Career Area:Engineering
Job Description:Role Summary:The LPSD Core Components Validation Strategy Lead is responsible for leading structural validation activities for core engine components within the Large Power Systems Division (LPSD). This role supports a broad range of on-engine, bench, and lab testing across key engine systems, including valvetrain, rotating components, cylinder pack, cylinder head, cylinder block, and critical fasteners. This is a critical role for driving engine core components validation forward-looking planning and alignment with Core Component Strategy leads and both internal and external validation workstreams. Its importance grows as the team expands validation capabilities globally.
What you will do:- Serve as the validation strategy lead for LPSD core components, developing, managing, and executing validation plans from initial requirements definition through test completion and final reporting.
- Manage Core Components validation demand and PMO coordination by aligning program priorities, lab capacity, hardware availability, and global resources to optimize overall PMO execution and delivery timing.
- Leverage Core Components' global lab footprint to identify the best validation execution strategy to meet project timeline.
- Collaborate with design, simulation, product, and supplier teams to develop and execute validation plans for NSI, NPI, NTI, NTI-S and CPI projects
- Coordinate engine hardware, fixtures, instrumentation, and tooling readiness to support on-time validation execution
- Execute engine structural and dynamics testing in accordance with Caterpillar standard test procedures, lab safety practices, and program validation requirements.
- Analyze test data and communicate results, risks, recommendations, and potential design solutions.
Education and Experience Requirements:- Bachelor's degree in accredited Engineering, Materials Science, or closely related curriculum or equivalent experience working in an Engineering function.
Skills you will have: - Products and Services: Extensive knowledge of major products and services and product and service groups; ability to apply knowledge of product and service appropriately to diverse situations.
- Technical Excellence: Extensive knowledge of a given technology and various application methods; ability to develop and provide solutions to significant technical challenges.
- Influencing Through Expertise: Extensive knowledge of effective influencing tactics and strategies; ability to use these to deepen own expertise and impact or challenge decisions within and outside own organization.
- Project Management: Advanced 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.
- Team Management: Extensive knowledge of effective team building techniques; ability to form and manage effective teams.
- Troubleshooting Technical Problems: Extensive knowledge of troubleshooting approaches, tools and techniques; ability to anticipate, detect and resolve technical problems in a manufacturing or product development environment.
- Product Design and Development: Extensive knowledge of product features; ability to design, build, and develop a new product, technology, or service from concept through to production.
Top Candidates Will Have:- Strong understanding of engine core components, including valvetrain, rotating components, cylinder pack, cylinder head, cylinder block, bolted joints.
- Familiarity with engine lab operations, test cell processes, component setup, test hardware readiness, tooling requirements, test safety practices, and Caterpillar standard test procedures.
- Knowledge of structural durability, fatigue analysis, modal analysis, bolted joint analysis, torsional vibration testing, and engine dynamics validation.
- Proficiency with advanced instrumentation and data acquisition systems, including strain gages, accelerometers, pressure sensors, speed and position sensors, telemetry systems, and related signal conditioning equipment.
- Ability to analyze and interpret complex test data, identify root causes, assess component durability margins, and translate findings into clear technical recommendations for design improvement.
- Strong technical communication skills, including the ability to document validation plans, summarize test results, present conclusions, and communicate risks, recommendations to cross-functional teams and leadership.
- Experience coordinating validation work across global labs, third-party facilities, proving grounds, or field test locations.
- Familiarity with Caterpillar engineering processes, standard test procedures, lab operations, PMO practices, and cross-functional product development workflows.
Additional Information:- This position is located in Mossville, IL.
- Up to 25% travel may be required. Testing may be conducted in Tech Center engine labs, Peoria and Tucson proving grounds, third-party engine and shaker labs, and field sites.
- Relocation assistance is available for this position.
- Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
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:November 3, 2026 - November 17, 2026
Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.
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