2026 Engineering Rotational Development Program- Materials Engineering
2026 Engineering Rotational Development Program- Materials Engineering
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Job Description
Career Area:
EngineeringJob Description:
Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.
When you join Caterpillar yourejoining 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 dontjust 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.
Start Your Career with Purpose
Are you ready to apply your engineering education to real-world challenges Caterpillars Engineering Rotational Development Program (ERDP) - Materials Track is designed for entry-level Materials Engineering professionals like you. Through rotational assignments youll continue developing your skills and knowledgehelping you achieve your career goals while contributing to Caterpillars mission of delivering exceptional products services and technologies to our customers. Our Engineering Rotational Development Program - Materials Track is an entry-level program designed to build employees skill sets within the discipline and continue growth even after the successful completion of the program. Its more than just a job its a launchpad for your future as one of the worlds leading manufacturers of construction and mining equipment.
What the Program Offers
As part of the ERDP - Materials track you will join the Advanced Materials Technology organization and rotate through three 12-month assignments located primarily in the midwestern United States. Youll work on meaningful projects and connect with mentors supporting the global enterprise with a focus on building technical abilities. Here are just a few paths you might explore:
- Ferrous Metallurgy: deepen your understanding of wrought steels and ferrous castings through hands-on assignments in the foundry traveling to our extensive supply base or using advanced equipment in a lab setting
- Failure Analysis: tackle urgent issues impacting our customers by developing your metallography fractography and microscopy skills under the guidance and mentoring of veteran experts
- Quality Engineering: work in a Caterpillar factory environment where you will learn to apply materials engineering inspection methods and problem-solving techniques to deliver our products to customers at the quality level they expect
- Heat Treat Engineering: gain hands-on experience with heat treat production operations including recipe development quality control efficiency improvements and capital projects
- Product Development: provide materials engineering support to design engineers developing our next generation of products while you develop a broader knowledge of Caterpillars applications and markets
What You Have Skills and Experiences
In this role you will have the opportunity to contribute your unique skills and experiences. Below are some of the most critical skills:
- Analytical skills initiating ideas troubleshooting root cause analysis problem-solving and critical thinking capabilities
- Knowledge of engineering principles theory and engineering experience gained through projects internships and/or relevant work experience
- Fundamental understanding of engineering for a manufacturing environment and the ability to design and implement materials structures machines devices systems and processes that safely realize a desired objective or invention
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and quickly acquire and apply new skills and knowledge
- Collaborate with others of diverse cultures interpersonal styles and abilities
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Participate in and build on our inclusive constructive and productive work environment
- Ensure all team members contributions are recognized and valued
- This position requires 12 months or less of professional experience in this field (excluding internships)
Program Qualifications
- ABET-accredited Bachelors or Masters degree in Materials Engineering discipline (e.g. Metallurgical Engineering Ceramic Engineering Mat Sci & Eng etc.); a Mechanical Engineering degree with a minor in Materials Engineering may be considered (selected candidates must obtain their degree before they start)
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0/4.0 or higher (unrounded)
- Willing to relocate and travel as needed
Top Candidates May Also Have
- Involvement with a campus design/competition team or related experience
- Project or team leadership experience
- Previous technical internship/co-op or relevant experience
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Additional Information
- Please attach your resume and an unofficial copy of your transcript to your application
- Applicants will be considered for positions throughout the United States
- Most positions are based in Peoria Illinois with limited availability in other United States locations
- This is a Monday through Friday in-person opportunityperfect for building relationships learning fast and diving deep into your rotations
- Sponsorship is NOT available for this position
- Relocation is available to those who qualify
- 2026 available start dates February 2 2026 and June 1 2026 (seats are limited for each start date)
Why Choose Caterpillar
Were a values-driven company where youll feel your work matterswhether youre optimizing machine performance writing embedded code or designing the next innovation in clean energy. Youll gain access to top-tier mentorship technical resources and real ownership of your work from day one.
Final Details
Please regularly check the email associated with your applicationincluding your junk/spam folderas this will be our primary method of communication. To check the status of your application please visit our career website using the candidate login as it will reflect any updates to your status.
Interested applicants should also explore our direct hire positions at For more information visit . To connect with us on social media visit Pay Range:
$79800.00 - $131280.00Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors job level market locationjob-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 Dates:August 22 2025 - December 30 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.
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Employment Type
Full-Time
