Career Area:

Job Description:

Role Summary:

The LPSD Core Components Senior Validation Engineer 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.

What you will do:

• Serve as the NSI (New Source Introduction) validation 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: 

• Accuracy and Attention to Detail: Extensive understanding the necessity and value of accuracy; ability to complete tasks with high levels of precision.
• Analytical Thinking: Extensive 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: Extensive 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: Extensive knowledge and 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.
• Managing Multiple Priorities: working knowledge of effective self-management practices; ability to manage multiple concurrent objectives, projects, groups, or activities, making effective judgments as to prioritizing and time allocation.
• Technical Excellence: Extensive knowledge of a given technology and various application methods; ability to develop and provide solutions to significant technical challenges.
• Project Management: Extensive 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.
• Product Testing: Extensive 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 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:

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

Posting Dates:

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