Mechanical Engineering Internship Jobs in Normal, 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

Caterpillar's Procurement team manages the purchasing of materials that go into more than 300 product lines, ranging from construction and mining equipment to diesel and natural gas engines and industrial turbines. We also purchase materials and services needed to operate our business such as office supplies, perishable tooling, IT hardware and software and more.

As a Procurement intern, you will have the opportunity to work on and provide leadership on many exciting projects such as developing and implementing global sourcing strategies, interfacing with product supply and category teams to deliver cost savings and gathering and analyzing data for supplier negotiations. Our professionals work closely with our internal customers around the world to ensure we meet their quality, cost, and delivery objectives.

What You Will Do

You'll join a team with diverse project responsibilities and have valuable networking opportunities with all levels of Caterpillar employees. The internship is a 40-hour-per-week assignment lasting 12 weeks. You can focus on building professional abilities in roles 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

Internship Program Qualifications:

• Must be enrolled in a full-time at a 4-year accredited university/college in one of the following fields of study: Business, Industrial/Electrical/Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Operations, or Supply Chain Management at the time of application and throughout the program.
• Must have 30 completed semester hours before the start of the internship.

If a transfer student must have 12 semester hours completed at a 4-year university

• Minimum 2.8/4.0 Cumulative Grade Point Average (no rounding) at current institution
• Must be able to relocate to Peoria, IL area or indicated work location for the duration of the internship and complete daily work commute using reliable transportation.

Top candidates will also have:

• Involvement with an academic campus teams or related experience
• Project or Team Leadership experience
• Previous business or 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.
• Sponsorship is NOT available for this position.
• Procurement internship positions will be in the Peoria, Illinois area.
• 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.

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

Summary Pay Range:

$22.50 - $40.25

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

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 .