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.

How Your Work Shapes the World

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 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. This 12 to 18-month program provides practical experience. It’s more than just a job, it’s a launchpad for your future at one of the world’s leading manufacturers of construction and mining equipment.

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 level 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.
• This position requires 12 months or less of professional experience in this field (excluding internships)

Degree Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a Materials Engineering discipline (e.g. Metallurgical Engineering, Ceramic Engineering, Mat Sci & Eng, etc.).

• A Mechanical Engineering degree with a minor in Materials Engineering may be considered.

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 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.

• 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 is a Monday through Friday, in-person opportunity—perfect for building relationships, learning fast, and diving deep into your rotations

• 2026 available start dates – February 2, 2026, and June 1, 2026

Employee benefit details:

• Annual incentive bonus plan*

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage

• Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holiday, Volunteer, Etc.)

• 401k savings plan

• Health savings account (HSA)

• Flexible spending accounts (FSAs)

• Short and long-term disability coverage,

• Life Insurance

• Paid parental leave.

• Healthy Lifestyle Programs

• Employee Assistance Programs

• Voluntary Benefits (Ex. Accident, Identity Theft Protection)

*Subject to annual eligibility and incentive plan guidelines.

Why Choose Caterpillar?

We’re a values-driven company where you’ll feel your work matters—whether you’re optimizing machine performance, writing embedded code, or designing the next innovation in clean energy. You’ll gain access to top-tier mentorship, technical resources, and real ownership of your work from day one.

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.

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

This position requires working onsite five days a week.

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:

August 18, 2025 - December 30, 2025

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. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.

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