Test & Validation Senior Associate Engineer

Career Area: Engineering Job Description: 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. Test & Validation Senior Associate Engineer Role Description: As a Test/Validation Engineer, you will partner with Drivetrain design and controls teams to identify, evaluate, and validate new products, processes, and systems. This role is responsible for the validation and development of mechanical drivetrain systems supporting new product introduction (NPI) and continuous product improvement (CPI) initiatives. You will plan and execute laboratory and system-level tests, analyze data, and document findings to support engineering decisions. This role requires strong engineering judgment and system-level thinking to evaluate interactions across drivetrain components to ensure robust, high-quality drivetrain solutions that solve our customers’ toughest challenges while delivering on commercial and program commitments. You will manage test activities, leverage lab support resources, and contribute to identifying product risks and weaknesses. Your work will directly impact drivetrain performance, durability, reliability, quality, and product development timelines. What you will do: Collaborate with design, controls, and cross-functional teams to define validation requirements and influence design decisions Plan, prepare, and execute validation testing for drivetrain components and systems in laboratory and system-level environments Prepare and instrument test units, including defining test setups and data acquisition requirements Analyze and interpret test data, evaluating results against requirements and identifying performance gaps Apply systems-level thinking to assess interactions across components and evaluate tradeoffs between performance, durability, reliability, and cost Identify, troubleshoot, and resolve hardware and software issues during testing Perform inspections and failure analysis on test units and components Support root cause investigations using structured problem-solving methods. Support NPI and CPI programs, including build events, validation activities, and issue resolution Collaborate with manufacturing and global teams to support product quality and a zero-defect mindset Document test procedures, results, and conclusions in clear, concise technical reports Drive continuous improvement through standard work, lessons learned, and best practices in test and validation processes Manage test activities to ensure delivery on time and within cost targets Education and Experience Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in an accredited Engineering curriculum or equivalent experience required. Skills you will have: Accuracy and Attention to Detail: Basic understanding of the necessity and value of accuracy; ability to complete tasks with high levels of precision. Analytical Thinking: Working 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. Technical Excellence: Basic understanding of a given technology and various application methods; ability to develop and provide solutions to significant technical challenges. Project Management: Basic understanding 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. Top candidates will have: Strong understanding of mechanical systems, particularly drivetrain or powertrain components. Demonstrated systems engineering mindset with ability to evaluate performance, durability, and reliability tradeoffs. Proven ability to analyze complex data and make data-driven engineering recommendations. Experience with durability, performance, and environmental testing. Hands-on experience troubleshooting hardware and software issues. Familiarity with data acquisition systems and test instrumentation. Experience conducting failure analysis and structured root cause investigations. Experience supporting NPI/CPI programs and working across the product lifecycle. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Continuous improvement mindset with focus on quality, efficiency, and robust product performance. Additional Information: This position is located in Mossville, IL. Travel requirements will be less than 10%. Domestic relocation assistance is not available for this position. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Summary Pay Range: $89,210.00 - $133,810.00 Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar. Benefits: Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of benefits. Medical, dental, and vision benefits* Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)* 401(k) savings plans* Health Savings Account (HSA)* Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)* Health Lifestyle Programs* Employee Assistance Program* Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts* Career Development* Incentive bonus* Disability benefits Life Insurance Parental leave Adoption benefits Tuition Reimbursement * These benefits also apply to part-time employees This position requires working onsite five days a week. Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position. Posting Dates: July 6, 2026 - July 20, 2026 Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen. Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply. Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community. There’s more to work at Caterpillar than just the work itself. We hire smart, friendly people and it shows in our culture. We hold ourselves to high standards and make sure our values of integrity, excellence, teamwork, commitment and sustainability come to life in the way we work. We make sure our employees feel continuously challenged while also supported. We provide professional growth opportunities, including leadership programs. We celebrate the diversity of our team, while also working together as one Caterpillar. Our culture, like everything at our company, is made possible by each employee’s contribution. Person by person, we create the environment we work in, and we are proud of the Caterpillar we’ve built.