Entry Level Materials Science Engineer Jobs in Illinois

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.
2027 Engineering Rotational Development Program (ERDP) -
Materials Science Track
Start Your Career with Purpose
This pipeline posting is currently limited to candidates who have completed a Caterpillar Students & Graduates assignment (e.g., internship, co-op, student trainee) within the previous 24 months.
Are you ready to apply your engineering education to real-world challenges? Caterpillar's Engineering Rotational Development Program (ERDP) - Materials Track is designed for entry-level Materials Engineering professionals like you. Through rotational assignments, you'll continue developing your skills and knowledge-helping you achieve your career goals while contributing to Caterpillar's 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. It's more than just a job, it's a launchpad for your future as one of the world's 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. You'll 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 Caterpillar's 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

Program Qualifications

• Must have an ABET-accredited Bachelor's or Master's 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)

• Must have a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0/4.0 or higher (no rounding)

• Candidates with prior professional work experience must have 12 months or less of such experience, excluding internships

• 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

• This pipeline posting is currently limited to candidates who have completed a Caterpillar Students & Graduates assignment (e.g., internship, co-op, student trainee) within the previous 24 months

• Must attach your resume and an unofficial/official 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 opportunity-perfect 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

• 2027 available start dates - February 1, 2027; June 7, 2027; or July 12, 2027 (seats are limited for each start date)

Why Choose Caterpillar?
We're a value-driven company where you'll feel your work matters-whether you're optimizing machine performance, writing embedded code, or designing the next innovation in clean energy. You'll 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 application-including your junk/spam folder-as 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 www.caterpillar.com/careers. For more information, visit caterpillar.com. To connect with us on social media, visit caterpillar.com/social-media.
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
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:
July 1, 2026 - August 20, 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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