Test & Validation Engineer - Drivetrain

Caterpillar•Mossville, IL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Test & Validation Engineer will help shape the performance, durability, and reliability of Caterpillar drivetrain products within the Integrated Drivetrain Energy Solutions (IDES) division. Based onsite at the Tech Center in Mossville, Illinois, the role works across drivetrain design, controls, and validation, applying system-level engineering expertise to technical challenges and product development. IDES focuses on advanced electrified power trains, zero-emissions products and technologies, and associated solutions and services, including batteries, fuel cells, motors, inverters, microgrid controllers, charging, energy storage, lifecycle solutions, and ePowertrain integration. The engineer collaborates with cross-functional teams to define validation requirements and support product quality; plans and conducts laboratory and system-level validation tests; analyzes test data and documents conclusions; and assesses component interactions and tradeoffs. The role also troubleshoots test and data acquisition issues, performs inspections and root cause investigations, supports new product introduction and continuous product improvement programs, and manages test activities, resources, schedules, and cost targets. The position is onsite five days per week at Tech Center Building G in Mossville, IL. Domestic relocation assistance is available. Travel is expected to be less than 10%, and visa sponsorship is not available.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in an accredited engineering curriculum or significant Product Development experience.
Working knowledge of analytical thinking, including transforming test data into engineering insights through comparison, evidence-based analysis, and evaluation of risks, benefits, and outcomes.
Working knowledge of accuracy and attention to detail.
Working knowledge of decision making and critical thinking, including evaluating assumptions, alternatives, risks, and tradeoffs.
Working knowledge of effective communication, including tailoring technical information for diverse audiences and driving alignment across teams and stakeholders.
Working knowledge of drivetrain systems, including mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, software integration, failure modes, application profiles, and validation methods for performance and durability.
Working knowledge of project management, including coordinating projects and teams while managing schedules, resources, risks, and stakeholder expectations.
Working knowledge of product testing, including developing test stand specifications, applying FMEA-based test methodologies for rotating systems, and selecting testing strategies for product quality, safety, and reliability.
Working knowledge of troubleshooting technical problems, including structured troubleshooting and advanced diagnostics to isolate root causes and resolve technical and data acquisition issues safely.
Ability to work onsite five days per week in Mossville, Illinois.
Ability to travel less than 10%.

Nice To Haves

Mechanical Engineering degree.
3+ years of engineering experience developing drivetrains, engines, wheel and brake systems, or rotating mechanical systems.
Powertrain testing experience.
Experience with heavy equipment or off-highway machines in construction, mining, agriculture, or marine applications.
Knowledge of lubrication, tribology, or materials and metallurgy.
Ownership mindset with a strong customer-focused approach.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with design, controls, manufacturing, global, and cross-functional teams to define validation requirements, influence design decisions, and support product quality.
Plan, prepare, and execute laboratory and system-level validation testing for drivetrain components and systems, including test setup, instrumentation, and data acquisition requirements.
Analyze and interpret complex data sets, evaluate results against requirements, identify performance gaps, and document conclusions in technical reports.
Assess component interactions and evaluate tradeoffs among performance, durability, reliability, quality, and cost.
Identify, troubleshoot, and resolve hardware, software, test unit, and data acquisition issues during validation testing.
Perform inspections, failure analysis, and structured root cause investigations to support timely issue resolution.
Support NPI and CPI programs, including build events, validation activities, product risk identification, and issue resolution.
Drive continuous improvement through standard work, lessons learned, and best practices in test and validation processes.
Manage test activities, laboratory support resources, schedules, and cost targets to ensure timely delivery.