2027 Engineering Corporate Parallel Coop Program

Caterpillar Inc.; Lafayette (IN); On-site; USD 34,000 - 59,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing Stipend

Relocation Assistance

Medical coverage

Paid Holidays

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. invites engineering and technology students to join the Parallel Co-op Program. Participants work with product development teams, receive mentorship, and contribute to design, simulation, testing, and analytics while balancing school commitments.

The program runs summers full-time and school-year part-time at assigned sites. This role is part-time and temporary, onsite at sites including West Lafayette/Lafayette, Indiana, with summer work at other Caterpillar locations.

Qualifications

• Must be enrolled full-time in a 4-year university pursuing an ABET accredited degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Computer, Agricultural or Aerospace Engineering or Engineering Technology at the time of application and throughout the program.
• Minimum 3.0/4.0 Cumulative GPA (no rounding) at current institution.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop components and systems for Caterpillar products across the product lifecycle.
• Perform simulation/analysis tasks (CFD/FEA/3D modeling) to optimize performance.
• Conduct hands-on testing/validation to troubleshoot issues and validate fixes.
• Develop and implement control system algorithms using Matlab/Simulink for various controllers.
• Develop embedded software in C/C++ and scripting in Python for automation.
• Verify functionality of features in HIL/SIL environments and document issues.
• Apply data analytics and machine learning concepts to engineering problems.
• Assist in process engineering to analyze and optimize manufacturing processes.

Skills

Analytical skills

Engineering principles

Project management

Collaboration

Communication

Education

ABET-accredited degree (Mechanical/Electrical/Computer/Agricultural/Aerospace Engineering or Engineering Technology)

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

The Parallel Co-op Program is continuous employment for engineering/technology/computer science students focused on product development at Caterpillar. This is an early talent pipeline with the intent to find and develop the best talent. We strive to provide you with interesting work & mentoring throughout the year, while you provide Caterpillar with some additional resources to complete valuable tasks at hand. Caterpillar pairs you with product development work teams on an annual basis, so you have the opportunity to work full-time in-person with the team during the summer and then work part-time throughout the school year.

Parallel Co-Op Engineers work alongside engineering teams to complete design & simulation tasks in support of Caterpillar product development in the following areas:

• Product Design: Engineer components & systems for Caterpillar products to meet our customers' needs. Deliver solutions by leading collaboration with cross functional teams throughout our value chain starting from the initial concept through production.
• Simulation/Performance Analysis: CFD - Computational Fluid Dynamics (ANSYS), FEA - Finite Element Analysis, 3D modelling, root cause investigation; system/subsystem/component design optimization, structural dynamics, development and optimization of Engine, Aftertreatment, Battery, Fuel Cell, Powertrain, and/or Machine System performance.
• Test/Validation/Hands on: Apply strong mechanical engineering understanding in a test/validation (hands-on) environment, troubleshooting issues, and collaborating with others for optimal results.
• Controls Development: Develop/Implement control system algorithms using Matlab/Simulink for various control systems including but not limited to engine controllers, machine implement controllers as well as powertrain controllers. Will be responsible for understanding the feature requirement, implementing it as well as testing it prior to a production roll out.
• Electronic Components: Will be responsible for designing and testing various electronic control modules as well as various electronic components. Will work with various internal Caterpillar clients to understand controller/component requirements, work with suppliers on design and validation of the components, as well as testing the components in various environments. Other duties may include design of Printed Circuit Board schematics as well as perform digital/analog/power circuit analysis and testing, and ensuring that FMEAs [Failure Mode and Effects Analysis] are conducted and documented to meet stringent Caterpillar quality requirements
• Embedded Software Development: Develop embedded software in C, C# and/or C++ for various electronic control modules. Some examples of embedded software development applications include Datalink communications, Inputs and Outputs [Sensors and actuators], speed calculation, Injection/spark timing, memory management, CPU optimization, multi core design and implementation etc. In addition, some areas of work include developing scripts in Python/Visual Basic for automation.
• Software Validation/Verification for Electronic Systems: Verify functionality of a feature or control system algorithm on a HIL [Hardware in the Loop] simulator bench or a SIL [Software in the loop] system. Understand requirements of the feature and/or the schematics of the controller/control system, verify functionality and debug/report anomalies to the development team and help validate fixes.
• Engineering Data Analytics: Ability to write and understand computer code; Python; analytics/data science experience; exposure to machine learning concepts/tools; engineering and statistics fundamentals.
• Process Engineering: Process Engineering: Apply mechanical, manufacturing, systems and/or industrial engineering knowledge to analyze and optimize an engineering process or processes. Will have the opportunity to leverage problem-solving and communication skills.

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

Co-Op Program Qualifications

• Must be enrolled full-time in a 4-year university/college pursuing an ABET accredited degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Computer, Agricultural or Aerospace Engineering or Engineering Technology at the time of application and throughout the program.
• Minimum 3.0/4.0 Cumulative Grade Point Average (no rounding) at current institution

Top candidates will also have

• Management experience
• Previous technical internship, co-op, or research/relevant experience
• Current intern or trainee at Caterpillar

Additional Information

• This is a part-time, temporary position.
• Sponsorship is NOT available
• Locations include the Peoria, Illinois area, Champaign and Decatur, Illinois, West Lafayette/Lafayette, Indiana and Tucson, Arizona
• During the summer, this position requires working onsite five days a week at the assigned location.
• During the school year this position requires students attending University of Illinois, Purdue University, & The Ohio State University to work at the local campus office on days they work.

Summary Pay Range

$25.00 - $43.00*

• Hourly Rate is based on the major/degree being pursued and the number of completed academic hours achieved prior to the start of the Co-op.

Co-op Benefits

The total rewards package, beyond the base salary includes:

• Paid holidays
• Accrued Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Volunteer Day
• Housing Stipend and Relocation Assistance (if eligible)
• Optional medical coverage
• Optional voluntary benefits

Besides exciting work, Corporate Interns will experience:

• Comprehensive internship orientation
• Tours of state-of-the-art manufacturing and research facilities
• Product Demonstration
• Mentorship Programs
• Various social events
• Networking with leadership
• Business skill building
• Career discussion with leaders and experts

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Posting Dates

July 1, 2026 - August 20, 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.

Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.

Summary Pay Range

$25.00 - $43.00

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