2027 Engineering Rotational Product Development - Materials

Caterpillar Brazil; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. in the United States announces the 2027 Engineering Rotational Development Program (ERDP) - Materials Track for entry-level Materials Engineers.

Through three 12-month rotations, you will build skills in metals, failure analysis, quality engineering, heat treat, and product development, guided by mentors across a global enterprise. Ideal candidates hold an ABET-accredited degree in Materials Engineering (or Mechanical with Materials minor), GPA 3.0+, and have internship or co-op

Qualifications

• ABET-accredited Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Materials Engineering or related discipline.
• GPA of 3.0/4.0 or higher (no rounding).
• 12 months or less of prior professional work experience (excluding internships).
• Willing to relocate and travel as needed.
• Campus design/competition team involvement or leadership is a plus.
• Previous technical internship/co-op experience is favorable.

Responsibilities

• Participate in three 12-month rotations in the Midwestern United States.
• Develop knowledge in metals, failure analysis, quality engineering, heat treat, and product development.
• Collaborate with mentors and cross-functional teams to solve real-world problems.

Skills

Analytical skills

Root cause analysis

Troubleshooting

Problem solving

Critical thinking

Collaboration

Education

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

Mechanical Engineering with Materials minor (alternative)

Job description

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.

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

Start Your Career with Purpose

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 like you. Through rotational assignments, you’ll 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.

Our Engineering Rotational Development Program - Materials Track is an entry-level program designed to build employees’ skill sets within the discipline and continue growth, even after the successful completion of the program. It’s more than just a job, it’s a launchpad for your future as one of the world’s leading manufacturers of construction and mining equipment.

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’ll 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

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 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, Mat Sci & Eng, 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