Test & Validation Senior Engineer

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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.

Role Summary:

The LPSD Core Components Senior Validation Engineer is responsible for leading structural validation activities for core engine components within the Large Power Systems Division (LPSD). This role supports a broad range of on-engine, bench, and lab testing across key engine systems, including valvetrain, rotating components, cylinder pack, cylinder head, cylinder block, and critical fasteners.

What you will do:

• Serve as the NSI (New Source Introduction) validation lead for LPSD core components, developing, managing, and executing validation plans from initial requirements definition through test completion and final reporting.
• Manage Core Components validation demand and PMO coordination by aligning program priorities, lab capacity, hardware availability, and global resources to optimize overall PMO execution and delivery timing.
• Leverage Core Components’ global lab footprint to identify the best validation execution strategy to meet project timeline.
• Collaborate with design, simulation, product, and supplier teams to develop and execute validation plans for NSI, NPI, NTI, NTI-S and CPI projects
• Coordinate engine hardware, fixtures, instrumentation, and tooling readiness to support on-time validation execution
• Execute engine structural and dynamics testing in accordance with Caterpillar standard test procedures, lab safety practices, and program validation requirements.
• Analyze test data and communicate results, risks, recommendations, and potential design solutions.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in accredited Engineering, Materials Science, or closely related curriculum or equivalent experience working in an Engineering function.

Skills you will have:

• Accuracy and Attention to Detail: Extensive understanding the necessity and value of accuracy; ability to complete tasks with high levels of precision.
• Analytical Thinking: Extensive knowledge of techniques and tools that promote effective analysis; ability to determine the root cause of organizational problems and create alternative solutions that resolve these problems.
• Decision Making and Critical Thinking: Extensive knowledge of the decision-making process and associated tools and techniques; ability to accurately analyze situations and reach productive decisions based on informed judgment.
• Effective Communications: Extensive knowledge and understanding of effective communication concepts, tools and techniques; ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through the application of appropriate communication behaviors.
• Managing Multiple Priorities: working knowledge of effective self-management practices; ability to manage multiple concurrent objectives, projects, groups, or activities, making effective judgments as to prioritizing and time allocation.
• Technical Excellence: Extensive knowledge of a given technology and various application methods; ability to develop and provide solutions to significant technical challenges.
• Project Management: Extensive knowledge of effective project management strategies and tactics; ability to plan, organize, monitor, and control projects, ensuring efficient utilization of technical and administrative resources to achieve project objectives.
• Product Testing: Extensive knowledge of product testing approaches, techniques and tools; ability to design, plan and execute testing strategies and tactics to ensure product quality at all stages of manufacturing.
• Troubleshooting Technical Problems: Knowledge of troubleshooting approaches, tools and techniques; ability to anticipate, detect and resolve technical problems in a manufacturing or product development environment.

Top Candidates Will Have:

• Strong understanding of engine core components, including valvetrain, rotating components, cylinder pack, cylinder head, cylinder block, bolted joints.
• Familiarity with engine lab operations, test cell processes, component setup, test hardware readiness, tooling requirements, test safety practices, and Caterpillar standard test procedures.
• Knowledge of structural durability, fatigue analysis, modal analysis, bolted joint analysis, torsional vibration testing, and engine dynamics validation.
• Proficiency with advanced instrumentation and data acquisition systems, including strain gages, accelerometers, pressure sensors, speed and position sensors, telemetry systems, and related signal conditioning equipment.
• Ability to analyze and interpret complex test data, identify root causes, assess component durability margins, and translate findings into clear technical recommendations for design improvement.
• Strong technical communication skills, including the ability to document validation plans, summarize test results, present conclusions, and communicate risks, recommendations to cross-functional teams and leadership.
• Experience coordinating validation work across global labs, third-party facilities, proving grounds, or field test locations.
• Familiarity with Caterpillar engineering processes, standard test procedures, lab operations, PMO practices, and cross-functional product development workflows.

Additional Information:

• This position is located in Mossville, IL.
• Up to 25% travel may be required. Testing may be conducted in Tech Center engine labs, Peoria and Tucson proving grounds, third-party engine and shaker labs, and field sites.
• Relocation assistance is available for this position.
• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Summary Pay Range:

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:

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.

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