Sr. Associate Engineer–Test/Validation

Caterpillar; Illinois; On-site; USD 130,000 - 134,000; Full time

Job summary

Caterpillar is seeking a Sr. Associate Engineer–Test/Validation in Chillicothe, IL to lead validation activities for heavy equipment components. You will conduct on-machine and bench tests, analyze vibration data with NVH tools, and collaborate with design and simulation teams on new programs and improvements.

The role requires a master’s degree or equivalent with experience in dynamic testing, DSP, and data acquisition, plus up to 25% travel. Onsite five days a week.

Qualifications

• Requires master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Materials Science with 1 year of dynamic test and analysis experience, or bachelor’s degree with 3 years of experience.
• Experience with digital signal processing, experimental modal analysis, and data acquisition systems is required.
• Familiarity with strain-gage based measurements and material fatigue analysis is essential.

Responsibilities

• Plan, execute, and manage validation activities using on-machine and bench testing for heavy equipment components.
• Analyze vibration parameters and interpret results with NVH software.
• Collaborate with design and simulation teams on NPI/NTI programs and CPI issues.

Skills

DSP

Experimental modal analysis

Data acquisition systems

Strain gage-based measurements

Material fatigue analysis

Education

Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering or Materials Science

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering or Materials Science

Tools

NVH analysis software

Data acquisition hardware

Job description

## Sr. Associate Engineer–Test/ValidationApply: Mossville, Illinois: Full time: Posted Today: R0000402316**Career Area:****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.Caterpillar Inc. seeks Sr. Associate Engineer–Test/Validation at its facility located at 14009 N Old Galena Road, Technical Center Building TC-L, Chillicothe, IL 61523.Develop, plan, execute, and manage validation activities through on-machine and bench testing of various heavy equipment machinery components. Perform tests utilizing acceleration, strain, displacement, temperature, pressure, motion, load, and torque transducers through various data acquisition systems. Employ NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) analysis software to interpret vibration measurements, assess component durability, and generate comprehensive reports evaluating vibration parameters against both internal and industry acceptance criteria. The role involves project planning and scheduling, hardware procurement and preparation, test and bench setup, data collection and analysis, and report generation. Communicate results and solutions with design and simulation teams, directly collaborating on new NPI (New Product Introduction) and NTI (New Technology Introduction) programs as well as resolving CPI (Current Product Improvement) issues for machinery components. As processes and technologies continually evolve, support innovation by improving and developing new test methods to adapt to changing technology, industry standards, and unique situations. No telecommuting allowed. Travel: Up to 25% domestic travel to conduct tests on engines located at Caterpillar locations, Caterpillar dealer locations, and customer locations.REQS: This position requires a master’s degree or foreign equivalent in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Materials Science plus 1 year of experience in dynamic test and analysis of engine components or related occupation. In the alternative, the employer will accept a bachelor’s degree or foreign equivalent in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Materials Science plus 3 years of experience in dynamic test and analysis of engine components or related occupation.Additionally, the applicant must have employment experience with: (1) Digital Signal Processing; (2) Experimental modal analysis; (3) Data acquisition systems; (4) Strain gage-based measurements; and (5) Material fatigue analysis.**Summary Pay Range:** $130,354.00 - $133,810.00 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 employeesApplicants who are interested in this position should apply via www.caterpillar.com/careers, search **Sr. Associate Engineer–Test/Validation / Reference #****R0000402316** **- LI-DNI.**### ### This position requires working onsite five days a week.### ### ### ### Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.**Posting Dates:**October 27, 2026 - February 23, 2027Any 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.