2027 Leadership and Technical Development Program - Operations Leadership

Caterpillar

Peoria (IL)

On-site

USD 80,000 - 120,000

Full time

10 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

Paid time off

401(k) savings plans

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Career Development

Incentive bonus

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

Caterpillar is launching the Leadership and Technical Development Program (LTDP) for Operations Leadership, a three-year rotational program designed to accelerate early talent. Participants will rotate across manufacturing-focused roles, travel to participate in multiple facilities in North America, and gain cross-functional experience with a global team.

Upon completion, participants are placed in a role for at least two years, building foundational technical and leadership capabilities for a

Qualifications

Completed degree from a university/college by program start in Mechanical, Industrial or Manufacturing Engineering or related fields.
Minimum GPA of 2.8/4.0 (no rounding).
Willingness to relocate domestically for rotations and post-program assignment.
Program Start Dates: January & June 2027.

Responsibilities

Complete three 12-month rotations across defined business needs.
Willing to travel and relocate to North America for each rotation.
Join a diverse team with projects in manufacturing, leadership, supply chain, procurement, and quality.
Build foundational technical and leadership skills for future roles.

Skills

Decision making

Problem solving

Leadership

Communication

Diversity & collaboration

Safety awareness

Project management

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering

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 Operations Leadershipis 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. Upon successful completion of the three-year program, Operations Leadership professionals will be placed in a role with the expectation of being in that role a minimum of two years.

What You Will Do

Professionals within the program will complete three 12-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):

Manufacturing Engineering
Frontline Leadership
Supply Chain & Logistics
Procurement
Quality

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:Decision making and critical thinking, problem solving, initiative, and adaptability Leading and developing others Ability to work with others of diverse cultures, interpersonal styles, and abilities in a constructive and collaborative manner. Fundamental understanding of manufacturing standards and safety Organize and manage multiple projects simultaneously, ability to quickly gain and effectively apply new skills & knowledge 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, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, 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 supply chain/logistics 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 & supply chain, 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 to those that qualify. Sponsorship isNOTavailable for this position. This position requires working onsite five days a week.

Final details

Recent graduates should explore our direct hire positions at www.caterpillar.com/careers. For more information, visit caterpillar.com. To connect with us on social media, visit caterpillar.com/social-media.

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.

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Posting Dates:July 6, 2026 - February 28, 2027

Summary Pay Range:

$79,800.00 - $119,760.00

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: