Engineering Rotational Program - Product Development

2027 Engineering Rotational Development Program(ERDP)-
Product Development 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 previous24 months.

Are you ready to apply your engineering education to real-world challenges? Caterpillar’s Engineering Rotational Development Program (ERDP) is designed for entry-level professionals like you. Through rotational assignments,you’llcontinue 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 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.

This 12-to 18-month program provides practical experience across multiple engineering teams and technologies.It’smore than just ajob,it’sa launchpad for your futureatone of the world’s leading manufacturers of construction and mining equipment.

What the Program Offers

As part of the ERDP,you’llrotate through different teams and projects that match your skills, knowledge, and abilities.You’llwork on meaningful projects, connect with mentors, and get exposure to various areas of the company. Here are just a few paths you might explore:

• Product Design:Design components and systems for Caterpillar products to meet customer needs. Collaborate with cross-functional teams throughout the value chain—from concept to production—to deliver effective solutions.

• Simulation/Performance Analysis:Conduct analysessuch asCFD [Computational Fluid Dynamics] (ANSYS), FEA [Finite Element Analysis], 3D modelling, system/subsystem/component design optimization, structural dynamics, development and optimization of engine, aftertreatment, battery, fuel cell, powertrain,and/ormachine system performance.

• Test/Validation/Hands-on:Apply strong mechanical engineering understanding in a test/validation (hands-on) environment, troubleshooting issues, and collaborating with others foroptimalresults.

• Controls Development:Develop/implement control system algorithms usingMatlab/Simulink for various control systems including, but not limited to, engine controllers, machine implement controllers, as well as powertrain controllers. Willbe responsible forunderstanding the feature requirement, implementing it, as well as testing it prior to a production rollout.

• Electronic Components:Design and testvarious electronic control modules, as well as various electronic components.Work with various internal Caterpillar clients to understand controller/component requirements, help design PCB [Printed Circuit Board] layouts, as well as perform digital/analog/power circuit analysis and testing. Other duties may include working with suppliers, testing the controllers/components in various environments, 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-coredesignand implementation. 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 the requirements of the feature and/or the schematics of the controller/control system, verify functionality and debug/report anomalies to the development team, and helpvalidatefixes.

• Engineering Data Analytics:Write and understand computer code, Python, analytics/data science experience,applymachine learning concepts/tools,engineeringand statistics fundamentals.

• Process Engineering:Apply mechanical, manufacturing,systemsand/or industrial engineering knowledge to analyze andoptimizean engineering processor processes.Leverage problem-solving and communication skills.

What You Have – Skills and Experiences

In this role, you will have the opportunity tocontributeyour unique skills and experiences. Below are some of the most critical skills:

• Analytical skills,initiatingideas, 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 desiredobjectiveor invention

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and quicklyacquireand 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 anABET-accredited Bachelor’s orMaster’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Computer, Agricultural, or Aerospace Engineering; Engineering Technology; or a related technical discipline (selected candidates must obtain their degree before they start)

• Must have aminimumcumulativegrade 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 torelocateand travel as needed

Top Candidates May Also Have

• Involvement with a campus design/competition team or related experience

• Project or team leadership experience

• Previoustechnical internship/co-op or relevant experience

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

• Intellectual curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to learn by doing

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 previous24 months

• Mustattach your resume and an unofficial/officialcopy of your transcript to your application

• Applicants will be considered for positions throughout the United States

• Most positions are based inPeoria, Illinois, with limited availability in other United States’ locations

• This is aMonday through Friday, in-person opportunity—perfect for building relationships, learning fast, and diving deep into your rotations

• Sponsorship isNOTavailable for this position

• Relocation is available to those who qualify

• 2027 available start dates– February 1, 2027; June 7, 2027; July 12, 2027;orAugust 2, 2027 (seats are limited for each start date)

Why Choose Caterpillar?

We’reavalues-driven company whereyou’llfeel your work matters—whetheryou’reoptimizing machine performance, writing embedded code, or designing the next innovation in clean energy.You’llgain 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 explore our direct hire positions atwww.caterpillar.com/careers. For more information, visit caterpillar.com. To connect with us on social media, visit caterpillar.com/social-media.