Entry Level Product Development Engineer Jobs in Champaign, IL

Career Area:

Students and Graduates

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

The Parallel Co-op Program is continuous employment for engineering/technology/computer science students focused on product development at Caterpillar. This is an early talent pipeline with the intent to find and develop the best talent. We strive to provide you with interesting work & mentoring throughout the year, while you provide Caterpillar with some additional resources to complete valuable tasks at hand. Caterpillar pairs you with product development work teams on an annual basis, so you have the opportunity to work full-time in-person with the team during the summer and then work part-time throughout the school year.

Parallel Co-Op Engineers work alongside engineering teams to complete design & simulation tasks in support of Caterpillar product development in the following areas:

• Product Design: Engineer components & systems for Caterpillar products to meet our customers' needs. Deliver solutions by leading collaboration with cross functional teams throughout our value chain starting from the initial concept through production.
• Simulation/Performance Analysis: CFD - Computational Fluid Dynamics (ANSYS), FEA - Finite Element Analysis, 3D modelling, root cause investigation; system/subsystem/component design optimization, structural dynamics, development and optimization of Engine, Aftertreatment, Battery, Fuel Cell, Powertrain, and/or Machine System performance.
• Test/Validation/Hands on: Apply strong mechanical engineering understanding in a test/validation (hands-on) environment, troubleshooting issues, and collaborating with others for optimal results.
• Controls Development: Develop/Implement control system algorithms using Matlab/Simulink for various control systems including but not limited to engine controllers, machine implement controllers as well as powertrain controllers. Will be responsible for understanding the feature requirement, implementing it as well as testing it prior to a production roll out.
• Electronic Components: Will be responsible for designing and testing various electronic control modules as well as various electronic components. Will work with various internal Caterpillar clients to understand controller/component requirements, work with suppliers on design and validation of the components, as well as testing the components in various environments. Other duties may include design of Printed Circuit Board schematics as well as perform digital/analog/power circuit analysis and testing, and ensuring that FMEAs [Failure Mode and Effects Analysis] are conducted and documented to meet stringent Caterpillar quality requirements
• Embedded Software Development: Develop embedded software in C, C# and/or C++ for various electronic control modules. Some examples of embedded software development applications include Datalink communications, Inputs and Outputs [Sensors and actuators], speed calculation, Injection/spark timing, memory management, CPU optimization, multi core design and implementation etc. In addition, some areas of work include developing scripts in Python/Visual Basic for automation.
• Software Validation/Verification for Electronic Systems: Verify functionality of a feature or control system algorithm on a HIL [Hardware in the Loop] simulator bench or a SIL [Software in the loop] system. Understand requirements of the feature and/or the schematics of the controller/control system, verify functionality and debug/report anomalies to the development team and help validate fixes.
• Engineering Data Analytics: Ability to write and understand computer code; Python; analytics/data science experience; exposure to machine learning concepts/tools; engineering and statistics fundamentals.
• Process Engineering: Process Engineering: Apply mechanical, manufacturing, systems and/or industrial engineering knowledge to analyze and optimize an engineering process or processes. Will have the opportunity to leverage problem-solving and communication skills.

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

Co-Op Program Qualifications:

• Must be enrolled full-time in a 4-year university/college pursuing an ABET accredited degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Computer, Agricultural or Aerospace Engineering or Engineering Technology at the time of application and throughout the program.
• Minimum 3.0/4.0 Cumulative Grade Point Average (no rounding) at current institution

Top candidates will also have:

• Management experience
• Previous technical internship, co-op, or research/relevant experience
• Current intern or trainee at Caterpillar

Additional Information:

• Please attach your resume and an unofficial copy of your transcript to your application.
• This is a part-time, temporary position.
• Sponsorship is NOT available
• Locations include the Peoria, Illinois area, Champaign and Decatur, Illinois, West Lafayette/Lafayette, Indiana and Tucson, Arizona
• During the summer, this position requires working onsite five days a week at the assigned location.
• During the school year this position requires students attending University of Illinois, Purdue University, & The Ohio State University to work at the local campus office on days they work.

Summary Pay Range:

$25.00 - $43.00*

• Hourly Rate is based on the major/degree being pursued and the number of completed academic hours achieved prior to the start of the Co-op.

Co-op Benefits:

The total rewards package, beyond the base salary includes:

• Paid holidays
• Accrued Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Volunteer Day
• Housing Stipend and Relocation Assistance (if eligible)
• Optional medical coverage
• Optional voluntary benefits

Besides exciting work, Corporate Interns will experience:

• Comprehensive internship orientation
• Tours of state-of-the-art manufacturing and research facilities
• Product Demonstration
• Mentorship Programs
• Various social events
• Networking with leadership
• Business skill building
• Career discussion with leaders and experts

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.

For more information, visit caterpillar.com. To connect with us on social media, visit caterpillar.com/social-media.

Summary Pay Range:

$25.00 - $43.00

Intern Hourly Rate:

An intern's hourly rate is based on the major/degree being pursued and the number of completed academic hours achieved before the start of the internship.

Intern Benefits:

The total rewards package, beyond base salary, may include if eligible:

• Accrued Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Volunteer Day
• Housing Stipend
• Relocation Assistance
• Medical coverage
• Voluntary benefits

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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