Caterpillar, Inc

Senior Test & Validation Engineer

Caterpillar, Inc$112K — $169K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or related fields
  • 5+ years of work experience in mechanical testing and component validation
  • Experience with hydraulic-based fatigue testing using MTS or Instron equipment
  • Familiarity with 3D CAD software, especially Creo
  • Proficient in analytical thinking and problem-solving techniques
  • Excellent decision-making and critical thinking skills
  • Strong communication skills and ability to convey technical insights.

Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with design and manufacturing teams to scope projects and select tests
  • Lead projects by establishing success criteria and managing timelines and budgets
  • Provide engineering support for component fatigue testing and problem-solving
  • Oversee work and collaboration with external labs and universities
  • Write test instructions and direct lab technicians in daily activities
  • Foster a culture of safety and technical excellence in the organization
  • Maintain expertise in mechanics of materials and mechanical testing methods.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits
  • Paid time off (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 opportunities
  • Incentive bonus
  • Disability benefits
  • Life Insurance
  • Parental leave
  • Adoption benefits
  • Tuition reimbursement
Full Job Description
Career Area:
Engineering

Job Description:

Role Definition

This position is part of the Advanced Materials Technology (AMT) Specialized Operations & Testing Team located on Caterpillar's Technical Center campus in Mossville, IL. The role is focused on mechanical testing (fatigue and fracture mechanics) of components and bolted joints for heavy machinery components including engines, powertrains, and electrified products. Emphasis will be on development of proprietary tests, analysis and interpretation of results, coordination of external lab test work, and providing technical reviews to internal clients.

What you will do
  • Collaborating with design and manufacturing teams to select tests, scope project timing and budgets, design fixturing, analyze test data, and communicate technical results for engine and machine applications that require life-prediction model inputs
  • Project leadership and execution including establishing project success criteria with internal clients, managing project plans and budgets, communicating to stakeholders and suppliers, and meeting committed project deliverables
  • Engineering technical support and problem-solving related to component fatigue and bolted joint testing for new production introduction, continuous product improvement, and assurance of supply projects
  • Directing work and establishing collaboration with external labs/universities
  • Writing test instructions and working with lab technicians to establish priorities and direct day-to-day test activities
  • Contributing to the culture of safety and technical excellence within the Advanced Materials Technology organization
  • Maintaining deep expertise in mechanics of materials, mechanical test apparatus, instrumentation, and data acquisition/analysis


Degree Requirement
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science & Engineering, or related fields desired.


What skills you must have
  • Analytical Thinking: Knowledge of techniques and tools that promote effective analysis; ability to determine the root cause of organizational problems and create alternative solutions that resolve these problems.
  • 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.
  • 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.


Top candidates will also have
  • 5+ years of prior work experience with a focus on mechanical testing and component validation
  • Prior work experience with hydraulic-based fatigue testing, especially with MTS or Instron test equipment
  • Prior work experience with 3D CAD software, especially Creo


Additional Information
  • This position will close at 11:59 p.m. on 08/25/2026.
  • This position will be located onsite 5 days a week in Mossville, IL (Technical 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.

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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:
August 11, 2026 - August 25, 2026

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

Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.

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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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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