2027 Engineering Corporate Internship Program Materials

Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation; Mossville (IL); On-site; USD 34,000 - 59,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing Stipend

Relocation Assistance

Medical coverage

Voluntary benefits

Job summary

Caterpillar invites students to join its Corporate Engineering Internship program for a 12‑week, full‑time assignment. You will work with engineers to learn, apply skills, and present outcomes while networking across the company.

Interns gain hands‑on experience across Ferrous Metallurgy, Failure Analysis, Quality Engineering, Heat Treat, and Product Development, with mentorship and performance evaluation throughout the program.

Qualifications

• Must be enrolled full-time in a four-year university pursuing an ABET accredited Materials Engineering degree at the time of application.
• Mechanical Engineering with a Materials minor may be considered.
• Must have completed at least 24 semester hours before internship start; transfer students must have 12 hours.
• Must maintain 3.0/4.0 GPA prior to internship start.
• Relocation to Peoria, IL area or indicated work location for the internship duration.

Responsibilities

• Join a project‑driven team with diverse responsibilities and networking opportunities.
• Internship is a 40‑hour‑per‑week assignment for 12 weeks.
• Develop technical abilities in Ferrous Metallurgy, Failure Analysis, Quality Engineering, Heat Treat Engineering, and Product Development.

Skills

Analytical skills

Engineering principles

Manufacturing understanding

Project management

Cross-cultural collaboration

Written and verbal communication

Inclusive work environment

Recognition of contributions

Education

ABET accredited Materials Eng degree

Mechanical Engineering with Materials minor

Minimum 24 semester hours completed

GPA 3.0/4.0

Relocation to Peoria, IL area available

Job description

Career Area

Students and Graduates

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

Caterpillar's Corporate Engineering Intern program seeks students currently enrolled in a four-year university to work alongside engineering professionals to learn and apply themselves to project work within their teams.

Interns will have assignments that provide them with experience and significant learning opportunities. In addition to this work, Interns can network with management throughout the company to learn about Caterpillar areas outside their assigned team.

Students can deepen their business skills in their assignments through team and business partner interactions, develop their skills, conduct presentations, and measure their success through the performance and evaluation process.

What You Will Do

You’ll join a team with diverse project responsibilities and have valuable networking opportunities with all levels of Caterpillar employees. The internship is a 40-hour-per-week assignment lasting 12 weeks. You can 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 experience
• 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

Internship Program Qualifications

• Must be enrolled full-time in a 4-year university/college pursuing an ABET accredited degree in a Materials Engineering discipline (e.g. Metallurgical Eng, Ceramic Eng, Materials Science, etc.) at the time of application and throughout the program
• A Mechanical Engineering degree with a minor in Materials Engineering may be considered
• Must have completed at least 24 semester hours from current institution before the start of the internship. If a transfer student, must have 12 semester hours completed at a 4-year university
• Must have a minimum 3.0/4.0 cumulative grade point average (no rounding) at time of application from current institution*
• *Current 1st year/1st semester students at current institution may utilize high school, college/community college, or trade school transcripts to meet a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average at time of graduation
• Must maintain 3.0/4.0 cumulative grade point average (no rounding) prior to start of internship
• Must be able to relocate to Peoria, IL area or an indicated work location for the duration of the internship and complete daily work commute using reliable transportation

Top Candidates May Also Have

• Previous technical internship, co-op, or research/relevant experience
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

Additional Information

• Must attach your resume and an unofficial copy of your transcript to your application
• Applicants will be considered for positions throughout the United States
• Most positions are based in Mossville, Illinois, with limited availability in other United States’ locations
• Sponsorship is NOT available for this position
• This position requires working onsite five days a week

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.

Intern Hourly Rate

An intern's hourly rate is based on the major/degree being pursued and the number of completed academic hours achieved before the start of the internship.

Intern Benefits

The total rewards package, beyond base salary, may include if eligible:

• Accrued Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Volunteer Day
• Housing Stipend
• Relocation Assistance
• Medical coverage
• Voluntary benefits

Relocation is available for this position. Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Posting Dates

August 17, 2026 - December 30, 2026

Summary Pay Range

$25.00 - $43.00

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.