Entry Level Caterpillar Proving Grounds Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Career Area:
Engineering
Job Description:
Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.
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Role Definition
Caterpillar is seeking a Senior Associate Engineer to join the Construction Industries Transmission Development team within the Drivetrain Control Systems & Validation organization. This role is located at the Peoria Proving Ground and provides onsite test, validation, and calibration support for transmission and torque converter control systems used in cycling and drawbar applications.
The successful candidate will operate Caterpillar equipment, acquire and analyze machine data, support control software calibration, and document results and recommendations. This position offers the opportunity to directly impact machine performance, durability, and reliability across a variety of drivetrain programs while working closely with design, systems integration, facility operations, software, and validation engineers.
What you will do

• Operate Caterpillar equipment as a test and validation engineer to challenge drivetrain systems, develop robust calibration solutions, and identify durability and reliability concerns.
• Plan and execute on-machine tests to optimize transmission control systems and calibrations in Proving Ground and other field environments.
• Support control software calibration, component inspections, instrumentation setup, data collection, and documentation of results and recommendations.
• Become proficient in the tools and processes used to calibrate transmission control systems and acquire data from machine applications.
• Analyze test data to evaluate system performance, support root cause investigation, and recommend practical solutions for drivetrain controls issues.
• Work with design, systems integration, facility operations, software, and validation engineers to develop and optimize hardware and controls for powershift transmissions.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of test methods, calibration practices, documentation quality, and validation processes.

Degree Requirement
Bachelor's degree in an accredited Engineering curriculum, preferably:

• Electrical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Mechatronics Engineering
• Computer Engineering
• Ag Engineering

What you must have (skills)

• Engineering Fundamentals: Bachelor's degree in an accredited Engineering curriculum and the ability to apply engineering principles to drivetrain controls, machine performance, and validation activities.
• Drivetrain or Engine Development Experience: Previous experience with powershift transmission, torque converter, drivetrain, or engine design, development, test, or validation work.
• Controls and Software Tools: Experience with control system software development, calibration, data acquisition, or machine test tools and processes.
• Data Analysis: Ability to collect, interpret, and summarize test data to support calibration decisions, issue resolution, and engineering recommendations.
• Communication and Teamwork: Strong oral and written communication skills with the ability to work effectively in cross-functional engineering, shop, lab, and field environments.
• Machine and Field Test Aptitude: Desire and ability to work with machines in field, shop, and lab environments and become capable of operating machines independently with appropriate training.
• Travel: Ability to travel up to 20% of the time.

Top Candidates will also have

• Master's degree in Engineering.
• Experience in the design, development, calibration, or validation of powershift transmissions or drivetrain control systems.
• Lab, machine test, field test, or simulation experience.
• Experience using DATK, ATI Vision, CANape, or similar data acquisition, calibration, and analysis tools.
• Understanding of control systems theory.
• Experience with FMEA, DVP&R, or proactive reliability processes.

Additional Information

• This posting will close on 8/19/2026 at 11:59 p.m.
• The location for this position will be both Mossville, IL (Technical Center Building G) and Washington, IL (Peoria Proving Grounds) and requires the employee to work a 5-day-a-week schedule onsite between the two sites.
• Relocation assistance is available for this position.
• Sponsorship is NOT available.
• This position may require up to 20% travel.

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.
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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.
Relocation is available for this position.
Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.
Posting Dates:
August 17, 2026 - August 19, 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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