R&D Validation Engineer – Global Machine Programs

Caterpillar Inc.; 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)

HSA

Tuition Reimbursement

Incentive bonus

Disability benefits

Life Insurance

Parental leave

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. is seeking an R&D Engineering Specialist at the Peoria Proving Ground to lead validation activities for Medium Wheel Loader programs.

You will shape validation strategies early in product development, working with product development, systems engineering, and global teams to ensure machine readiness and high quality performance. You will drive comprehensive test plans, assess risks, manage resources and costs, and influence development strategy.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a mechanical, electrical, agricultural, or related engineering discipline.
• Experience in product, system, or component development and/or design.
• Proven ability to plan, organize, execute, and monitor complex technical programs.
• Experience managing multiple priorities while effectively utilizing resources.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain strong partnerships across product groups, proving grounds, and process teams.
• Lead cross-functional test and development efforts with design, systems, and safety teams.
• Develop validation strategies and activity plans aligned with objectives.
• Collaborate with global teams to define validation requirements and success criteria.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate technical and program risks throughout the development cycle.
• Estimate and manage validation program costs, resources, and schedules.
• Champion validation processes, tools, and best practices across product development teams.
• Leverage data to assess validation effectiveness and address critical failure modes.
• Monitor NPI program health and communicate to stakeholders.
• Coordinate with global engineering teams across time zones to support execution.

Skills

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Systems thinking

Data-driven decision making

Technical communication

Validation testing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Agricultural Engineering or related field

Tools

Test equipment

Job description

Caterpillar Inc. is seeking an R&D Engineering Specialist at the Peoria Proving Ground to lead validation activities for Medium Wheel Loader programs.

You will shape validation strategies early in product development, working with product development, systems engineering, and global teams to ensure machine readiness and high quality performance. You will drive comprehensive test plans, assess risks, manage resources and costs, and influence development strategy.