Caterpillar, Inc

Development & Research Senior Engineer

Caterpillar, Inc$112K — $169K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Metallurgical or Materials Science Engineering required.
  • Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration.
  • Experience in metallurgical product development, particularly failure analysis.
  • Knowledge of manufacturing standards and product testing methodologies.
  • Project management skills to oversee multiple projects efficiently.

Responsibilities

  • Lead investigations into material failures and their analyses.
  • Develop and execute metallurgical testing plans to support product development.
  • Create clear technical reports and procedures for internal use.
  • Communicate investigation results effectively to team members and stakeholders.
  • Provide technical support to laboratory operations personnel and design teams.
  • Assist in managing deviation requests and material supply assurance.
  • Recommend solutions based on analysis and product testing outcomes.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits.
  • Paid time off including vacation and holidays.
  • 401(k) savings plans with employer contributions.
  • Career development and training opportunities.
  • Employee assistance and wellness programs.
Full Job Description

Career Area:

Engineering

Job Description:

Role Definition

Caterpillar’s Advanced Materials Technology Department is currently seeking a Development and Research Senior Engineer focused on metallurgical product development. In this role you will have an opportunity to analyze a wide variety of components providing design support, development, and the associated failure analysis investigations.

What you will do

  • Lead material and material failure analysis investigations

  • Develop metallurgical testing plans and analyze test results

  • Create technical reports and/or procedures

  • Effectively communicate results to our internal customers

  • Provide technical support to metallurgical laboratory operations personnel.

  • Support deviation requests, assurance of supply opportunities

  • Support needs of product design, supplier development engineers, etc

  • Provide recommendations to Internal customers

Degree Requirement

  • Bachelor’s Degree in an accredited Metallurgical or Materials Science Engineering curriculum required.

What you must have (skills)

  • Analytical Thinking: Knowledge of techniques and tools that promote effective analysis; ability to determine the root cause of organizational problems and create alternative

  • Decision Making and Critical Thinking: Knowledge of the decision-making process and associated tools and techniques; ability to accurately analyze situations and reach productive decisions based on informed judgment.

  • Effective Communications: Understanding of effective communication concepts, tools and techniques; ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through the application of appropriate communication behaviors.

  • Technical Excellence: Knowledge of a given technology and various application methods; ability to develop and provide solutions to significant technical challenges.

  • Project Management: Knowledge of effective project management strategies and tactics; ability to plan, organize, monitor, and control projects, ensuring efficient utilization of technical and administrative resources to achieve project objectives.

  • Manufacturing Standards, Procedures and Policies: Knowledge of organizational standards, procedures and policies in manufacturing activities; ability to plan, guide, and monitor manufacturing processes for compliance.

  • Product Testing: Knowledge of product testing approaches, techniques and tools; ability to design, plan and execute testing strategies and tactics to ensure product quality at all stages of manufacturing.

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

Top candidates will also have

  • Advanced Materials or Metallurgical Engineering Degree

  • Prior Failure Analysis Experience with Ferrous and Non-Ferrous materials

  • Excellent communication, interpersonal and collaboration skills.

  • Experience with component design and/or supporting manufacturing operations

  • Experience with foundry and casting processes. 

  • Experience with heat treatment processes

  • Experience in creating technical reports, publications and/or procedures.

  • Strong Analytical Skills

  • Self-starter, accountable, and customer driven with strong teamwork and organizational skills.

  • Ability to work multiple projects concurrently

Additional Information

  • This position will close at 11:59 p.m. on 06/18/2026.

  • This position will be located onsite 5 days a week in Mossville, IL (Tech Center – Building K).

  • 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:

$112,710.00 - $169,060.00

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:

June 4, 2026 - June 18, 2026

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.

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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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