Engineering Project Team Leader

Caterpillar Inc.•Mossville, IL

3d•$128,470 - $192,710•Onsite

About The Position

The LPSD Core Components Validation Strategy Lead leads structural validation activities for core engine components within Caterpillar’s Large Power Systems Division. The role supports on-engine, bench, and laboratory testing across valvetrain, rotating components, cylinder pack, cylinder head, cylinder block, and critical fasteners. It drives forward-looking validation planning and alignment with Core Component Strategy leads and internal and external validation workstreams as the team expands its global validation capabilities. The position develops, manages, and executes validation plans from requirements definition through test completion and final reporting. It coordinates validation demand and PMO activities, aligning program priorities, laboratory capacity, hardware availability, and global resources. It uses the global lab footprint to determine appropriate execution strategies and works with design, simulation, product, and supplier teams on NSI, NPI, NTI, NTI-S, and CPI projects. The role also ensures readiness of engine hardware, fixtures, instrumentation, and tooling; performs engine structural and dynamics testing; and analyzes and communicates test outcomes, risks, recommendations, and potential design solutions. This position is based onsite in Mossville, Illinois, five days per week, with up to 25% travel. Testing may occur in Tech Center engine labs, Peoria and Tucson proving grounds, third-party engine and shaker labs, and field sites. Relocation assistance is available; visa sponsorship is not available.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in accredited Engineering, Materials Science, or a closely related curriculum, or equivalent experience working in an Engineering function.
Strong understanding of engine core components, including valvetrain, rotating components, cylinder pack, cylinder head, cylinder block, and 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 technical recommendations for design improvement.
Strong technical communication skills, including documenting validation plans, summarizing test results, presenting conclusions, and communicating risks and 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.
Extensive knowledge of products and services and the ability to apply that knowledge in varied situations.
Extensive knowledge of a technology and its applications, with the ability to develop solutions to significant technical challenges.
Knowledge of influencing strategies and the ability to use expertise to affect or challenge decisions within and outside the organization.
Advanced knowledge of project management, including planning, organizing, monitoring, and controlling projects and using resources efficiently.
Extensive knowledge of team-building techniques and the ability to form and manage effective teams.
Extensive knowledge of troubleshooting methods and the ability to anticipate, detect, and resolve technical problems in manufacturing or product development.
Extensive knowledge of product features and the ability to design and develop products, technologies, or services from concept through production.

Responsibilities

Lead LPSD core component validation strategy and develop, manage, and execute validation plans from requirements definition through testing and final reporting.
Manage core component validation demand and PMO coordination, aligning program priorities, lab capacity, hardware availability, and global resources.
Leverage the global laboratory footprint to select validation execution strategies that meet project timelines.
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 for timely 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.
Coordinate validation work across laboratories and other testing locations as required.