Caterpillar, Inc

2027 Leadership and Technical Development Program - Operations Leadership

Caterpillar, Inc$79K — $119K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing Engineering or related field by program start date
  • Minimum GPA of 2.8/4.0
  • Flexibility to relocate and travel for rotations
  • Desirable 0-2 years of related experience, including internships
  • Project or team leadership experience preferred
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills

Responsibilities

  • Complete three 12-month rotations in various roles
  • Travel and relocate based on business needs and rotation assignments
  • Engage in diverse project responsibilities within teams
  • Collaborate across functions including manufacturing, supply chain, and quality
  • Contribute to building an inclusive and constructive work environment

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits
  • Paid time off for vacations and holidays
  • 401(k) savings plans
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Career Development opportunities
  • Incentive bonuses and various life insurance options
  • Parental leave and tuition reimbursement
Full Job Description

Career Area:

Manufacturing

Job Description:

About the Role

Caterpillar's Leadership and Technical Development Program (LTDP) for Operations Leadershipis a three-year rotational program designed to accelerate development of entry-level talent and provide a solid foundation for meeting challenges within operations and manufacturing.Being part of the LTDP team offers you a broad exposure to Caterpillar, presents diverse project responsibilities, engages you in a global team, provides cross-functional job experiences and includes valuable networking opportunities with all levels of Caterpillar leadership. This program provides the opportunity to build foundational technical and leadership skills for future success within the organization.Upon successful completion of the three-year program, Operations Leadership professionals will be placed in a role with the expectation of being in that role a minimum of two years.

What You Will Do

Professionals within the program will complete three 12-month rotations, which are defined based on business needs.You must be willing to travel and relocate to any participating facility in North America upon hire and throughout each rotation while in the program.Youll join a team with diverse project responsibilities and have experiences including (but not limited to):

  • Manufacturing Engineering
  • Frontline Leadership
  • Supply Chain & Logistics
  • Procurement
  • Quality

What You Have 6 Skills and Experiences

In this role, you will have the opportunity to contribute your unique skills and experiences. Below are some of the most critical skills:

  • Decision making and critical thinking, problem solving, initiative, and adaptability
  • Leading and developing others
  • Ability to work with others of diverse cultures, interpersonal styles, and abilities in a constructive and collaborative manner.
  • Fundamental understanding of manufacturing standards and safety
  • Organize and manage multiple projects simultaneously, ability to quickly gain and effectively apply new skills & knowledge
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Participate in and build on our inclusive, constructive, and productive work environment
  • Ensure all team members contributions are recognized and valued

Program Qualifications

  • Completed degree from a university/college by the start of the program in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or other relevant Engineering or Technology degrees
  • Minimum cumulative Grade Point Average of 2.8/4.0 (no rounding)
  • Must be willing to relocate domestically based upon business need for each rotation and for post-program assignment
  • Program Start Dates: January & June 2027

Top Candidates May Also Have

  • 0-2 years of relevant manufacturing or supply chain/logistics experience, which may include internships or academic projects
  • Project or Team Leadership experience
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
  • Ideal for those building foundational skills in manufacturing & supply chain, generally within the first 0-2 years of their career

Additional Information:

  • Please attach your resume and an unofficial copy of your transcript to your application.
  • Applicants will be considered for positions throughout the United States.
  • Rotation locations can be anywhere in the U.S., including but not limited to the Midwest, Southeast, Texas, and Southern California.
  • Relocation is available to those that qualify.
  • Sponsorship isNOTavailable for this position.
  • This position requires working onsite five days a week.

Final details:

Please frequently check the email associated with your application, including the junk/spam folder, as this is the primary correspondence method. If you wish to know the status of your application 6 please use the candidate log-in on our career website as it will reflect any updates to your status.

Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.

Recent graduates should explore our direct hire positions at www.caterpillar.com/careers. For more information, visit caterpillar.com. To connect with us on social media, visit caterpillar.com/social-media.

Summary Pay Range:

$79,800.00 - $119,760.00

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

This position requires working onsite five days a week.

Summary Pay Range:

$81,370.00 - $122,060.00

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

This position requires working onsite five days a week.

Relocation is available for this position.

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Posting Dates:

July 1, 2026 - February 28, 2027

About Caterpillar, Inc

Progress Rail Services Corporation, a Caterpillar company, is one of the largest integrated and diversified suppliers of railroad and transit system products and services worldwide. Since its acquisition by Caterpillar Inc. in 2006, Progress Rail has used the Caterpillar international footprint to gain quick and widespread notice and approval across the globe. Product technology, reliability and durability, along with legendary aftermarket parts and service support, have been their keys to success. Caterpillar is the world's leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines and industrial gas turbines. The technology and world reach of Caterpillar, combined with the service standard and historical reliability of Progress Rail, ensures their products and services make a growing impact on the world rail industry. With their acquisition of Electro-Motive Diesel (EMD), Progress Rail is the world's largest builder of diesel-electric locomotives for all commercial railroad applications including freight, intercity passenger, commuter, switching, industrial and mining. EMD is also a global provider of diesel power engines for marine propulsion, offshore and land based oil well drilling rigs and stationary power generation. Electro-Motive is the only diesel engine manufacturer of its size to have produced more than 70,000 engines. This success stems from product reliability, serviceability, load acceptance capability, low operating costs and ease of maintenance with standardized components.

Caterpillar, Inc. Careers

Join the robust team at Caterpillar, Inc., a global leader in construction and mining equipment, where innovation drives everything we do. As part of our team, you'll engage in work that improves the world and furthers your career with every project you touch.

Work You’ll Do

At Caterpillar, Inc., you will have the opportunity to contribute to a variety of groundbreaking projects that extend across the globe. Our commitment to leadership in the industry is unwavering, and we achieve it through a culture that fosters diversity and leadership development.

Explore Job Opportunities and Growth

Caterpillar offers a wide range of job opportunities and career paths, providing a platform for professional growth and development. Whether you're interested in engineering, sales, marketing, or management, Caterpillar has a position that will utilize your unique skills and talents. We are continuously hiring innovative minds to propel our mission forward and maintain our status as industry leaders.

Internship Programs

Kickstart your career with a Caterpillar internship. Our internships provide invaluable workplace experience and networking opportunities that often lead to full-time employment at our company. As an intern, you will work alongside experienced professionals and gain insights that will benefit you as you advance in your career.

Benefits and Culture

Choosing a career at Caterpillar means more than just having a job. It means you're part of a team that values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment. We offer competitive benefits to ensure the health and well-being of our employees and their families. These benefits include health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off, alongside unique perks like professional development and diversity training programs.

Innovation and Leadership

Drive innovation and industry leadership as part of the Caterpillar team. We empower our employees to lead from their first day on the job, encouraging continuous improvement and career advancement. At Caterpillar, your ideas will shape the future of our business and the industries we serve.

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Prepare for Your Interview

Make a great first impression. Prepare for your interview at Caterpillar by reviewing common questions and practicing your responses. Tailor your resume to highlight the experiences and skills that make you the ideal candidate for the position you are applying for. At Caterpillar, Inc., every role offers the chance to make an impact. Come be a part of our team and drive the future of our global industries. Your career at Caterpillar is not just about what you'll accomplish, but how you'll grow and the innovation you'll lead. Join us and build a career that matters.
Learn more about Caterpillar, Inc
Size
107,700 employees
Market Cap
$125.3 billion
Industry
Net Income
$2.9 billion
Founded
1925
5 Year Trend
+5.8%
Revenue
$41.7 billion
NASDAQ

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