Test & Validation Engineer

Caterpillar•Lafayette, IN

5h•Onsite

About The Position

Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc. 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. Role Summary: Within LPSD, the Core Components team is responsible for the design and validation of the engine’s core internal components, including rotating components, PRL, valvetrain, heads, blocks, and housings. The Engine Systems & Package Dynamics (ESPD) team supports this work through test planning, execution, analysis, and communication of results for NPI, NTI, CPI, NSI, and Assurance of Supplier programs. This specific role aims to grow ESPD’s testing footprint within Caterpillar’s Lafayette facility and surrounding area to support the expanded production capacity. As a validation Test Engineer your responsibilities will include planning and execution of testing activities utilizing Caterpillar standards and technologies.

Requirements

Requires a degree in an accredited Engineering, Materials Science curriculum, or closely related discipline or equivalent experience working in an Engineering function.
Accuracy and Attention to Detail: Working knowledge and understanding the necessity and value of accuracy; ability to complete tasks with high levels of precision.
Decision Making and Critical Thinking: Working 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: Working knowledge and 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.
Managing Multiple Priorities: working knowledge of effective self-management practices; ability to manage multiple concurrent objectives, projects, groups, or activities, making effective judgments as to prioritizing and time allocation.
Project Management: Working 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: Working 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: Working 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

Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering
Knowledge and experience in dynamics and vibration analysis.
Basic understanding of IC engine components and their operation.
Ability to handle increasingly complex assignments through experience.
Proficiency with advanced instrumentation and data acquisition systems such as LMS/Simcenter, eDAQ, NI, or equivalent, including strain gages, accelerometers, pressure sensors, speed and position sensors, telemetry systems, and related signal conditioning equipment.
Knowledge of structural durability, fatigue analysis, modal analysis, bolted joint analysis, torsional vibration testing, and engine dynamics validation.
Fundamental understanding of finite element analysis (FEA) and application in design and validation.
Demonstrated ability to lead technical projects and coordinate cross-functional activities.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with simulation and product design teams to develop comprehensive instrumentation test plans supporting validation activities.
Plan, coordinate, and execute complex multi-channel test activities on engine components and package gensets under laboratory and field conditions.
Analyze test data and correlate results with analytical and simulation models to provide clear, actionable recommendations supporting component structural durability, reliability, and design optimization.
Install, setup, and troubleshoot instrumentation including accelerometers, strain gages, thermocouples, pressure transducers, proximity probes, telemetry systems, and associated data acquisition hardware.
Conduct advanced structural dynamics testing, including experimental modal analysis, strain measurement, vibration characterization, and torsional vibration assessments.
Develop new measurement techniques, test methodologies, and diagnostic tools expanding testing capabilities and improving data quality.
Lead and participate in continuous improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing safety, increasing operational efficiency, standardizing test processes, and product quality.