Machine Development Lead, R&D Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

Paid time off

401(k) savings plans

Health Savings Account

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. is seeking a Machine Development Lead R&D Engineer to guide a multi‑disciplinary test‑engineering team at the Peoria Proving Ground in Washington, IL.

The role focuses on developing and validating medium tractor products throughout NPI programs, ensuring end‑user quality and safety while advancing validation early in the lifecycle. You will lead strategy, execution, and hands‑on validation efforts, collaborating with global teams and product partners to drive technical

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Agricultural Engineering from an accredited institution.
• Strong analytical thinking and decision‑making skills.
• Experience using Microsoft tools for automation and data analysis.
• Understanding of Lean principles and continuous improvement.
• Experience with tools such as DeweSoft, TCE, DATK, SuperComm2, CAT ET, and machine troubleshooting.

Responsibilities

• Build Relationships: Strengthen collaboration between Product Groups, Process Partners, and Validation teams.
• 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 with system and global teams.
• Progress Monitoring: Track and communicate NPI 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

Effective Communications

Technical Excellence

Project Management

Product Testing

Troubleshooting Technical Problems

Education

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

Tools

DeweSoft

TCE

DATK

SuperComm2

CAT ET

Job description

Caterpillar Inc. is seeking a Machine Development Lead R&D Engineer to guide a multi‑disciplinary test‑engineering team at the Peoria Proving Ground in Washington, IL.

The role focuses on developing and validating medium tractor products throughout NPI programs, ensuring end‑user quality and safety while advancing validation early in the lifecycle. You will lead strategy, execution, and hands‑on validation efforts, collaborating with global teams and product partners to drive technical