2026 Leadership & Technical Development Program - Operations Leadership at Caterpillar Inc.

Peoria, Illinois, United States

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Not SpecifiedCompensation

Entry Level & New GradExperience Level

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

ManufacturingIndustries

Requirements

Completed degree from a university/college by the start of the program in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or other relevant Engineering or Technology degrees
Minimum cumulative Grade Point Average of 2.8/4.0 (no rounding)
Willing to travel and relocate to any participating facility in North America upon hire and throughout each rotation
Decision making and critical thinking, problem solving, initiative, and adaptability
Leading and developing others
Ability to work with others of diverse cultures, interpersonal styles, and abilities in a constructive and collaborative manner
Fundamental understanding of manufacturing standards and safety
Ability to organize and manage multiple projects simultaneously, and quickly gain and effectively apply new skills & knowledge
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Participate in and build on an inclusive, constructive, and productive work environment
Ensure all team member’s contributions are recognized and valued

Responsibilities

Complete three 12-month rotations in areas defined based on business needs, including (but not limited to) Manufacturing Engineering, Front Line Leadership, Supply Chain (planning, demand management, inventory management, etc.), Procurement, and Quality
Build foundational technical and leadership skills for future success within the organization
Engage in diverse project responsibilities and cross-functional job experiences
Participate in a global team and network with all levels of Caterpillar leadership

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

Operations ManagementManufacturing EngineeringSupply Chain ManagementLeadershipProject Management

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What is the structure and duration of the Leadership & Technical Development Program?

The program is a three-year rotational program consisting of three 12-month rotations in areas like Manufacturing Engineering, Front Line Leadership, Supply Chain, Procurement, and Quality.

Is relocation or travel required for this position?

Yes, you must be willing to travel and relocate to any participating facility in North America upon hire and throughout each rotation while in the program.

What skills and experiences are most critical for this role?

The job description highlights critical skills, though the specific list is cut off; the role focuses on building technical capabilities in Operations, Manufacturing Engineering, and Supply Chain functions.

What is the company culture like at Caterpillar?

Caterpillar fosters a global team environment that cares about each other, emphasizes makers, problem solvers, and future world builders creating stronger, more sustainable communities through progress and innovation.

What happens after completing the program?

Upon successful completion of the three-year program, Operations Leadership professionals will be placed in a role with the expectation of being in that role a minimum of two years.

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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