Test/Validation Engineer

Caterpillar

  • Mossville, IL
  • $95,640-143,520 per year
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 13 days ago
Career Area: EngineeringJob 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.Job Summary:The Integrated Components Division (ICD) designs and manufactures embedded components that enhance machine performance, quality, and safety. Working closely with product groups and business partners, ICD manages current designs (e.g., seals, hoses, filters, kitting), drives innovation, and supports sustainability and global availability. Components are engineered with aftermarket needs in mind to ensure long-term serviceability.The engineering team includes three specialized groups:
  • Material Testing Group (MTG): Develops rubber formulations.
  • Rubber Component Group (RCG): Designs and validates rubber components.
  • Track Seal Group: Maintains track seal designs for optimal performance.
Each group uses dedicated labs to ensure reliability and quality, supporting initiatives like Assurance of Supply, Quality improvements, Warranty reduction, New Product Introduction (NPI), Continuous Product Improvement (CPI), Built-In Quality (BIQ). Through collaboration and rigorous testing, ICD ensures all components meet internal and customer standards.We’re committed to delivering innovative, high-performing solutions that help our customers build a better world.What You Will Do:As a Test and Validation Engineer, you will manage, maintain, develop test methods, design fixtures, and implement new test machines for material and components testing and validation.Job duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:Lab Operations & Management
  • Lead scheduling, prioritization, and workload management for RCG and MTG labs, ensuring timely execution of work orders and effective communication of results to engineers and process partners.
  • Coordinate rubber mixing, molding, and component testing based on engineering requests.
  • Maintain a safe, organized lab environment with standardized procedures and consistent practices across both labs.
  • Oversee equipment maintenance, including preventive maintenance, calibration/service scheduling, and inventory control of spare parts.
  • Monitor and escalate issues that may impact lab accuracy, performance, or timelines.
Continuous Improvement & Collaboration
  • Conduct needs assessments and proposes improvements to enhance lab capabilities, efficiency, and overall effectiveness.
  • Collaborate with internal teams and external vendors (including third-party suppliers) to meet project deliverables and resolve technical challenges.
  • Influence decisions related to supplier services, adoption of new technologies, cost management, and customer satisfaction.
  • Align RCG and MTG lab priorities with engineering project timelines to ensure seamless execution
Testing & Validation
  • Manage material and component testing, validation, and audits, ensuring results are clearly communicated and supported by accurate, data-driven reporting to engineers and process partners.
  • Design, maintain, and improve test fixtures, machines, and benches; manage spare parts inventory to support testing operations.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to components, test procedures, and equipment functionality
Cross-Functional Support
  • Partner with internal teams and manufacturing facilities to improve product and process performance.
  • Support NPI, CPI, BIQ, and Assurance of Supply initiatives through performance testing, failure prediction, concept evaluation, and benchmarking.
  • Ensure capital projects are delivered on time and within budget
Education requirement:
  • Bachelor’s and or degree in engineering, mechanical, materials science, plastic and/or rubber engineering Technology or a related field.
What skills you will have:Product Testing:
  • Knowledge developing and executing test plans and protocols for materials, components, or systems.
  • Hands-on use of lab equipment and data acquisition tools to perform mechanical, thermal, or electrical tests (e.g., Instron, MTS).
  • Familiarity with industry standards (e.g., ASTM, ISO) and regulatory requirements for product validation.
Troubleshooting Technical Problems:
  • Proven ability to diagnose and resolve issues with test setups, equipment malfunctions, or unexpected test results.
  • Working knowledge using root cause analysis tools (e.g., 5 Whys, Fishbone Diagram, FMEA) to identify and correct failures.
  • Collaboration with cross-functional teams (engineering, manufacturing, suppliers) to implement corrective actions.
Accuracy and Attention to Detail:
  • Knowledge documenting test procedures, results, and deviations with precision and clarity.
  • Skilled in calibrating instruments and verifying measurement accuracy to ensure reliable data.
  • Consistent track record of maintaining organized lab environments and following SOPs without deviation.
Analytical Thinking
  • Ability to interpret complex datasets and extract meaningful insights to support engineering decisions.
  • Knowledge of using statistical tools (e.g., Minitab, Excel, Python) for data analysis and performance evaluation.
  • Capable of identifying trends, anomalies, and correlations in test results to guide product improvements.
Top Candidates will also have:
  • Hands-on and comfortable working in lab environments with mechanical and rubber materials.
  • Proficient in data acquisition systems, including MTS/Instron test machines and controllers.
  • Proven knowledge in Six Sigma, statistical methods, and project planning tools.
  • Skilled in Microsoft Office; able to lead multiple projects and make sound priority decisions.
  • Self-starter with strong technical leadership and troubleshooting capabilities.
Additional Information:This position requires the candidate to work onsite five days a week at the Mossville, IL office.Domestic relocation assistance is NOT available for this position. Any relocation costs incurred would be the responsibility of the selected candidate.Visa sponsorship is NOT available with this position.This position may require up to 10% travel.What you will get:Our goal at Caterpillar is for you to have a rewarding career. Our teams are critical to the success of our customers who build a better world. Here you earn more than just wage, because we value your performance, we offer a total rewards package that provides:
  • Competitive Base Salary
  • Annual incentive bonus plan*
  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holiday, Volunteer, Etc.)
  • 401k savings plan
  • Health savings account (HSA)
  • Flexible spending accounts (FSAs)
  • Short and long-term disability coverage
  • Life Insurance
  • Paid parental leave
  • Healthy Lifestyle Programs
  • Employee Assistance Programs
  • Voluntary Benefits (Ex. Accident, Identity Theft Protection)
*Subject to annual eligibility and incentive plan guidelines.Final details:Please frequently check the email associated with your application, including the junk/spam folder, as this is the primary correspondence method. If you wish to know the status of your application – please use the candidate log-in on our career website as it will reflect any updates to your status.For more information, visit caterpillar.com. To connect with us on social media, visit caterpillar.com/social-media#LISummary Pay Range: $95,640.00 - $143,520.00Compensation 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 benefitsLife InsuranceParental leaveAdoption benefitsTuition 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. This employer is not currently hiring foreign national applicants that require or will require sponsorship tied to a specific employer, such as, H, L, TN, F, J, E, O. As a global company, Caterpillar offers many job opportunities outside of the U.S which can be found through our employment website at www.caterpillar.com/careers.Posting Dates: August 22, 2025 - September 6, 2025Any 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 .

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