Test & Validation Engineer - Drivetrain

Caterpillar Inc.•Mossville, IL

2d•$97,530 - $146,290•Onsite

About The Position

Caterpillar’s Integrated Drivetrain Energy Solutions (IDES) division focuses on advanced electrified power trains, zero-emissions products and technologies, and associated solutions and services. Its focus areas include batteries, fuel cells, motors, inverters, micro grid controllers, charging, energy storage systems, lifecycle solutions and services, and integration of components for ePowertrain solutions across industries. The Test & Validation Engineer will help shape the performance, durability, and reliability of Caterpillar drivetrain products. Based 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. The work includes hands-on testing and problem solving that affects new and existing products. The position collaborates across design, controls, manufacturing, global, and other cross-functional teams to define validation requirements and support product quality. It plans and conducts laboratory and system-level validation testing, analyzes data and documents conclusions, evaluates component interactions and engineering tradeoffs, troubleshoots testing issues, and supports new product introduction and continuous product improvement programs. The role also coordinates test activities, lab resources, schedules, and cost targets. This is an onsite position five days per week at Tech Center Building G in Mossville, Illinois. Domestic relocation assistance is available. Travel is expected to be less than 10%. 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 complex test data into engineering insights through comparisons, 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 objectively evaluating assumptions, alternatives, risks, and tradeoffs.
Working knowledge of effective communication, including tailoring technical information for diverse audiences and using data-driven reasoning to influence decisions and align 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 planning and coordinating work across 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 technical troubleshooting, including structured troubleshooting and advanced diagnostics to isolate root causes, resolve technical and data acquisition issues, assess business impact, and safely restore system performance.

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, including construction, mining, agriculture, or marine applications.
Knowledge of lubrication, tribology, or materials and metallurgy.
Ownership mindset and 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 using systems-level thinking.
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, lab support resources, schedules, and cost targets to ensure timely delivery.