Caterpillar, Inc

Development & Research Engineering Specialist

Caterpillar, Inc$128K — $192K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • B.S. degree in Metallurgical Engineering or Materials Science and Engineering
  • 5-7 years of experience in engineering or related field
  • Experience in product or technology development preferred
  • Advanced engineering degree is a plus
  • Familiarity with modeling tools such as ThermoCalc, JMatPro, etc.

Responsibilities

  • Lead research projects on alloy and processing development to meet performance and cost goals
  • Establish project criteria with internal clients and manage team to deliver on commitments
  • Provide technical expertise in maintaining metallurgical specifications and standards
  • Collaborate with external labs and universities for research and testing support

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits
  • Paid time off including vacation and holidays
  • 401(k) savings plans
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Career Development opportunities
  • Disability benefits
  • Life Insurance
  • Tuition Reimbursement
Full Job Description

Career Area:

Engineering

Job Description:

Role Definition

As a Development & Research Engineering Specialist, you will manage complex engineering projects involving multiple functions, organizations, products, or value chains. This position will be part of the Advanced Materials Technology (AMT) Development Team located at Caterpillar’s US Technical Center in Mossville, IL.  The role is primarily focused on ferrous metallurgy, and will explore new cast and wrought alloy development, foundry processes, and heat treatments that will ultimately transfer into Caterpillar’s next generation products and facilities.

What you will do

  • Lead and perform on research projects for development and application of alloy and processing combinations to meet component performance and cost targets.

  • Establish project success criteria with internal clients, identify required team members, and manage technical challenges to meet committed project deliverables

  • Provide technical expertise in development and maintenance of metallurgical specifications and standards for the enterprise

  • Direct collaboration with external labs/universities on research and test support


Degree Requirement

  • B.S. degree in Metallurgical Engineering or Materials Science and Engineering


Skill Descriptors

  • Decision Making and Critical Thinking:  Ability to accurately analyze situations and reach productive decisions based on data analysis and informed judgment; identify and prioritize technical and project concerns; consider alternatives and appropriately assess risks

  • Effective Communications: Communicate well downward, upward, and outward; adapt documents and presentations for the intended audience; ability to communicate complex concepts and technical issues in clear and concise manner

  • Technical Excellence: Broad expertise in casting operations, ferrous alloys and microstructures, heat treating procedures, New Technology (NTI) approaches, industry material and manufacturing standards; ability to develop and apply effective solutions to product and process technical challenges

  • Project Management: Proven project leadership and track record for delivering new technologies into component applications; ability to plan, organize, monitor, and control projects, ensuring efficient utilization of resources to achieve project objectives.

  • Product Testing: Knowledge of material, process and product validation approaches; understanding of metallurgical laboratory techniques and tools, as well as common mechanical testing for material performance; ability to design, plan, and execute testing strategies and tactics to ensure product performance and quality at all stages of development.

  • Troubleshooting Technical Problems: Knowledge of troubleshooting approaches, tools and techniques; ability to anticipate, detect and resolve technical problems in a research lab or manufacturing environment.

Top Candidates will also have

  • Experience in product or technology development

  • Advanced engineering degree

  • Familiarity with modeling tools such as ThermoCalc, JMatPro, etc.

Additional Information

  • This position posting will close on 6/19/2026 at 11:59 p.m.

  • This position will be located in Mossville, IL (Tech Center - Building K) and requires the employee to work onsite 5 days a week.

  • Domestic relocation is Available

  • VISA Sponsorship is NOT Available

  • Travel requirements will be less than 10%.

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 – please use the candidate log-in on our career website as it will reflect any updates to your status.

#LI #MilitaryMonday #Letsdothework #caterpillarinc #Iamcaterpillar


 

Summary Pay Range:

$128,470.00 - $192,710.00

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:

June 9, 2026 - June 19, 2026

Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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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