2026 Engineering Rotational Development Program- Materials Engineering

Caterpillar Inc.•Mossville, IL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

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 Engineering Rotational Development Program (ERDP)- Materials Track is all about developing the next generation of Materials Engineering leaders and technical experts. The purpose of the program is to build off of your previous education and experience to develop materials engineering talent through rotational assignments and learning opportunities so that you may not only fulfill your career goals but provide excellent service to Caterpillar and its customers. Our program enhances the experience of engineering graduates transitioning from student to full-time engineer. What You Will Do You will join the Advanced Materials Technology organization and undertake three, 12-month assignments located primarily in the midwestern United States. This is an entry level engineering position supporting the global enterprise with a focus on building technical abilities in roles including (but not limited to): Ferrous Metallurgy: Deepen your understanding of wrought steels and ferrous castings through hands-on assignments in the foundry, traveling to our extensive supply base, or using advanced equipment in a lab setting Failure Analysis: Tackle urgent issues impacting our customers by developing your metallography, fractography, and microscopy skills under the guidance and mentoring of veteran experts Quality Engineering: Work in a Caterpillar factory environment where you will learn to apply materials engineering inspection methods and problem-solving techniques to deliver our products to customers at the quality levels they expect Heat Treat Engineering: Gain hands-on experience with heat treat production operations, including recipe development, quality control, efficiency improvements, and capital projects Product Development: Provide materials engineering support to design engineers developing our next generation of products while you develop a broader knowledge of Caterpillar’s applications and markets

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
Participate in, and build on our inclusive, constructive, and productive work environment.
Ensure all team members’ contributions are recognized and valued.
ABET accredited Bachelor’s degree or higher in a Materials Engineering discipline (e.g. Metallurgical Engineering, Ceramic Engineering, Mat Sci & Eng, etc.) at the time of applying.
Selected candidates must obtain their degree before they start.
A Mechanical Engineering degree with a minor in Materials Engineering may be considered.
Must be willing to travel and relocate domestically.

Nice To Haves

Involvement with a campus design/competition teams or related experience
Project or Team Leadership experience
Previous technical internship/co-op or relevant experience
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

Responsibilities

Ferrous Metallurgy: Deepen your understanding of wrought steels and ferrous castings through hands-on assignments in the foundry, traveling to our extensive supply base, or using advanced equipment in a lab setting
Failure Analysis: Tackle urgent issues impacting our customers by developing your metallography, fractography, and microscopy skills under the guidance and mentoring of veteran experts
Quality Engineering: Work in a Caterpillar factory environment where you will learn to apply materials engineering inspection methods and problem-solving techniques to deliver our products to customers at the quality levels they expect
Heat Treat Engineering: Gain hands-on experience with heat treat production operations, including recipe development, quality control, efficiency improvements, and capital projects
Product Development: Provide materials engineering support to design engineers developing our next generation of products while you develop a broader knowledge of Caterpillar’s applications and markets