Machine Development Engineering Lead

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

Paid

Job summary

Caterpillar’s Earthmoving Division seeks an Engineering Project Team Lead to guide a multi-disciplinary test engineering team at the Peoria Proving Ground in Washington, IL. This role combines hands-on validation with strategic planning to advance Caterpillar machines and safety standards.

You will lead validation strategy, mentor engineers, and drive continual improvements across Product Groups and Validation partners, aligning with global machine development goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Agricultural Engineering or related fields.
• Knowledge of major products and services and product and service groups; ability to apply knowledge to diverse situations.
• Knowledge of a given technology and various application methods; ability to develop and provide solutions to significant technical challenges.
• Knowledge of effective influencing tactics and strategies; ability to use these to deepen own expertise and impact or challenge decisions within and outside own organization.
• Knowledge of effective project management strategies and tactics; ability to plan, organize, monitor, and control projects.

Responsibilities

• Build Relationships: Strengthen collaboration between Product Groups, Process Partners, and Validation teams while reinforcing Validation as a critical partner in product development and safety.
• Technical Leadership: Provide technical direction and mentorship to a team of test engineers.
• Process Ownership: Maintain and improve standard test procedures to ensure consistency and quality.
• Strategy & Execution: Develop and maintain validation strategies and activity plans in partnership with system and global machine development teams.
• Progress Monitoring: Track and communicate program health, risks, and progress.
• Hands-On Validation: Support the team through direct involvement in machine testing from a customer perspective.
• Leadership: Lead process improvements and facility‑related projects.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Decision making

Lean principles

Machine troubleshooting

Product development

Electrical systems

Project management

Education

Bachelors in Engineering

Tools

DeweSoft

TCE

DATK

SuperComm2

CAT ET

Job description

Caterpillar’s Earthmoving Division seeks an Engineering Project Team Lead to guide a multi-disciplinary test engineering team at the Peoria Proving Ground in Washington, IL. This role combines hands-on validation with strategic planning to advance Caterpillar machines and safety standards.

You will lead validation strategy, mentor engineers, and drive continual improvements across Product Groups and Validation partners, aligning with global machine development goals.