Caterpillar, Inc

Test and Validation Engineer

Caterpillar, Inc$97K — $146K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or related field.
  • 5+ years of experience in testing or validation of heavy equipment or machinery.
  • Experience with various data analysis tools and troubleshooting issues.
  • Strong decision-making and critical thinking skills.
  • Excellent communication skills for technical documentation and collaboration.

Responsibilities

  • Drive safety and quality by prioritizing continuous improvement in machine testing.
  • Plan and execute testing projects for current and next-generation mining equipment.
  • Collaborate with on-site teams to ensure timely project delivery.
  • Leverage data analysis tools to derive actionable insights from testing results.
  • Troubleshoot and validate complex system issues during testing and development.
  • Develop comprehensive test plans and standard work procedures for validation activities.
  • Promote and document continuous improvement ideas for efficiency and product performance.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits.
  • Paid time off plan for vacation, holidays, and volunteer work.
  • 401(k) savings plans with company contributions.
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).
  • Career development opportunities and tuition reimbursement.
  • Employee Assistance Program for personal support.
  • Incentive bonuses and employee discounts.
Full Job Description
Career Area:
Engineering

Job Description:

Caterpillar's Resource Industries division is seeking a Test and Validation Engineer to support the Testing and Development of Large Mining Equipment at our Tucson Proving Ground in Green Valley, AZ. Your focus will be on current and next generation mining machines including Hydraulic Shovels and Large Wheel Loaders to ensure products perform as intended and meet Caterpillar's high-quality standards and customer expectations. You won't just test machines-you'll influence the future of sustainable mining.

What You Will Do:

Drive Safety & Quality: Make safety your top priority and champion continuous improvement in every aspect of machine testing. Review and create job procedures for system testing, installation, and maintenance.

Lead On-Machine Testing Projects: Plan and execute testing and development for current and next generation mining equipment.

Collaborate & Innovate: Work closely with on-site engineers, technicians, and operators to deliver projects on time and within budget.

Leverage Data: Use tools like Excel, PowerBI, DATK (Data Analysis Tool Kit), CANape and Microsoft Office to turn raw data into actionable insights.

Solve Complex Challenges: Apply your hands-on skills and technical knowledge to troubleshoot and validate a variety of complex systems.

Own the Process: Collaborate with extended engineering teams, develop test plans, document standard work procedures, execute checkouts and validation activities, and analyze results.

Continuous Improvement: Document and share ideas to enhance safety, efficiency, product performance, and customer value.

Why You'll Love Working Here:

Impactful Work: Your contributions directly shape the next generation of machines with new technology platforms.

Career Growth: Build expertise in cutting-edge technologies and large-scale systems.

Team Culture: Collaborate with passionate professionals in a supportive environment.

Hands-on, real-world work: This is not a desk-only role. You'll be out in the field, working directly with machines, supporting test execution, and seeing technology perform in real operating environments. If you enjoy combining leadership with hands-on engineering, this role delivers both.

What Skills You Will Have:

Technical Excellence: Experience in testing or validation within heavy equipment, automotive, or industrial machinery.

Product Testing: Experience designing and executing testing strategies. Experience with construction, forestry, mining or agricultural equipment is a plus.

Troubleshooting Technical Problems: Ability to diagnose and resolve technical issues related to machine software and controls. Use tools such as CAT Electronic Technician, CANape, and Cadet for machine functionality.

Decision Making and Critical Thinking Assess technical information, testing outcomes, and operational impacts to make sound engineering recommendations. Apply critical thinking to prioritize issues, develop solutions, and support successful project execution.

Effective Communication Communicate technical findings, testing results, and recommendations clearly with engineers, technicians, operators, and cross-functional teams. Produce thorough documentation and collaborates effectively to ensure project objectives are met.

Education Requirement: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.

Top Candidates Will Also Have:

  • Experience with TCE, DATK, SuperComm 2, Cadet, Caterpillar Electronic Technician, CANape, and electrical troubleshooting
  • Strong computer skills and ability to manage multiple software applications.
  • Background in product development, machine testing, mining, or electrical/electronic systems.
  • Ability to work on your feet for extended periods in varied environmental conditions (hot, dusty, windy, sunny, etc.)
  • Ability to safely operate equipment after training.


Additional Information:

  • This position requires the candidate to work full-time at the Tucson Proving Ground in Green Valley, AZ.
  • Relocation assistance is not available for qualified candidates.
  • This role may require up to 10% travel.
  • Sponsorship is not available for this position.


Posting Dates: 08/27/2026 - 09/10/2026

Summary Pay Range:

$97,530.00 - $146,290.00

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.

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Posting Dates:

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.

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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