Lead Mechanical Fatigue & Validation Engineer

Caterpillar Inc.; Mossville (IL); On-site; USD 113,000 - 169,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401(k) savings plan

Health Savings Account

Flexible Spending Accounts

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Relocation assistance

Career development

Incentive bonus

Parental leave

Life Insurance

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. is seeking a Mechanical Testing Specialist at our Mossville, IL Technical Center.

The role focuses on fatigue and fracture mechanics of heavy machinery components, developing proprietary tests, analyzing results, coordinating external labs, and delivering technical reviews to internal clients. You will lead projects, manage plans and budgets, and collaborate with design, manufacturing, and suppliers to ensure life-prediction model inputs.

Qualifications

• Analytical thinking to determine root causes and solutions.
• Decision-making with informed judgment in complex scenarios.
• Clear communication of results and recommendations.
• Technical excellence in material testing and lab methods.
• Knowledge of product testing approaches and QA.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with design/manufacturing to select tests, scope, budget, and fixtures.
• Project leadership: manage plans, budgets, and stakeholders.
• Provide technical reviews and interpret test results.
• Direct external labs/universities collaborations.
• Write test instructions and supervise lab activities.
• Support safety and technical excellence culture.
• Maintain expertise in mechanics of materials and data analysis.

Skills

Analytical Thinking

Decision Making and Critical Thinking

Effective Communications

Technical Excellence

Product Testing

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science & Engineering, or related fields desired

Tools

MTS equipment

Instron equipment

Creo CAD

Job description

Caterpillar Inc. is seeking a Mechanical Testing Specialist at our Mossville, IL Technical Center.

The role focuses on fatigue and fracture mechanics of heavy machinery components, developing proprietary tests, analyzing results, coordinating external labs, and delivering technical reviews to internal clients. You will lead projects, manage plans and budgets, and collaborate with design, manufacturing, and suppliers to ensure life-prediction model inputs.