Senior Test & Validation Engineer

Caterpillar Brazil; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 113,000 - 169,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

401(k) savings plans

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Career Development

Incentive bonus

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. located at Mossville, IL is seeking a Mechanical Engineer with expertise in fatigue and bolted joint testing to support Advanced Materials Technology (AMT).

You will lead tests for engines, powertrains, and electrified products, coordinating internal teams and external labs to deliver results that inform life-prediction models. The role requires 5+ years of testing experience, strongCreo CAD skills, and the ability to manage projects, equipment, and data analysis while upholding

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science & Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of mechanical testing experience with emphasis on fatigue and bolted joints.
• Experience with hydraulic fatigue testing equipment (MTS or Instron) is preferred.
• Strong analytical, communication, and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with design and manufacturing teams to select tests, scope timing and budgets, and analyze data.
• Lead projects, manage plans and budgets, and communicate with stakeholders and suppliers.
• Provide technical reviews to internal clients on component fatigue and bolted joint testing.
• Coordinate external labs and universities for testing activities.
• Write test instructions and direct day-to-day test activities with technicians.
• Maintain safety and technical excellence within the AMT organization.

Skills

Analytical Thinking

Decision Making & Critical Thinking

Effective Communications

Technical Excellence

Product Testing

5+ years fatigue testing

Hydraulic fatigue testing (MTS/Instron

Creo (3D CAD)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering / Materials Science & Engineering

Tools

Creo CAD

MTS test system

Instron test system

Job description

Career Area: Engineering

Job Description: Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.

When you join Caterpillar, you're joining 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't just 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. Hear about the Caterpillar Experience for yourself.

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%.
• Relocation is available for this position.
• Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Pay Range

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

• 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

Equal Opportunity

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities.

Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.

Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.

Company Culture

There’s more to work at Caterpillar than just the work itself. We hire smart, friendly people and it shows in our culture. We hold ourselves to high standards and make sure our values of integrity, excellence, teamwork, commitment and sustainability come to life in the way we work. We make sure our employees feel continuously challenged while also supported. We provide professional growth opportunities, including leadership programs. We celebrate the diversity of our team, while also working together as one Caterpillar. Our culture, like everything at our company, is made possible by each employee’s contribution. Person by person, we create the environment we work in, and we are proud of the Caterpillar we’ve built.