Advanced Technology and Hydraulics Validation Engineering Manager

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.

Are you energized by the opportunity to lead product testing and validation at a world-class facility where Caterpillar develops cutting-edge technologies and solutions? If so, we invite you to consider an exceptional leadership role at the Peoria Proving Ground (PPG) within the Earthmoving Division (EMD) as the Advanced Technology and Hydraulics Validation Engineering Manager.

In this pivotal position, you will lead a team responsible for the development, testing, and validation of advanced technologies - including telematics, remote services, safety systems, and autonomy - serving as a key extension of the Cat Technology and Cat Digital teams. You will also oversee validation efforts for hydraulic systems across many of Caterpillar’s core products.

As a member of the PPG site leadership team, you’ll help shape facility-specific strategies and drive critical initiatives. This role offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on our people, our products, and the communities we serve.

You’ll deepen your expertise in product development, operations, and technology while growing your leadership capabilities in a collaborative, supportive environment. Reporting directly to the Facility Manager, you’ll engage with stakeholders across all levels of the business and play a vital role in ensuring the safety and operational excellence of our site.

At Caterpillar, our success is built on the strength of our people. If you're ready to help us deliver innovative products and services with world-class quality, we encourage you to apply and become part of our dynamic team.

What You Will Do:

• Lead a High-Performing Team: Manage a multidisciplinary testing team (10–20 headcount), focusing on staffing, talent development, and performance management to build future technical and project leaders.
• Drive Validation Execution: Oversee the development and execution of test plans in collaboration with Cat Technology, Cat Digital, Prime Product Machine groups, and other validation sites. Ensure thorough validation across customer experience, product functionality, and regulatory compliance.
• Provide Technical Oversight: Offer expert guidance in testing advanced technologies and hydraulic systems to ensure high-quality products that meet engineering standards and deliver positive customer experience.
• Manage Programs and Budgets: Own short- and long-term validation programs, aligning with strategic goals for on-time delivery, budget adherence (typically $10–15M), and quality outcomes.
• Foster Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with design, technology, software, and quality teams to integrate testing insights and drive continuous improvement through data-driven decision-making.
• Champion Facility Improvements: Lead initiatives focused on safety, compliance, operational efficiency, and capital projects to enhance the Peoria Proving Ground.
• Support Product Groups: Collaborate with Cat Technology, Cat Digital, and PPG Machine teams to support special events, demonstrations, and resolve program, product, and process challenges.

What You Have (Basic Qualifications):

• Degree/Experience: 4-year engineering degree. Deep expertise in engineering.

Required Skill Set for Engineering Manager:

• Safety Focus:
  • Safety Driven: Prioritizes safety in all decision-making.
  • Compliance: Ensures adherence to safety regulations and standards.
  • Culture: Promotes a culture of safety and encourages team members to speak up.
• Leadership and Management:
  • Team Leadership: Leads and motivates cross-functional teams.
  • Conflict Resolution: Manages and resolves interpersonal conflicts effectively.
  • Performance Management: Reviews and provides feedback on employee performance regularly.
  • Growth Mindset: Embraces new ideas, drives change, encourages continuous learning, and challenges the status quo.
• Communication and Collaboration:
  • Big Picture View: Actively supports successful outcomes for all facility participants, including engineering, operations, and facilities.
  • Effective Communication: Clearly and persuasively communicates complex ideas. Skilled in change management, helping lead new initiatives.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Engages with internal and external stakeholders to achieve goals. This includes regularly working with Chief Engineers and Tech Managers, as well as supporting reviews with VPs and SVPs.
  • Global Collaboration: Collaborates effectively with diverse teams using a collaborative leadership style.
• Organizational Skills:
  • Highly Organized: Manages multiple activities efficiently.
  • Ambiguity Management: Handles ambiguous situations and provides clarity.
  • Task Prioritization: Prioritizes tasks and manages time effectively.

• Product Development Experience:
  • NPI Knowledge: Understands New Product Introduction processes.
  • Lifecycle Experience: Experienced in product development lifecycle.
  • Project Management: Manages product development projects effectively.

Top Candidates Will Have:

• Technical Proficiency:
  • Technology Solutions: Experience with developing and implementing technology solutions.
  • Software Proficiency: Proficient product SW technical architecture and systems.
  • Hydraulic Systems: Advanced hydraulic systems design, test, and support.
• Business Acumen:
  • Business Metrics: Understands and applies business metrics and financial impacts. Be able to accurately track and report on results.
  • Strategic Alignment: Aligns operations with business goals.
  • Financial Communication: Communicates the financial relevance of work to partners.
• Strategic Planning:
  • Tactical Planning: Develops and refines short-term and tactical plans.
  • Strategic Alignment: Ensures alignment of tactical plans with strategic goals.
  • Resource Planning: Plans resource allocation in line with strategic objectives.
• Operational Efficiency:
  • Process Improvement: Enhances operational processes through strategic initiatives.
  • Resource Allocation: Allocates resources efficiently to meet objectives.
  • Operational Experience: Applies lean principles, with a preference for customer or dealer operations experience.

Additional Info:

• Office Model: This position requires the employee to work a 5-day-a-week schedule in the office.
• Travel: <10% domestic and international travel is expected.
• Relocation: Domestic relocation will be available to those who qualify.
• ISE: Not available.
• Visa Sponsorship: Not available.

Summary Pay Range:

$144,960.00 - $217,320.00

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. 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.

Posting Dates:

September 9, 2025 - September 30, 2025

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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