2026 Engineering Rotational Development Program- Metallurgical Engineering
2026 Engineering Rotational Development Program- Metallurgical 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.
About the Role
The Engineering Rotational Development Program (ERDP)- Materials Track is all about developing the next generation of Materials Engineering leaders and technical experts. The purpose of the program is to build off of your previous education and experience to develop materials engineering talent through rotational assignments and learning opportunities so that you may not only fulfill your career goals but provide excellent service to Caterpillar and its customers. Our program enhances the experience of engineering graduates transitioning from student to full-time engineer.
What You Will Do
You will join the Advanced Materials Technology organization and undertake three 12-month assignments located primarily in the midwestern United States. This is an entry level engineering position supporting the global enterprise with a focus on building technical abilities in roles including (but not limited to):
- 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 levels 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 experiences.
- Fundamental understanding of engineering for a manufacturing environment ability to design and implement materials structures machines devices systems and processes that safely realize a desired objective or invention.
- Organize and manage multiple projects simultaneously ability to quickly gain and effectively apply new skills & knowledge.
- Success in collaborating 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.
Degree Requirements:
- Currently pursuing an ABET accredited Bachelors degree or higher in a Materials Engineering discipline (e.g. Metallurgical Engineering Ceramic Engineering Mat Sci & Eng etc.) at the time of applying. Selected candidates must obtain their degree before they start.
- A Mechanical Engineering degree with a minor in Materials Engineering may be considered.
- 2026 available start dates February 2nd 2026 June 2nd 2026 July 13th 2026 and August 3rd 2026. Seats are limited for each start date.
Other Requirements:
- Minimum cumulative Grade Point Average of 3.0/4.0 (no rounding) at current institution
- Must be willing to travel and relocate domestically.
Top candidates will also have:
- Involvement with a campus design/competition teams 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.
- Relocation is available to those who qualify
- Sponsorship is NOT available for this position.
- Most positions will be in the central Illinois area with a small possibility of positions in other locations.
- This position requires the candidate to work a 5-day-a-week schedule in the office.
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.
Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.
Recent graduates should 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
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:July 1 2025 - March 31 2026Any 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.
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Employment Type
Full-Time
