Metallurgical Development & Research Engineering Specialist

Caterpillar Inc.; Mossville (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 plan

Health Savings Account

Flexible Spending Accounts

Employee Assistance Program

Incentive bonus

Life Insurance

Parental leave

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

The Metallurgical Development & Research Engineering Specialist at Caterpillar Inc. leads complex projects in ferrous metallurgy at the US Technical Center in Mossville, IL, shaping next-generation alloys and heat treatments for Caterpillar products.

You will collaborate with internal teams and external labs, manage scope, deliverables, and maintain metallurgical specifications while ensuring cost targets. This onsite role requires a B.S.

Qualifications

• B.S. degree in Metallurgical Engineering or Materials Science and Engineering is required.
• Experience leading research projects for alloy development and processing.
• Ability to collaborate across functions and with external labs/universities.

Responsibilities

• Lead research projects for alloy and processing development to meet performance and cost targets.
• Establish success criteria with internal clients and manage project deliverables.
• Maintain metallurgical specifications and standards across the enterprise.
• Collaborate with external labs/universities for research support.

Skills

Decision Making

Effective Communications

Technical Excellence

Project Management

Product Testing

Troubleshooting

Education

B.S. in Metallurgical Engineering or Materials Science

Tools

ThermoCalc

JMatPro

Job description

Metallurgical Development & Research Engineering Specialist

Aug 21, 2026

$128,470 - $192,710/year

Job Description:

Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.

When you join Caterpillar, you'rejoining 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'tjust 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.

As a Development & Research Engineering Specialist, you will manage complex engineering projects involving multiple functions, organizations, products, or value chains. This position will be part of the Advanced Materials Technology (AMT) Development Team located at Caterpillar’s US Technical Center in Mossville, IL. The role is primarily focused on ferrous metallurgy, and will explore new cast and wrought alloy development, foundry processes, and heat treatments that will ultimately transfer into Caterpillar’s next generation products and facilities.

What you will do

Lead and perform on research projects for development and application of alloy and processing combinations to meet component performance and cost targets.

Establish project success criteria with internal clients, identify required team members, and manage technical challenges to meet committed project deliverables

Provide technical expertise in development and maintenance of metallurgical specifications and standards for the enterprise

Direct collaboration with external labs/universities on research and test support

Degree Requirement

• B.S. degree in Metallurgical Engineering or Materials Science and Engineering

Skill Descriptors

Decision Making and Critical Thinking : Ability to accurately analyze situations and reach productive decisions based on data analysis and informed judgment; identify and prioritize technical and project concerns; consider alternatives and appropriately assess risks

Effective Communications : Communicate well downward, upward, and outward; adapt documents and presentations for the intended audience; ability to communicate complex concepts and technical issues in clear and concise manner

Technical Excellence : Broad expertise in casting operations, ferrous alloys and microstructures, heat treating procedures, New Technology (NTI) approaches, industry material and manufacturing standards; ability to develop and apply effective solutions to product and process technical challenges

Project Management : Proven project leadership and track record for delivering new technologies into component applications; ability to plan, organize, monitor, and control projects, ensuring efficient utilization of resources to achieve project objectives.

Product Testing : Knowledge of material, process and product validation approaches; understanding of metallurgical laboratory techniques and tools, as well as common mechanical testing for material performance; ability to design, plan, and execute testing strategies and tactics to ensure product performance and quality at all stages of development.

Troubleshooting Technical Problems : Knowledge of troubleshooting approaches, tools and techniques; ability to anticipate, detect and resolve technical problems in a research lab or manufacturing environment.

Top Candidates will also have

Experience in product or technology development

Advanced engineering degree

Familiarity with modeling tools such as ThermoCalc, JMatPro, etc.

Additional Information

This position posting will close on 9/4/2026 at 11:59 p.m.

This position will be located in Mossville, IL (Tech Center - Building K) and requires the employee to work onsite 5 days a week.

Domestic relocation is Available

VISA Sponsorship is NOT Available

Travel requirements will be less than 10%.

Summary Pay Range:

$128,470.00 - $192,710.00

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.

Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of benefits.

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits*
• Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)*
• 401(k) savings plans*
• Health Savings Account (HSA)*
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)*
• Health Lifestyle Programs*
• Employee Assistance Program*
• Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts*
• Incentive bonus*
• Disability benefits
• Life Insurance
• Parental leave
• Tuition Reimbursement

* These benefits also apply to part-time employees

This position requires working onsite five days a week.

Relocation is available for this position.

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Posting Dates:

August 21, 2026 - September 4, 2026

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. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.

Solving our customers' toughest challenges

Caterpillar Inc. is a global leader in manufacturing construction and mining equipment, engines, and industrial services, dedicated to sustainability and customer success across diverse industries.

Machinery Manufacturing Manufacturing

Company size 10,001+ employees

Company type Public company Founded 1925

Total funding $3.5B Post IPO Debt

Momentum

62,933 employees on LinkedIn

Feb 23 May 26

Employee experience

What it’s like inside

3.8

9,998 reviews

78% would recommend

Culture & values

Culture & values 3.9

Work-life balance

Work-life balance 3.8

Career opportunities

Career opportunities 3.8

Compensation & benefits 4.0

Capital

Funding history

Post IPO Debt$3.5B

Aug 2025

Grant - US Department of Energy$5M

Oct 2024

Grant - Advanced Propulsion Centre UK

Grant$147.5K

Footprint

Where they work

Headquarters Irving, Texas

Irving, Texas, US