2026 Engineering Rotational Development Program- Materials Engineering at Caterpillar Inc.

Mossville, Illinois, United States

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Not SpecifiedCompensation

Entry Level & New GradExperience Level

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

Manufacturing, Construction Equipment, Mining EquipmentIndustries

Requirements

Analytical skills, initiating ideas, troubleshooting, root cause analysis, problem-solving, and critical thinking capabilities
Knowledge of engineering principles, theory, and engineering experience gained through projects, internships, and/or relevant work experience
Fundamental understanding of engineering for a manufacturing environment and the ability to design and implement materials, structures, machines, devices, systems, and processes that safely realize a desired objective or invention
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and quickly acquire and apply new skills and knowledge
Collaborate with others of diverse cultures, interpersonal styles, and abilities
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Participate in and build on our inclusive, constructive, and productive work environment
Ensure all team members’ contributions are recognized and valued
12 months or less of professional experience in this field (excluded from count: internships, co-ops, etc.)

Responsibilities

Rotate through three, 12-month assignments in the Advanced Materials Technology organization, primarily in the midwestern United States
Work on meaningful projects with mentors, focusing on building technical abilities to support the global enterprise
Ferrous Metallurgy: deepen understanding of wrought steels and ferrous castings through hands-on assignments in the foundry, traveling to supply base, or using advanced lab equipment
Failure Analysis: tackle urgent customer issues by developing metallography, fractography, and microscopy skills under veteran expert guidance
Quality Engineering: apply materials engineering inspection methods and problem-solving techniques in a Caterpillar factory environment to deliver products at expected quality levels
Heat Treat Engineering: gain hands-on experience with heat treat production operations, including recipe development, quality control, efficiency improvements, and capital projects
Product Development: provide materials engineering support to design engineers developing next-generation products while building knowledge of Caterpillar’s applications and markets

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

Materials EngineeringFerrous MetallurgyWrought SteelsFerrous CastingsFoundry OperationsMetallurgy

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What is the work arrangement or location for this program?

The program involves rotational assignments located primarily in the midwestern United States, with rotations through three 12-month assignments.

What is the salary or compensation for this position?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What skills or experiences are required for this role?

The role is designed for entry-level Materials Engineering professionals with an engineering education ready to apply to real-world challenges; specific paths include Ferrous Metallurgy, Failure Analysis, Quality Engineering, Heat Treat Engineering, and Product Development.

What is the company culture like at Caterpillar?

Caterpillar fosters a global team environment that cares about each other, emphasizes progress, innovation, problem-solving, and building stronger, more sustainable communities.

What makes a strong candidate for this program?

A strong candidate is an entry-level Materials Engineering professional ready to apply engineering education to real-world challenges, eager to develop skills through rotational assignments and mentorship.

Caterpillar Inc.

Manufactures heavy machinery for various industries

About Caterpillar Inc.

Caterpillar Inc. designs and manufactures heavy machinery and equipment for industries such as construction, mining, energy, and rail. Their products include a wide range of machinery and engines that help clients complete large-scale projects. Caterpillar's equipment works by providing powerful tools that can perform tasks like digging, lifting, and transporting materials. What sets Caterpillar apart from its competitors is its strong aftermarket support, which includes maintenance and repair services, ensuring that their machinery remains efficient and reliable over time. The company's goal is to deliver high-quality products while also focusing on sustainability and community development through initiatives that improve education and reduce poverty.

Irving, TexasHeadquarters

1925Year Founded

$143.5KTotal Funding

IPOCompany Stage

Industrial & Manufacturing, Social Impact, AI & Machine LearningIndustries

10,001+Employees

Benefits

Annual incentive bonus plan

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holiday, Volunteer, Etc.)

401k savings plan

Health savings account (HSA)

Flexible spending accounts (FSAs)

Disability benefits

Life Insurance

Parental leave

Healthy Lifestyle Programs

Employee Assistance Programs

Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts

Tuition Reimbursement

Career Development

Risks

Closure of Aurora office may impact regional economy and Caterpillar's reputation.

Partnership with Anti Social Social Club could dilute Caterpillar's industrial brand focus.

Advanced technology in Cat D8 dozer may face resistance from traditional customers.

Differentiation

Caterpillar's century-long history underscores its reliability and industry leadership.

The company integrates AI and IoT to enhance machinery performance and customer satisfaction.

Caterpillar's strong aftermarket services ensure product longevity and operational efficiency.

Upsides

Growing demand for autonomous equipment boosts Caterpillar's innovation in heavy machinery.

Expansion of 5G networks enhances Caterpillar's remote operation capabilities, improving safety.

Caterpillar's commitment to sustainability aligns with the global shift towards eco-friendly practices.

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