R & D Engineering Specialist

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.

Caterpillar’s Earthmoving Division is seeking a Machine Development Lead R & D Engineer to lead a team of multi-disciplinary test engineers developing and validating medium tractor products throughout NPI programs at the Peoria Proving Ground in Washington, IL.

Are you looking for an opportunity to leverage your engineering expertise to solve customers’ toughest challenges? Do you enjoy hands-on work and getting out of the office to operate machines that move earth? If so, this is an excellent opportunity to join the PPG team.

In this highly visible role, you will ensure Caterpillar machines meet end-user quality expectations by providing technical leadership and guiding validation activities at the machine, system, and component levels. You will play a key role in advancing small and medium track-type tractor validation earlier in the NPI lifecycle through strong program planning and execution.

What You’ll Do (Job Duties)

• Build Relationships: Strengthen collaboration between Product Groups, Process Partners, and Validation teams while reinforcing Validation as a critical partner in product development and safety.
• Technical Leadership: Provide technical direction and mentorship to a team of test engineers.
• Process Ownership: Maintain and improve standard test procedures to ensure consistency and quality.
• Strategy & Execution: Develop and maintain validation strategies and activity plans in partnership with system and global machine development teams.
• Progress Monitoring: Track and communicate NPI program health, risks, and progress.
• Hands-On Validation: Support the team through direct involvement in machine testing from a customer perspective.
• Leadership: Lead process improvements and facility-related projects.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

• Impactful Work: Directly influence the next generation of machines and technology platforms.
• Career Growth: Expand expertise in advanced systems and large-scale product development.
• Team Culture: Collaborate with a highly skilled and supportive team.

What You Have (Core Skills)

• 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.
   

Top Candidates Will Also Have

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Agricultural Engineering from an accredited institution
• Strong analytical thinking and decision-making skills
• Experience using Microsoft tools for automation and data analysis
• Understanding of Lean principles and continuous improvement
• Experience with tools such as DeweSoft, TCE, DATK, SuperComm2, CAT ET, and machine troubleshooting
• Background in product development, machine testing, mining, or electrical/electronic systems
• Ability to work in varied indoor/outdoor conditions (hot, cold, dusty)
• Ability to safely operate equipment after training

Additional Details

• Work location: IL-Peoria-Proving Ground AA
• Domestic relocation assistance IS NOT available for this role
• Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this role.
• Travel: ,10% domestic and international
• This position requires 5 days per week in the office (M-F)

 

 

Summary Pay Range:

$128,470.00 - $192,710.00

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:

August 19, 2026 - September 2, 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.