2026 Corporate Parallel Co-op - Engineering

Caterpillar•Champaign, IL

12d•$25 - $43•Onsite

About The Position

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 the Role The Parallel Co-op Program is continuous employment for engineering/technology/computer science students focused on product development at Caterpillar. This is an early talent pipeline with the intent to find and develop the best talent. We strive to provide you with interesting work & mentoring throughout the year, while you provide Caterpillar with some additional resources to complete valuable tasks at hand. Caterpillar pairs you with product development work teams on an annual basis, so you have the opportunity to work full-time in-person with the team during the summer and then work part-time throughout the school year. Parallel Co-Op Engineers work alongside engineering teams to complete design & simulation tasks in support of Caterpillar product development in the following areas: Product Design: Engineer components & systems for Caterpillar products to meet our customers’ needs. Deliver solutions by leading collaboration with cross functional teams throughout our value chain starting from the initial concept through production. Simulation/Performance Analysis: CFD - Computational Fluid Dynamics (ANSYS), FEA - Finite Element Analysis, 3D modelling, root cause investigation; system/subsystem/component design optimization, structural dynamics, development and optimization of Engine, Aftertreatment, Battery, Fuel Cell, Powertrain, and/or Machine System performance. Test/Validation/Hands on: Apply strong mechanical engineering understanding in a test/validation (hands-on) environment, troubleshooting issues, and collaborating with others for optimal results. Controls Development: Develop/Implement control system algorithms using Matlab/Simulink for various control systems including but not limited to engine controllers, machine implement controllers as well as powertrain controllers. Will be responsible for understanding the feature requirement, implementing it as well as testing it prior to a production roll out. Electronic Components: Will be responsible for designing and testing various electronic control modules as well as various electronic components. Will work with various internal Caterpillar clients to understand controller/component requirements, work with suppliers on design and validation of the components, as well as testing the components in various environments. Other duties may include design of Printed Circuit Board schematics as well as perform digital/analog/power circuit analysis and testing, and ensuring that FMEAs [Failure Mode and Effects Analysis] are conducted and documented to meet stringent Caterpillar quality requirements Embedded Software Development: Develop embedded software in C, C# and/or C++ for various electronic control modules. Some examples of embedded software development applications include Datalink communications, Inputs and Outputs [Sensors and actuators], speed calculation, Injection/spark timing, memory management, CPU optimization, multi core design and implementation etc. In addition, some areas of work include developing scripts in Python/Visual Basic for automation. Software Validation/Verification for Electronic Systems: Verify functionality of a feature or control system algorithm on a HIL [Hardware in the Loop] simulator bench or a SIL [Software in the loop] system. Understand requirements of the feature and/or the schematics of the controller/control system, verify functionality and debug/report anomalies to the development team and help validate fixes. Engineering Data Analytics: Ability to write and understand computer code; Python; analytics/data science experience; exposure to machine learning concepts/tools; engineering and statistics fundamentals. Process Engineering: Process Engineering: Apply mechanical, manufacturing, systems and/or industrial engineering knowledge to analyze and optimize an engineering process or processes. Will have the opportunity to leverage problem-solving and communication skills.

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 experiences
Fundamental understanding of engineering for a manufacturing environment, ability to design and implement materials, structures, machines, devices, systems and processes that safely realize a desired objective or invention
Organize and manage multiple projects simultaneously, ability to quickly gain, and effectively apply new skills & knowledge
Success in collaborating with others of diverse cultures, interpersonal styles, and abilities
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Must be enrolled full-time in a 4-year university/college pursuing an ABET accredited degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Computer, Agricultural or Aerospace Engineering or Engineering Technology at the time of application and throughout the program.
Minimum 3.0/4.0 Cumulative Grade Point Average (no rounding) at current institution

Nice To Haves

Management experience
Previous technical internship, co-op, or research/relevant experience
Current intern or trainee at Caterpillar

Responsibilities

Engineer components & systems for Caterpillar products to meet our customers’ needs.
Deliver solutions by leading collaboration with cross functional teams throughout our value chain starting from the initial concept through production.
CFD - Computational Fluid Dynamics (ANSYS)
FEA - Finite Element Analysis
3D modelling
root cause investigation
system/subsystem/component design optimization
structural dynamics
development and optimization of Engine, Aftertreatment, Battery, Fuel Cell, Powertrain, and/or Machine System performance.
Apply strong mechanical engineering understanding in a test/validation (hands-on) environment, troubleshooting issues, and collaborating with others for optimal results.
Develop/Implement control system algorithms using Matlab/Simulink for various control systems including but not limited to engine controllers, machine implement controllers as well as powertrain controllers.
Will be responsible for understanding the feature requirement, implementing it as well as testing it prior to a production roll out.
Will be responsible for designing and testing various electronic control modules as well as various electronic components.
Will work with various internal Caterpillar clients to understand controller/component requirements, work with suppliers on design and validation of the components, as well as testing the components in various environments.
Other duties may include design of Printed Circuit Board schematics as well as perform digital/analog/power circuit analysis and testing, and ensuring that FMEAs [Failure Mode and Effects Analysis] are conducted and documented to meet stringent Caterpillar quality requirements
Develop embedded software in C, C# and/or C++ for various electronic control modules.
Develop scripts in Python/Visual Basic for automation.
Verify functionality of a feature or control system algorithm on a HIL [Hardware in the Loop] simulator bench or a SIL [Software in the loop] system.
Understand requirements of the feature and/or the schematics of the controller/control system, verify functionality and debug/report anomalies to the development team and help validate fixes.
Apply mechanical, manufacturing, systems and/or industrial engineering knowledge to analyze and optimize an engineering process or processes.