2027 Engineering Rotational Development Materials

Caterpillar Inc.; Mossville (IL); On-site; USD 81,370 - 133,810; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

Paid time off

401(k) savings plans

Tuition Reimbursement

Flexible Spending Accounts

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. in Mossville, Illinois, is offering the Engineering Rotational Development Program (ERDP) focused on Materials Science for recent graduates. This role involves working on meaningful projects across various engineering disciplines, enhancing both technical skills and practical experience.

As part of the program, candidates will rotate through different assignments, gaining exposure to manufacturing environments and contributing to Caterpillar’s mission of innovation and excellence. Ideal candidates should possess a relevant degree and demonstrate strong analytical and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0/4.0.
• Willing to relocate and travel as needed.
• Collaborate with others of diverse cultures and abilities.

Responsibilities

• Engage in rotational assignments across various Materials Engineering fields.
• Contribute to projects that support Caterpillar's mission.
• Work under the guidance of experienced mentors.

Skills

Analytical skills

Troubleshooting

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Education

ABET-accredited Bachelor's or Master's degree in Materials Engineering

Job description

Career Area: Engineering

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.

2027 Engineering Rotational Development Program (ERDP) – Materials Science Track

This pipeline posting is currently limited to candidates who have completed a Caterpillar Students & Graduates assignment (e.g., internship, co‑op, student trainee) within the previous 24 months.

Are you ready to apply your engineering education to real‑world challenges? Caterpillar's Engineering Rotational Development Program (ERDP) – Materials Track is designed for entry‑level Materials Engineering professionals. Through rotational assignments, you will continue developing your skills and knowledge – helping you achieve your career goals while contributing to Caterpillar's mission of delivering exceptional products, services, and technologies to our customers.

What the Program Offers

As part of the ERDP – Materials track, you will join the Advanced Materials Technology organization and rotate through three 12‑month assignments located primarily in the midwestern United States. You will work on meaningful projects and connect with mentors supporting the global enterprise with a focus on building technical abilities. Here are just a few paths you might explore:

• 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

• 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 and the ability to design and implement materials, structures, machines, devices, systems, and processes that safely realize a desired objective or invention
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and quickly acquire and apply new skills and knowledge
• Collaborate 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

Program Qualifications

• Must have an ABET‑accredited Bachelor's or Master's degree in Materials Engineering discipline (e.g., Metallurgical Engineering, Ceramic Engineering, Materials Science & Engineering, etc.); a Mechanical Engineering degree with a minor in Materials Engineering may be considered (selected candidates must obtain their degree before they start)
• Must have a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0/4.0 or higher (no rounding)
• Candidates with prior professional work experience must have 12 months or less of such experience, excluding internships
• Willing to relocate and travel as needed

Top Candidates May Also Have

• Involvement with a campus design/competition team or related experience
• Project or team leadership experience
• Previous technical internship/co‑op or relevant experience
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

Additional Information

• Most positions are based in Peoria, Illinois, with limited availability in other United States locations
• This is a Monday through Friday, in‑person opportunity
• Sponsorship is NOT available for this position
• Relocation is available to those who qualify
• 2027 available start dates – February 1, 2027; June 7, 2027; or July 12, 2027 (seats are limited for each start date)

Summary Pay Range

$81,370.00 – $133,810.00

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

• 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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.