Engineering Project Lead, Machine Validation

Caterpillar; Washington (IL); On-site; USD 128,000 - 193,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

401(k) savings plans

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

Caterpillar’s Earthmoving Division seeks an Engineering Project Team Lead (machine development) to guide multi-disciplinary test engineers at the Peoria Proving Ground in Washington, IL. You will drive validation strategy and oversee hands-on testing from concept to production, ensuring quality and performance in field-ready machines.

You will mentor a team, collaborate across product groups, and advance validation early in the NPI lifecycle with strong program planning and execution.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Agricultural Engineering or related fields.
• Strong analytical thinking and decision-making skills.
• Experience with validation tools such as DeweSoft, TCE, CAT ET is a plus; Microsoft Excel for data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Build relationships across Product Groups and Validation to ensure collaboration.
• Provide technical direction and mentorship to test engineers.
• Maintain and improve standard test procedures for consistency and quality.
• Develop and maintain validation strategies with system and global teams.
• Track program health, risks, and progress.
• Hands‑on validation and customer‑perspective testing support.
• Lead process improvements and facility projects.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Mentorship

Cross-functional collaboration

Lean principles

Machine validation experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Agricultural Engineering

Tools

DeweSoft

TCE

DATK

SuperComm2

CAT ET

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Caterpillar’s Earthmoving Division seeks an Engineering Project Team Lead (machine development) to guide multi-disciplinary test engineers at the Peoria Proving Ground in Washington, IL. You will drive validation strategy and oversee hands-on testing from concept to production, ensuring quality and performance in field-ready machines.

You will mentor a team, collaborate across product groups, and advance validation early in the NPI lifecycle with strong program planning and execution.