Sr. Associate Engineer - Test/Validation

Caterpillar; United States; On-site; USD 130,000 - 134,000; 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

Disability benefits

Life Insurance

Parental leave

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. seeks Sr. Associate Engineer-Test/Validation at its Chillicothe, IL facility.

Develop, plan, execute, and manage validation activities through on-machine and bench testing of various heavy equipment components. Perform tests utilizing acceleration, strain, displacement, temperature, pressure, motion, load, and torque transducers through data acquisition systems. NVH analysis interprets measurements and generates reports.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Materials Science plus 1 year of dynamic test and analysis experience.
• In the alternative, a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Materials Science plus 3 years of experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop, plan, execute and manage validation activities for heavy equipment components.
• Perform on-machine and bench testing with various transducers and data systems.
• Use NVH analysis to interpret vibration measurements and generate reports.
• Collaborate with design and simulation teams on NPIs and CPI issues.
• Support project planning, hardware prep, data collection, and report generation.
• Travel up to 25% domestically to test engines at Caterpillar sites and customer locations.

Skills

Digital Signal Processing

Experimental modal analysis

Data acquisition systems

Strain gage-based measurements

Material fatigue analysis

Education

Master's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Materials Science

or Bachelor's in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Materials Science + 3 years' experience

Tools

DSP software

NVH analysis tooling

Job description

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.

• Digital Signal Processing
• Experimental modal analysis
• Data acquisition systems
• Strain gage-based measurements
• 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 employees

This position requires working onsite five days a week.

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Posting Dates:

October 27, 2026 - February 23, 2027

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.