Senior Test & Validation Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401(k) plans

HSA

FSAs

Paid time off

Career development

Tuition reimbursement

Life Insurance

Parental leave

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. is seeking an engineer for the Advanced Materials Technology Specialized Operations & Testing Team at the Mossville, IL Technical Center.

The role focuses on mechanical testing, fatigue and fracture mechanics of heavy equipment components and bolted joints, with emphasis on test development and data interpretation. You will coordinate external labs, manage test plans and budgets, and provide technical reviews to internal clients while advancing safety and technical excellence

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science & Engineering, or related field.
• Experience with fatigue and fracture mechanics testing preferred.
• Ability to design and interpret test data and results.
• Strong technical writing and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with design and manufacturing teams to select tests, scope project timing and budgets, design fixturing, analyze test data, and communicate results for life-prediction needs.
• Lead project plans, budgets, internal/external stakeholder communication, and ensure timely deliverables.
• Provide engineering support for component fatigue and bolted joint testing across production introductions and improvements.
• Coordinate with external labs and universities to supplement testing.
• Write test instructions and direct day-to-day testing activities with lab technicians.
• Promote safety culture and technical excellence within Advanced Materials Technology.
• Maintain deep expertise in mechanics of materials, test apparatus, instrumentation, and data analysis.

Skills

Analytical Thinking

Decision Making

Effective Communications

Technical Excellence

Product Testing

Education

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

Tools

Creo

Job description

Career Area:

Engineering

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.

Role Definition

This position is part of the Advanced Materials Technology (AMT) Specialized Operations & Testing Team located on Caterpillar’s Technical Center campus in Mossville, IL. The role is focused on mechanical testing (fatigue and fracture mechanics) of components and bolted joints for heavy machinery components including engines, powertrains, and electrified products. Emphasis will be on development of proprietary tests, analysis and interpretation of results, coordination of external lab test work, and providing technical reviews to internal clients.

What you will do

• Collaborating with design and manufacturing teams to select tests, scope project timing and budgets, design fixturing, analyze test data, and communicate technical results for engine and machine applications that require life-prediction model inputs

• Project leadership and execution including establishing project success criteria with internal clients, managing project plans and budgets, communicating to stakeholders and suppliers, and meeting committed project deliverables

• Engineering technical support and problem-solving related to component fatigue and bolted joint testing for new production introduction, continuous product improvement, and assurance of supply projects

• Directing work and establishing collaboration with external labs/universities

• Writing test instructions and working with lab technicians to establish priorities and direct day-to-day test activities

• Contributing to the culture of safety and technical excellence within the Advanced Materials Technology organization

• Maintaining deep expertise in mechanics of materials, mechanical test apparatus, instrumentation, and data acquisition/analysis

Degree Requirement

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

What skills you must have

• Analytical Thinking: Knowledge of techniques and tools that promote effective analysis; ability to determine the root cause of organizational problems and create alternative solutions that resolve these problems.

• Decision Making and Critical Thinking: Knowledge of the decision-making process and associated tools and techniques; ability to accurately analyze situations and reach productive decisions based on informed judgment.

• Effective Communications: Understanding of effective communication concepts, tools and techniques; ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through the application of appropriate communication behaviors.

• Technical Excellence: Knowledge of a given technology and various application methods; ability to develop and provide solutions to significant technical challenges.

• Product Testing: Knowledge of product testing approaches, techniques and tools; ability to design, plan and execute testing strategies and tactics to ensure product quality at all stages of manufacturing.

Top candidates will also have

• 5+ years of prior work experience with a focus on mechanical testing and component validation
• Prior work experience with hydraulic-based fatigue testing, especially with MTS or Instron test equipment
• Prior work experience with 3D CAD software, especially Creo

Additional Information

• This position will close at 11:59 p.m. on 09/10/2026.
• This position will be located onsite 5 days a week in Mossville, IL (Technical Center - Building K).
• Domestic relocation is available
• VISA Sponsorship is NOT Available
• Travel requirements will be less than 10%

#LI #MilitaryMonday #Letsdothework #caterpillarinc #Iamcaterpillar

Summary Pay Range:

$112,710.00 - $169,060.00

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.

Benefits:

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*
• Career Development*
• Incentive bonus*
• Disability benefits
• Life Insurance
• Parental leave
• Adoption benefits
• 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:

September 2, 2026 - September 10, 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.