2027 Engineering Rotational Development Program (ERDP) - Product Development Track

Caterpillar Inc.•Peoria, IL

1d•$81,370 - $133,810•Onsite

About The Position

Caterpillar’s Engineering Rotational Development Program (ERDP) is an entry-level program designed for entry-level professionals to build their skill sets within the discipline and continue growth. This 12 to 18-month program provides practical experience across multiple engineering teams and technologies, serving as a launchpad for future careers at Caterpillar. The program offers rotational assignments where participants will continue developing their skills and knowledge, contributing to Caterpillar’s mission of delivering exceptional products, services, and technologies. Participants will rotate through different teams and projects matching their skills, knowledge, and abilities, work on meaningful projects, connect with mentors, and gain exposure to various areas of the company. Potential areas of exploration include Product Design, Simulation/Performance Analysis, Test/Validation/Hands-on, Controls Development, Electronic Components, Embedded Software Development, Software Validation/Verification for Electronic Systems, Engineering Data Analytics, and Process Engineering.

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
Must have an ABET-accredited Bachelor’s or master’s degree in mechanical, Electrical, Computer, Agricultural, or Aerospace Engineering; Engineering Technology; or a related technical discipline (selected candidates must obtain their degree before they start)
Must have a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0/4.0 or higher (no rounding)
Candidates with prior professional work experience must have 12 months or less of such experience, excluding internships
Willing to relocate and travel as needed

Nice To Haves

Involvement with a campus design/competition team or related experience
Project or team leadership experience
Previous technical internship/co-op or relevant experience
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Intellectual curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to learn by doing

Responsibilities

Design components and systems for Caterpillar products to meet customer needs.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams throughout the value chain—from concept to production—to deliver effective solutions.
Conduct analyses such as CFD (ANSYS), FEA, 3D modelling, 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 engine controllers, machine implement controllers, as well as powertrain controllers.
Be responsible for understanding the feature requirement, implementing it, as well as testing it prior to a production rollout.
Design and test various electronic control modules, as well as various electronic components.
Work with various internal Caterpillar clients to understand controller/component requirements, help design PCB layouts, as well as perform digital/analog/power circuit analysis and testing.
Other duties may include working with suppliers, testing the controllers/components in various environments, ensuring that FMEAs are conducted and documented to meet stringent Caterpillar quality requirements.
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.
Some areas of work include developing scripts in Python/Visual Basic for automation.
Verify functionality of a feature or control system algorithm on a HIL simulator bench or a SIL system.
Understand the 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.
Write and understand computer code, Python, analytics/data science experience, apply machine learning concepts/tools, engineering and statistics fundamentals.
Apply mechanical, manufacturing, systems and/or industrial engineering knowledge to analyze and optimize an engineering process or processes.
Leverage problem-solving and communication skills.