Senior Test & Validation Engineer

Caterpillar Inc.•Mossville, IL

1d•$112,710 - $169,060•Onsite

About The Position

This position is part of the Advanced Materials Technology (AMT) Specialized Operations & Testing Team located on Caterpillar’s Technical Center campus in Mossville, IL. The role is focused on mechanical testing (fatigue and fracture mechanics) of components and bolted joints for heavy machinery components including engines, powertrains, and electrified products. Emphasis will be on development of proprietary tests, analysis and interpretation of results, coordination of external lab test work, and providing technical reviews to internal clients.

Requirements

Analytical Thinking: 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: 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: 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.
Technical Excellence: Knowledge of a given technology and various application methods; ability to develop and provide solutions to significant technical challenges.
Product Testing: 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.

Nice To Haves

5+ years of prior work experience with a focus on mechanical testing and component validation
Prior work experience with hydraulic-based fatigue testing, especially with MTS or Instron test equipment
Prior work experience with 3D CAD software, especially Creo

Responsibilities

Collaborating with design and manufacturing teams to select tests, scope project timing and budgets, design fixturing, analyze test data, and communicate technical results for engine and machine applications that require life-prediction model inputs
Project leadership and execution including establishing project success criteria with internal clients, managing project plans and budgets, communicating to stakeholders and suppliers, and meeting committed project deliverables
Engineering technical support and problem-solving related to component fatigue and bolted joint testing for new production introduction, continuous product improvement, and assurance of supply projects
Directing work and establishing collaboration with external labs/universities
Writing test instructions and working with lab technicians to establish priorities and direct day-to-day test activities
Contributing to the culture of safety and technical excellence within the Advanced Materials Technology organization
Maintaining deep expertise in mechanics of materials, mechanical test apparatus, instrumentation, and data acquisition/analysis