenges.
• Extensive experience with advanced data analysis, machine learning such as clustering, Log regressions, neural nets and statistical methods such as statistical process control, etc. (typically 5+ years)
• Experience in practical applications of onboard architecture / software (e.g. mini projects using Raspberry Pi or any other architecture is a bonus)
• Working experience with heavy equipment engineering or data analysis.
• Familiarity with A/B testing frameworks for evaluating and improving model-driven features - nice to have
• Working knowledge with cloud technologies (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, etc.)
• Advanced experience with version control / repositories such as GitHub
• Experience operating in an Agile environment
• Must demonstrate strong initiative, interpersonal skills, and the ability to communicate effectively.

What You Will Get:
Working with a Fortune 100 leader, you can build your career on a global scale and take advantage of development opportunities with emerging technologies. We've created an inclusive environment for you to explore your passions, make an impact and do the work that really matters. Join Us.
About Caterpillar:
Caterpillar Inc. is the world's leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. For nearly 100 years, we've been helping customers build a better, more sustainable world and are committed and contributing to a reduced-carbon future. Our innovative products and services, backed by our global dealer network, provide exceptional value that helps customers succeed.
Summary Pay Range:
$128,470.00 - $208,770.00
Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar.
Benefits:
Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of benefits.

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits*
• Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)*
• 401(k) savings plans*
• 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

* These benefits also apply to part-time employees
Relocation is available for this position.
Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.
Posting Dates:
April 22, 2026 - April 26, 2026
Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.
Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.
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