Career Area:

Engineering

Job Description:

Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.

When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.

About the Role

The Engineering Rotational Development Program (ERDP)- Materials Track is all about developing the next generation of Materials Engineering leaders and technical experts. The purpose of the program is to build off of your previous education and experience to develop materials engineering talent through rotational assignments and learning opportunities so that you may not only fulfill your career goals but provide excellent service to Caterpillar and its customers. Our program enhances the experience of engineering graduates transitioning from student to full-time engineer.

What You Will Do

You will join the Advanced Materials Technology organization and undertake three, 12-month assignments located primarily in the midwestern United States. This is an entry level engineering position supporting the global enterprise with a focus on building technical abilities in roles including (but not limited to):

• Ferrous Metallurgy: Deepen your understanding of wrought steels and ferrous castings through hands-on assignments in the foundry, traveling to our extensive supply base, or using advanced equipment in a lab setting
• Failure Analysis: Tackle urgent issues impacting our customers by developing your metallography, fractography, and microscopy skills under the guidance and mentoring of veteran experts
• Quality Engineering: Work in a Caterpillar factory environment where you will learn to apply materials engineering inspection methods and problem-solving techniques to deliver our products to customers at the quality levels they expect
• Heat Treat Engineering: Gain hands-on experience with heat treat production operations, including recipe development, quality control, efficiency improvements, and capital projects
• Product Development: Provide materials engineering support to design engineers developing our next generation of products while you develop a broader knowledge of Caterpillar’s applications and markets

What You Have – Skills and Experiences

In this role, you will have the opportunity to contribute your unique skills and experiences. Below are some of the most critical skills.

• Analytical skills, initiating ideas, troubleshooting, root cause analysis, problem-solving, and critical thinking capabilities.
• Knowledge of engineering principles, theory, and engineering experience gained through projects, internships, and/or relevant work experiences.
• Fundamental understanding of engineering for a manufacturing environment, ability to design and implement materials, structures, machines, devices, systems, and processes that safely realize a desired objective or invention.
• Organize and manage multiple projects simultaneously, ability to quickly gain, and effectively apply new skills & knowledge.
• Success in collaborating with others of diverse cultures, interpersonal styles, and abilities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Participate in, and build on our inclusive, constructive, and productive work environment.
• Ensure all team members’ contributions are recognized and valued.

Degree Requirements:

• Currently pursuing an ABET accredited Bachelor’s degree or higher in a Materials Engineering discipline (e.g. Metallurgical Engineering, Ceramic Engineering, Mat Sci & Eng, etc.) at the time of applying. Selected candidates must obtain their degree before they start.
• A Mechanical Engineering degree with a minor in Materials Engineering may be considered.
• 2026 available start dates – February 2nd, 2026, June 2nd, 2026, July 13th, 2026, and August 3rd, 2026. Seats are limited for each start date.

Other Requirements:

• Minimum cumulative Grade Point Average of 3.0/4.0 (no rounding) at current institution
• Must be willing to travel and relocate domestically.

Top candidates will also have:

• Involvement with a campus design/competition teams or related experience
• Project or Team Leadership experience
• Previous technical internship/co-op or relevant experience
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

Additional Information:

• Please attach your resume and an unofficial copy of your transcript to your application.
• Applicants will be considered for positions throughout the United States.
• Relocation is available to those who qualify
• Sponsorship is NOT available for this position.
• Most positions will be in the central Illinois area, with a small possibility of positions in other locations.
• This position requires the candidate to work a 5-day-a-week schedule in the office.

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.

Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.

Recent graduates should explore our direct hire positions at www.caterpillar.com/careers. For more information, visit caterpillar.com. To connect with us on social media, visit caterpillar.com/social-media.

Summary Pay Range:

$79,800.00 - $131,280.00

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

Relocation is available for this position.Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position. This employer is not currently hiring foreign national applicants that require or will require sponsorship tied to a specific employer, such as, H, L, TN, F, J, E, O. As a global company, Caterpillar offers many job opportunities outside of the U.S which can be found through our employment website at www.caterpillar.com/careers.

Posting Dates:

July 1, 2025 - March 31, 2026

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

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities.

Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.