Research Intern Jobs in Sullivan, IL (NOW HIRING)

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.
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 Manufacturing and Supply Chain Intern program seeks students currently enrolled in a four-year university to work alongside manufacturing professionals to learn and apply themselves to project work within their teams.
Interns will have assignments that provide them with experience and significant learning opportunities. In addition to this work, Interns can network with management throughout the company to learn about Caterpillar areas outside their assigned team. Students can deepen their business skills in their assignments through team and business partner interactions, develop their skills, conduct presentations, and measure their success through the performance and evaluation process.
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'll join a team with diverse project responsibilities and have experiences including (but not limited to):

• Manufacturing Engineering : Responsible and accountable for enhancements and modifications to equipment and processes in our facilities, monitoring equipment and process reliability, identifying and addressing problem areas and providing engineering support on equipment, processes, or facilities

• Quality: Analyzing non-conformance data and maintaining quality system documentation. Participating in and offering technical support to internal and external audits; following up response of corrective action from audit. Interacting with manufacturing team members to determine the root cause of quality issues and ensure that corrective and preventive action is implemented.

• Automation: Collecting and researching data on customer experience with robotic platforms. Documenting architecture specifications, software design description, verification plans, test cases, operating procedures, and safety procedures. Utilizing appropriate tools to debug, test and maintain software and hardware systems of robotic tools; assisting in the verification and validation process. Participating in design and development of application software and algorithms for robotic platforms.

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

• 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

• Participate in and build on our inclusive, constructive, and productive work environment

• Ensure all team members' contributions are recognized and valued

Internship Program Qualifications:

• Must be enrolled full-time in a 4-year university/college in one of the following degree programs: Engineering, Engineering Management/Technology, Industrial Distribution/Technology, Automation Engineering Technology, Mechatronics, Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or other relevant degrees 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 indicated work location for the duration of the internship and complete daily work commute using reliable transportation.

Top candidates can also have:

• Project or Team Leadership experience

• Previous internship, co-op, or research/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.

• Relocation is available to those that qualify

• This position requires working onsite five days a week.

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.
Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position. This employer is not currently hiring foreign national applicants that require or will require sponsorship tied to a specific employer, such as, H, L, TN, F, J, E, O. As a global company, Caterpillar offers many job opportunities outside of the U.S which can be found through our employment website at www.caterpillar.com/careers.
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

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 - February 28, 2027
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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