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Software Test Engineer

Caterpillar · Chicago, IL · $121,389–$158,480 a year · Full time

Posted Aug 28, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a complex technical problem you identified and resolved on your own.

What they are checking: Independence on complex systems, which the posting stresses with work done without close supervision.

How do you work with the product owner to close open issues and enhancements before a release?

What they are checking: Whether they collaborate actively to get decisions made rather than just logging tickets.

What would you do

A developer says your bug is not a bug, it's how the system was designed. What do you do?

What they are checking: Ability to resolve disputes using requirements and the product owner, without making it personal.

The release date is fixed, and you won't finish all your test cases. How do you decide what to test?

What they are checking: Risk-based prioritization and clear communication of what remains untested.

About the work

Walk me through how you turn business requirements into automated test cases.

What they are checking: Whether they can read requirements critically and design tests that cover both the happy path and the edges.

Explain how you'd plan regression, integration, performance and user acceptance testing for a new release.

What they are checking: Understanding of each test type's purpose and how they fit together in a release cycle.

What automation frameworks and languages have you used, like Selenium, Playwright, Cypress or REST Assured?

What they are checking: Hands-on automation depth rather than only manual testing experience.

Write out loud a defect report for a bug where a form saves but the data doesn't show up on the next screen.

What they are checking: Whether their bug reports have clear steps, expected and actual results, and enough detail to fix quickly.

How would you set up a performance test for an application, and what results would worry you?

What they are checking: Practical knowledge of load testing tools and what response times and error rates mean.

How do you keep an automated test suite from becoming flaky and slow over time?

What they are checking: Maintenance discipline, since unreliable suites get ignored and stop catching real defects.

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The full job description

As published by Caterpillar.

Career Area: 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. Caterpillar Inc. seeks Software Test Engineer at its facility located at 540 W Madison St., Chicago, IL 60661. Perform testing, project management and quality assurance assignments without close supervision. Assigned to the more complex aspects of systems work. Carry out testing activities of new and existing software products. Understand systems, regression, integration, performance and user acceptance testing. Work directly on complex application and technical problem identification and resolution. Work independently on complex systems or infrastructure components that may be used by one or more applications or systems. Analyze business requirements to develop and execute automation test cases. Document software issues and defects in bug tracking software and monitor for resolution. Coordinate with product owner to resolve open issues/enhancements/upgrades and understand the use of specific functionality as needed. Communicate with end users and internal customers to help with direct development, debugging and testing application software for accuracy, integrity, interoperability and completeness. Perform integrated testing and customer acceptance testing of components that require careful planning and execution to ensure timely and quality results. Perform other job duties as assigned by Caterpillar management from time to time. REQS: This position requires a Master's degree foreign equivalent or combination of education and employment experience in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Computer Information Systems of related field and 5 years of experience in software testing in Automation Tools or related occupation. In the alternative, the employer will accept a Bachelor's degree foreign equivalent or combination of education and employment experience in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Computer Information Systems of related field and 7 years of experience in software testing in Automation Tools or related occupation. Additionally, the applicant must have employment experience with: (1) Test automation framework design and development; (2) Functional or object- oriented coding experience in modern programming languages like C++, Java or Python (preferably Java); (3) Two or more of the following technologies and tools: Java/ Junit, Python, Cucumber, JBehave or other BDD testing frameworks; (4) Testing Webservices (REST APIs) using Karate tool; (5) Developing scenario-based performance testing using JMeter; (6) Test automation framework design and development experience in AWS Cloud technology; (7) TDD, continuous integration, code review practice; (8) Testing full stack and integration testing; (9) Writing queries in SQL or other relational databases: (10) End-to-end system integration testing experience for software platforms; (11) Develop of test automation code for Continuous Integration (Cl), Continuous Delivery (CD), of systems, infrastructure, and test framework; (12) Apigee or other API gateways is a plus; and (13) DevOps concepts and tools (e.g., CI/CD, Jenkins, Git). Travel: None. Telecommuting: Up to 3 days/week. Summary Pay Range: $121,389.00 – $158,480.00 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 Applicants who are interested in this position should apply via www.caterpillar.com/careers , search [Software Test Engineer / Reference # R0000391444 ] #LI-DNI . Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position. Posting Dates: August 28, 2026 - January 3, 2027 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. Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community .

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