Test and Validation Engineer

Caterpillar Inc.•Mossville, IL

2d•$120,994 - $146,290•Onsite

About The Position

Caterpillar Inc. is hiring a Test and Validation Engineer to work onsite at its facility at 14009 Old Galena Road, Building L, Chillicothe, Illinois. The role is an individual contributor position supporting complex, high-impact engineering projects involving performance and emissions development for marine, electric power, machine, and locomotive diesel and spark-ignited engines. The engineer performs engine system calibrations to meet customer requirements and applicable emissions standards for new programs and maintain compliance for existing products. The position uses 1D thermodynamic cycle simulation and advanced engineering analysis tools to select engine combustion recipes. It involves designing, planning, and executing efficient engine tests using automation in an engine test facility; developing test plans; analyzing data; addressing technical issues; and reporting results and recommendations to stakeholders. The engineer manages activities against established schedules, collaborates with global and cross-functional teams, and communicates technical information to internal and external audiences. The engineer evaluates products, processes, and systems; supports new-product and new-technology programs; and helps ensure design acceptance and manufacturing readiness. The role also supports ISO requirements and internal data quality standards using statistical analysis and Built-in Quality methodologies, mentors and trains engineers and support staff, and adopts technologies and processes—including automation, robotics, and computer-aided manufacturing software—to improve efficiency, cost, and quality. Testing procedures and operations are planned, improved, and standardized, and test results, process capabilities, and reliability are monitored. No telecommuting is allowed; the position requires onsite work five days a week.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or foreign equivalent in Mechanical Engineering or a related field and 4 years of experience as a Test & Validation Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Engineering Manager, or in a related occupation; alternatively, a master’s degree or foreign equivalent in Mechanical Engineering or a related field and 2 years of such experience.
Employment experience with 1-D thermodynamic engine simulation (GT-Power or equivalent).
Employment experience with statistical models and Design of Experiments (DOE) to create diesel engine performance software maps.
Employment experience using diesel engine performance data obtained in a laboratory to make calibration and quality decisions.
Employment experience identifying defects in diesel engine hardware and software data and implementing permanent corrective actions.
Ability to work onsite five days a week; telecommuting is not allowed.

Responsibilities

Develop performance and emissions for marine, electric power, machine, and locomotive diesel and spark-ignited engines.
Perform engine system calibrations to meet customer requirements and emissions regulatory standards for new programs and maintain compliance for existing products.
Use 1D thermodynamic cycle simulation and advanced engineering analysis tools to select engine combustion recipes.
Design, plan, and execute efficient engine tests using automation in an engine test facility.
Create and execute test plans, analyze data, identify and resolve technical issues, and develop solutions.
Manage development activities to established schedules and provide progress updates to technical leadership.
Present test results, conclusions, and engineering recommendations in technical presentations and written reports.
Collaborate and communicate effectively with global teams and internal and external stakeholders.
Evaluate new products, processes, and systems.
Support new-product and new-technology programs using program management software and contractual requirements.
Resolve design and manufacturing issues with cross-functional teams to support design acceptance and manufacturing readiness.
Support ISO requirements and internal data quality standards through statistical analysis and Built-in Quality methodologies.
Communicate technical information, guidance, and recommendations to engineers, managers, marketing personnel, dealers, customers, and suppliers.
Mentor and train new engineers and support staff on engine development processes and procedures.
Implement technologies and processes, including automation, robotics, and computer-aided manufacturing software, to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance product quality.
Plan, improve, and standardize testing procedures and operations to increase reliability, efficiency, and cost effectiveness.
Monitor test results, machine and process capabilities, and overall performance reliability.