2027 Leadership and Technical Development Program-Automation and Robotics

Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation; Mossville (IL); On-site; USD 81,000 - 122,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. invites graduates to apply for the Leadership and Technical Development Program (LTDP) in Automation and Robotics, a three-year rotational program designed to fast-track entry-level talent with broad exposure to Caterpillar’s operations, global teams, and cross-functional projects.

The track emphasizes process design and analysis, R&D, technology introduction, and automation integration, aiming to build future technical experts and leaders within automation and manufacturing.

Qualifications

• Analytical skills for troubleshooting and root-cause analysis.
• Engineering knowledge from projects, internships, or work experiences.
• Understanding of manufacturing engineering and automation design.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Collaborates well with diverse teams.
• Strong written and verbal communication.
• Fosters an inclusive, productive work environment.
• Values contributions of all team members.

Responsibilities

• Complete two 18-month rotations across manufacturing and automation.
• Willingness to travel and relocate to North American facilities.
• Contribute to foundational automation, manufacturing engineering, product development, and supplier engagement.
• Join a diverse, global team with cross-functional projects.

Skills

Analytical skills

Engineering principles

Automation design

Project management

Collaboration

Communication

Diversity & inclusion

Recognition of contributions

Education

Mechanical Engineering

Manufacturing Engineering Technology

Electrical Engineering

Automation Engineering Technology

Mechatronics

Robotics

Job description

Career Area: Manufacturing

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 Leadership and Technical Development Program (LTDP) for Automation and Robotics is approximately a three-year rotational program designed to accelerate development of entry-level talent and provide a solid foundation for meeting challenges within operations and manufacturing. Being part of the LTDP team offers you a broad exposure to Caterpillar, presents diverse project responsibilities, engages you in a global team, provides cross-functional job experiences and includes valuable networking opportunities with all levels of Caterpillar leadership. This program provides the opportunity to build foundational technical and leadership skills for future success within the organization.

Caterpillar's Automation and Robotics track is focused on building manufacturing automation technical competency in process design and analysis, research and development, technology introduction, and automation integration. This opportunity advances your development and training to build future technical experts and leaders within Automation and Manufacturing.

What You Will Do

Professionals within the program will complete two 18-month rotations, which are defined based on business needs. You must be willing to travel and relocate to any participating facility in North America upon hire and throughout each rotation while in the program. You’ll join a team with diverse project responsibilities and have experiences including (but not limited to):

• Foundational Automation role
• Manufacturing Engineering
• Product Development
• Supplier Engagement role

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 automation technology, solutions, 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 member’s contributions are recognized and valued.

Program Qualifications

• Completed degree from a university/college by the start of the program in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering Technology, Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering Technology, Mechatronics, or Robotics or other relevant Engineering or Technology degrees
• Minimum cumulative Grade Point Average of 2.8/4.0 (no rounding)
• Must be willing to relocate domestically based upon business need for each rotation and for post-program assignment
• Program Start Dates: January & June 2027

Top Candidates May Also Have

• 0-2 years of relevant manufacturing or robotics experience, which may include internships or academic projects
• Project or Team Leadership experience
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ideal for those building foundational skills in manufacturing & automation, generally within the first 0-2 years of their career

Additional Information

• Applicants will be considered for positions throughout the United States.
• Rotation locations can be anywhere in the U.S., including but not limited to the Midwest, Southeast, Texas, and Southern California.
• Relocation is available.
• Relocation is available for this position.
• Sponsorship is NOT available for this position.
• This position requires working onsite five days a week.

Summary Pay Range:

$81,370.00 - $122,060.00

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

Posting Dates

July 6, 2026 - February 28, 2027

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.