Test & Validation Engineer - Drivetrain

Caterpillar; Mossville (IL); On-site; USD 98,000 - 146,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

Paid time off

401(k) savings plans

Health Savings Account

Flexible Spending Accounts

Career Development

Incentive bonus

Relocation assistance

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

Join Caterpillar's Integrated Drivetrain Energy Solutions (IDES) division as a Test & Validation Engineer based at the Tech Center in Mossville, IL. You will work at the intersection of drivetrain design, controls, and validation, applying system‑level engineering to solve complex challenges and influence product development.

This role emphasizes hands‑on testing, data analysis, and cross‑functional collaboration to deliver durable, reliable drivetrains for new and existing products, with onsite

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or significant product development experience.
• Ability to transform test data into engineering insights and clearly evaluate risks.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in task execution.
• Ability to evaluate assumptions, alternatives, risks and tradeoffs.
• Ability to tailor technical information for diverse audiences.
• Knowledge of drivetrain systems, validation methods, and test concepts.
• Experience planning and coordinating multi-project work with teams.
• Familiarity with test stand specifications and validation strategies.
• Structured troubleshooting to isolate root causes and resolve issues.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with design, controls, manufacturing, and cross‑functional teams to define validation requirements.
• Plan, prepare, and execute lab and system‑level validation testing for drivetrain components and systems.
• Analyze and interpret complex data sets; compare results to requirements and document conclusions.
• Apply systems thinking to evaluate tradeoffs between performance, durability, reliability, quality, and cost.
• Identify, troubleshoot, and resolve hardware, software, test unit, and data acquisition issues.
• Perform inspections, failure analysis, and root cause investigations.
• Support NPI and CPI programs, including build events and validation activities.
• Drive continuous improvement through standard work and lessons learned.
• Manage test activities, lab resources, schedules, and cost targets.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Accuracy & attention to detail

Decision making

Effective communications

Technical excellence

Project management

Product testing

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Mechanical Engineering degree

Job description

Career Area:

Engineering

Job Description:

At Caterpillar we care 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.

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.

About IDES:

Caterpillar’s Integrated Drivetrain Energy Solutions (IDES) division will focus on delivering advanced electrified power train, zero-emissions products/technologies, and the solutions and services associated with these technologies. Focus areas include batteries, fuel cells, motors, inverters, micro grid controllers, charging, energy storage systems, lifecycle solutions/services and integration of components for ePowertrain solutions across industries.

We are looking for top talent to build and scale the next generation of technologies, products and services to help our customers build a better—more sustainable—world. We need self-motivated, intelligent and team-oriented individuals to make our plans a reality. Individuals with high emotional intelligence, humility and openness to discovery will thrive in the teams we are building.

Job Summary:

Join IDES as a Test & Validation Engineer and play a key role in shaping the performance, durability, and reliability of Caterpillar drivetrain products. Based at the Tech Center in Mossville, IL, you’ll work at the intersection of drivetrain design, controls, and validation, using system-level engineering expertise to solve complex technical challenges and influence product development. This is an exciting opportunity for an engineer who enjoys hands‑on testing, problem solving, and seeing their work make a direct impact on both new and existing products.

What You Will Do:

• Collaborate with design, controls, manufacturing, global, and cross-functional teams to define validation requirements, influence design decisions, and support product quality.
• Plan, prepare, and execute laboratory and system-level validation testing for drivetrain components and systems, including test setup, instrumentation, and data acquisition requirements.
• Analyze and interpret complex data sets, evaluate results against requirements, identify performance gaps, and document conclusions in clear technical reports.
• Apply systems-level thinking to assess component interactions and evaluate tradeoffs between performance, durability, reliability, quality, and cost.
• Identify, troubleshoot, and resolve hardware, software, test unit, and data acquisition issues during validation testing.
• Perform inspections, failure analysis, and structured root cause investigations to support timely issue resolution.
• Support NPI and CPI programs, including build events, validation activities, product risk identification, and issue resolution.
• Drive continuous improvement through standard work, lessons learned, and best practices in test and validation processes.
• Manage test activities, lab support resources, schedules, and cost targets to ensure timely delivery.

What You Will Have:

• Bachelor’s degree in an accredited engineering curriculum or significant Product Development experience required.
• Analytical Thinking: Working knowledge. Transforms complex test data into meaningful engineering insights through comparisons, evidence-based analysis, and clear evaluation of risks, benefits, and outcomes.
• Accuracy and Attention to Detail: Working knowledge an understanding the necessity and value of accuracy; ability to complete tasks with high levels of accuracy.
• Decision Making and Critical Thinking: Working knowledge. Objectively evaluates assumptions, alternatives, risks, and tradeoffs to recommend effective courses of action.
• Effective Communications: Working knowledge. Tailors technical information for diverse audiences, influences decisions through data‑driven reasoning, and drives alignment across teams, leadership, and internal customers.
• Technical Excellence: Working knowledge. Demonstrates knowledge of drivetrain systems, including mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, software integration, failure modes, application profiles, and validation methods for performance and durability.
• Project Management: Working knowledge. Plans, prioritizes, and coordinates work across projects and cross‑functional teams while managing schedules, resources, risks, and stakeholder expectations.
• Product Testing: Working knowledge. Develops test stand specifications, applies FMEA‑based test methodologies for rotating systems, and selects effective testing strategies to ensure product quality, safety, and reliability.
• Troubleshooting Technical Problems: Working knowledge. Applies structured troubleshooting and advanced diagnostics to isolate root causes, resolve complex technical and data acquisition issues, assess business impact, and restore system performance safely.

Top Candidates Will Have:

• A Mechanical Engineering degree
• 3+ years of engineering experience developing drivetrains, engines, wheel and brake systems, or rotating mechanical systems
• Powertrain testing experience
• Experience with heavy equipment or off-highway machines (construction, mining, ag, or marine)
• Knowledge of lubrication, tribology, or materials and metallurgy
• Ownership mindset with a strong customer‑focused approach

Additional Information

• This position is onsite 5 days per week at Tech Center Building G in Mossville, IL.
• Domestic relocation assistance is available.
• Visa sponsorship is not available.
• Travel is expected to be less than 10%.

Summary Pay Range:

$97,530.00 - $146,290.00

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:

November 3, 2026 - November 17, 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.