Engineering Development Program Jobs in Illinois

Career Area:

Procurement

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.

About the Role

Caterpillar's Procurement Leadership and Technical Development Program (LTDP) is a three-year rotational program designed to accelerate development of entry-level talent and provide a solid foundation for meeting challenges within the Procurement function of Supply Chain. Being part of the LTDP team offers you a broad exposure to Caterpillar, presents diverse project responsibilities, engages you in a global team, provides cross-functional job experiences and includes valuable networking opportunities with all levels of Caterpillar leadership. This program provides the foundation for future success of Caterpillar's procurement specialists and technical professionals.

Caterpillar's Procurement Track is focused on building technical capabilities for managing Caterpillar's Supplier Relationship Management, Supply Chain Integration and Procurement functions. This opportunity advances your development and training with a focus on the technical aspect of procurement, manufacturing, quality, supplier management and operations supervision. At the successful completion of the three-year program, procurement professionals are placed into permanent positions within the Procurement function at Caterpillar Inc.

What You Will Do

Professionals within the program will complete three 12-month rotations, which are defined based on business needs. You must be willing to travel and relocate to any participating facility in North America upon hire and throughout each rotation while in the program. You'll join a team with diverse project responsibilities and have experiences including (but not limited to):

• Category Buyer: Responsible and accountable for directing the development, and/or communication and implementation of a site, regional, or worldwide sourcing strategy. Responsible for managing policies, agreements, source catalogs, and special purchasing programs, and supporting specific Product line(s) NPI programs.
• Facility Procurement Professional: Manages supply network procurement related activities for a facility to deliver procurement excellence and integration between Procurement organization and the team supporting Facility / Divisional Leaders.
• Supplier Development Engineer: Responsible for collaboration and advisement for assigned supply base to provide technical expertise and leadership in the execution of a robust quality plan within the supplier network.
• Procurement Professional: Analyzes and maintains assigned processes that produce output excellence, builds expertise for the assigned process area, and contributing to continuous improvement efforts. Leads project management of process improvement, process development, and process execution for Procurement team.

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, problem-solving, and critical thinking capabilities
• Ability to work with others of diverse cultures, interpersonal styles, and abilities in a constructive and collaborative manner.
• Fundamental understanding of business process designs, engineering for a manufacturing environment, supplier relationship management concepts, and logistics and supply chain management
• Organize and manage multiple projects simultaneously, ability to quickly gain and effectively apply new skills & knowledge
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Participate in and build on our inclusive, constructive, and productive work environment
• Ensure all team member's contributions are recognized and values

Program Qualifications:

• Completed degree from a university/college by the start of the program in Business/Supply Chain Management, Industrial/Electrical/Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Operations, or other relevant supply chain degrees.
• Minimum cumulative Grade Point Average of 2.8/4.0 (no rounding) at current institution
• Must be willing to travel and relocate domestically based upon business needs for each rotation and for post-program assignment
• Program Start Date: June 2027

Top candidates will also have:

• 0-2 years of relevant manufacturing or supply chain/logistics experience, which may include internships or academic projects
• Project or Team Leadership experience
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ideal for those building foundational skills in procurement including supplier relationship management, supply chain integration and manufacturing operations, generally within the first 0-2 years of their career

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 that qualify.
• Sponsorship is NOT available for this position.
• Most of these positions will be in the Peoria, Illinois area, with a few positions in other areas.
• This position requires working onsite five days a week.

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.

Summary Pay Range:

$81,370.00 - $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

Posting Dates:

June 30, 2026 - December 30, 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 .