Test & Validation Engineer

Caterpillar Inc.•Mossville, IL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Integrated Components Division (ICD) at Caterpillar Inc. designs and manufactures embedded components that enhance machine performance, quality, and safety. The Test and Validation Engineer for the Seal & Mount Solutions team plays a critical, hands-on role supporting the engineering team through lab-based testing, validation, and test method development for seals and isolation mounts. This role is highly lab intensive, with approximately 90% of time spent executing, troubleshooting, and improving component tests using a variety of lab equipment, and the remaining time focused on documentation, planning, and coordination. The position works closely with engineering to ensure robust validation, reliable test data, and continuous improvement of lab capabilities. All components are engineered with long term serviceability and aftermarket needs in mind.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in an accredited engineering curriculum.
Accuracy and Attention to Detail: Understanding the necessity and value of accuracy; ability to complete tasks with high levels of precision.
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.
Project Management: Knowledge of effective project management strategies and tactics; ability to plan, organize, monitor, and control projects, ensuring efficient utilization of technical and administrative resources to achieve project objectives.
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.
Troubleshooting Technical Problems: Knowledge of troubleshooting approaches, tools and techniques; ability to anticipate, detect and resolve technical problems in a manufacturing or product development environment.

Nice To Haves

Hands on sealing or mount testing experience
Creo experience
Comfort working around heavy equipment in a lab setting with ability to lift ~30 lbs and move test hardware safely
Forklift experience or willingness to be trained
Familiarity with APQP, structured validation processes, and gate reviews
Strong time management skills to balance lab priorities and office time
Demonstrated self-starter mindset with a passion for lab work and practical problem solving

Responsibilities

Execute dynamic and static testing of components, including seals, gaskets, and isolation mounts, using lab-based test equipment.
Set up, run, troubleshoot, and tear down test fixtures and machines, ensuring safe, efficient, and repeatable testing.
Support validation and APQP activities, including DVP&R ownership, test readiness reviews, and validation scheduling for seals and mounts.
Document, analyze, and clearly communicate test results through accurate, well-structured reports aligned with engineering needs.
Lead and support daily lab operations, including scheduling, equipment maintenance, calibration, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of lab methods.