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.

Job Summary:

As a Test & Validation Senior Associate Engineer, you play a hands‑on role in ensuring our products meet the highest standards of quality and performance. You’ll help develop, execute, and continuously improve testing and validation methods, processes, tools, and equipment—turning test data into actionable insights. Through close collaboration with design, manufacturing, and technology teams, your work directly supports reliable product launches, continuous improvement, and delivering durable, high‑quality solutions to our customers.

What You Will Do:

This position is focused on testing and managing sound on Caterpillar components and products. The position will:

• Assist with review of the design and risk analysis
• Assist with test planning
• Set up and execute tests
• Analyze tests results and provide reports
• Make recommendations for changes as appropriate
• Collaborate within the Sound team to improve process quality and efficiency
• Effective oral and written communication skills are critical
• Position is hands-on so mechanical aptitude is required

This work requires capability to take acoustic and vibration data. It also requires capability to perform simulation-based acoustic and vibration analysis.

Education Requirement:

B.S. in Engineering

What Skills You Will Have:
Analytical Thinking:

• Approaches challenges by clearly defining the problem, understanding its impact, and determining the right level of analysis.
• Systematically evaluates multiple solution options to identify the most effective path forward.
• Applies time‑ and frequency‑domain analysis to uncover meaningful patterns and insights in data.
• Leverages experience, intuition, collaboration, and data to develop well‑supported technical recommendations.
   

Decision Making and Critical Thinking:

• Applies strong engineering judgment to deliver efficient, high‑quality design and test outcomes.
• Acts as a technical consultant within cross‑functional teams, synthesizing inputs into clear, actionable recommendations.
• Understands product needs and timelines, knowing when to conclude testing or analysis and confidently move decisions forward.

Effective Communications:

• Actively contributes to collaborative discussions by listening, asking thoughtful questions, and providing meaningful input.
• Translates customer and stakeholder requests into clear work plans and communicates updates effectively, adjusting as needed.
• Clearly communicates test plans to process partners and ensures all aspects of test execution stay aligned and on track.
• Develops concise, well‑structured written and verbal test reports that present results and supported recommendations.

Technical Excellence:

• Demonstrates a strong and continuously growing understanding of mechanical systems and the ability to identify areas of technical and acoustic risk.
• Brings demonstrated, hands‑on experience in acoustic testing and simulation, including advanced work in NVH / Noise Control environments.
• Proficient in collecting and processing high‑frequency data using microphones and accelerometers.
• Experienced with sound‑based data acquisition tools such as HBK Connect and Siemens Test Lab.
• Skilled in sound simulation and acoustic analysis tools including VA‑One and Simcenter 3D acoustic modules.
   

Troubleshooting Technical Problems:

• Documents common hardware, software, and communication issues along with effective resolution approaches.
• Diagnoses and resolves typical technical issues related to instrumentation, test setups, and data processing.
• Takes initiative to independently resolve test issues—both on‑site and remotely—especially while supporting testing activities during travel.

Top candidates will also have:

• A Master’s degree in Engineering, with a focus on NVH / Noise Control.
• Hands‑on experience supporting noise control and acoustic performance for industrial equipment, including applications involving operator cabs, enclosures, HVAC systems, and electrical or audio components.

Additional Information

The location for this position is Mossville, IL.

Relocation assistance is not available for this position. Any relocation costs incurred would be the responsibility of the selected candidate.

The position will require up to 25% travel as the work can be performed at various field sites internal and external to Caterpillar.

Visa sponsorship is 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 available for eligible applicants.

Posting Dates:

February 11, 2026 - February 18, 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.

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