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.

Are you excited by the prospect of overseeing product testing and validation at a world-class facility where Caterpillar develops cutting-edge products, technologies, and solutions? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you to join the Peoria Proving Ground (PPG) team within the Earthmoving Division (EMD) as the Medium Wheel Loader (MWL) Platform Engineering Project Team Leader.

As a Platform MWL Engineering Project Team Leader at PPG, you will provide leadership to the planning, coordination, & execution of the test & development of Medium Wheel Loaders (MWL) at the Peoria Proving Ground (PPG).  This position will lead a broad team in the development & validation of a MWL platform.  This will include leading test engineers, technicians, operators, and other various systems engineers in the execution of tests, formulation of conclusions, & recommendations to design teams and process partners. This role offers a chance to deepen your technical expertise across the full breadth of the machine, strengthen leadership skills, and engage across all levels of the business, playing a vital role in developing products that delight our customers.

Our achievements—supporting our partners, delivering innovative products and services, and maintaining world-class quality—are made possible by employing the absolute best talent. We encourage you to apply and become a part of our dynamic team.

What You Will Do:

• Lead Validation & Development Efforts: Develop, execute, and oversee validation and development plans for MWL systems across New Product Introduction (NPI) programs and Continuous Process Improvement (CPI) initiatives.
• Technical & Project Leadership: Provide both strategic direction and hands-on technical expertise to a team of test engineers, ensuring high-quality execution of validation activities.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with global design and validation teams to align testing strategies with product development goals and timelines.
• Documentation Ownership: Ensure timely and accurate creation of machine development documentation, a critical deliverable for program success.
• Resource & Cost Planning: Estimate validation costs and resource requirements based on detailed development plans and program scope.
• Standards & Process Governance: Own and maintain organizational standards and processes, including Standard Test Procedures, Preliminary Hazard Assessments, and Standard Work documentation.
• Process Improvement Leadership: Drive and participate in PPG (Product and Process Governance) improvement initiatives to enhance testing efficiency and effectiveness.
• Cold Room Operations Leadership: Provide technical leadership for cold room testing, including coordination of validation plans, scheduling of facilities, and ensuring compliance with environmental testing standards.

What you’ll have:

• Degree Requirement: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related discipline from an accredited college or university.
• Leadership & Team Management: Proven ability to lead global, cross-functional teams with a focus on collaboration, performance, and continuous improvement. Skilled in mentoring, conflict resolution, and driving team engagement. Committed to prioritizing safety and regulatory compliance, fostering a culture of accountability and proactive risk mitigation.
• Product Development & Technical Expertise: Extensive experience product development, including NPI and the full product life cycle. Strong technical acumen in machine systems, architecture, and complex problem-solving from concept to production.
• Project & Process Management: Expert in managing high-impact projects using structured methodologies. Drives operational efficiency through process optimization, resource planning, and risk management.
• Communication & Influence: Clear, confident communicator with the ability to simplify complex technical topics for diverse audiences, including senior leadership. Recognized as a trusted advisor with a track record of stakeholder alignment and influence.
• Analytical Thinking & Problem Solving: Proficient in product requirements, diagnostics, and root cause resolution using data-driven approaches to support product and testing success.

Top Candidates Will Have:

• Growth Mindset: Demonstrated ability in applying innovative approaches to problem solving, through learning early and quickly and leveraging business partners.
• Construction Industry Knowledge: Broad understanding of product and service ecosystems, with insight into industry trends, regulatory shifts, and innovation strategies. Top candidates will have direct customer experience.
• Technology Expertise: Experience working with construction technology, including machine control and guidance, like Cat Grade as well as monitoring and management systems like VisionLink.
• Strategic Planning & Business Acumen: Skilled in aligning tactical plans with strategic goals, optimizing resource allocation, and communicating business impact through metrics and financial insight.
• Operational Excellence: Demonstrated ability to drive process improvements, implement lean principles, and leverage technology to enhance customer and dealer operations.
• Organizational Agility: Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, navigate ambiguity, and deliver results efficiently.

Additional Info:

• Office Model: This position requires the employee to work a 5-day-a-week schedule in the office.
• Travel: 10% domestic and international travel is expected.
• Relocation: Domestic relocation will be available to those who qualify.
• ISE: Not available.
• Visa Sponsorship: Not available.  

Summary Pay Range:

$126,000.00 - $189,000.00

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.

Relocation is available for this position.

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:

September 5, 2025 - September 19, 2025

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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