Test & Validation Senior Associate Engineer

Caterpillar Inc.; Peoria (IL); On-site; USD 89,000 - 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

Life Insurance

Parental leave

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. is seeking a Test & Validation Senior Associate Engineer to help ensure Caterpillar products perform reliably in tough environments worldwide.

You will plan, execute, and analyze validation activities with design, product, and manufacturing teams to verify performance, durability, and customer value through lab and field testing. The role offers hands-on testing, data-driven problem solving, and cross-functional collaboration with opportunities to improve test methods and drive

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent knowledge.
• Hands-on testing and data analysis experience.
• Strong problem solving and communication.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and execute validation testing to meet requirements.
• Analyze results to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
• Support root-cause investigations for test failures.
• Collaborate with design, manufacturing, quality, and suppliers.
• Document test plans and communicate results to stakeholders.
• Develop and improve test methods and equipment.
• Support field testing to meet customer expectations.
• Promote safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Skills

GET knowledge

Undercarriage

Validation testing

Root cause analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent knowledge

Tools

Creo

DATK

Job description

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.

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.

Job Summary

Join a team that helps ensure Caterpillar products perform reliably in the toughest environments around the world. As a Test & Validation Senior Associate Engineer, you will play a key role in planning, executing, and analyzing validation activities that support the development of innovative wear and maintenance component solutions. Working closely with design, product, and manufacturing teams, you will help verify product performance, durability, quality, and customer value through laboratory and field testing.

In this role, you'll have the opportunity to solve complex engineering challenges, influence product improvements, and contribute to the successful launch of new products. This is an excellent opportunity for an engineer who enjoys hands‑on testing, data analysis, root cause investigation, and collaborating with cross‑functional teams to deliver world‑class solutions for our customers.

What You Will Do

• Plan, coordinate, and execute product validation and verification testing to evaluate performance, durability, reliability, and quality requirements.
• Analyze test results and data to identify trends, assess product performance, and provide recommendations for improvement.
• Support troubleshooting and root cause investigations for product and test failures.
• Collaborate with design, manufacturing, quality, and supplier teams throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Document and communicate test plans, results, and technical recommendations to key stakeholders.
• Assist in developing and improving test methods, equipment, and validation processes.
• Support field testing activities and help ensure products meet customer expectations and business objectives.
• Promote a strong commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement in all testing and validation activities.

Education requirement: Candidates should possess a Bachelors degree or demonstrate equivalent knowledge through professional expertise.

What Skills You Will Have

Technical Excellence: Knowledge of Ground Engaging Tools (GET), undercarriage systems, or similar heavy equipment components, with the ability to evaluate product performance, durability, reliability, and quality.

Product Testing: Proven ability to plan, execute, and analyze laboratory and field validation testing, including test method development, data collection, and performance assessment.

Analytical Thinking: Strong aptitude for interpreting test data, identifying trends, and translating findings into actionable recommendations that improve product performance and customer value.

Troubleshooting Technical Problems: Demonstrated success investigating product and test failures, performing root cause analysis, and partnering with cross‑functional teams to implement effective corrective actions.

Top Candidates Will Also Have

• Working knowledge of Creo for reviewing engineering designs, drawings, and product models.
• Familiarity with Data Acquisition Tool Kit (DATK) or similar data collection and analysis tools used in product validation and testing.

Additional Information

This position requires the candidate to work onsite five days a week at the Peoria, IL facility. Domestic relocation assistance is NOT available for this position. Visa sponsorship is NOT available with this position. This position may require up to 25% travel.

Summary Pay Range

$89,210.00 - $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

Posting Dates

August 25, 2026 - September 1, 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.