Development & Research Senior Engineer

Career Area:

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.

Development & Research Senior Engineer

Your Work Shapes the World 

Whether it is groundbreaking products, best in class solutions or creating a lifelong career, you can do the work that matters at Caterpillar. With 100 years of legacy of quality and innovation and 150 locations in countries around the world, your impact spans the globe.  When you join Caterpillar, you are joining a team of makers, innovators, and doers. We are the people who roll up our sleeves and do the work to build a better world. We don’t just talk about progress and innovation. We make it happen. And we are proud of that, because it helps our customers build and power the world we live in – the roads, hospitals, homes, and infrastructure. Without a dedicated workforce, Caterpillar could not effectively meet our customers’ needs.  Join us. 

Role Description:

The position is in the Advanced Materials Technology (AMT) Development Team located on Caterpillar’s Technical Center campus in Mossville, IL. This position is responsible for leading tribology R&D programs, including tribological testing of materials, support for lubricant development, and the introduction of new technologies for heavy machinery components used in engines and drivetrains. Primary responsibilities include designing tribology test protocols, collaborating with engineers, technicians, and cross‑functional partners to support material development, validation, and failure analysis activities.

What you will do:

• Conduct laboratory investigations on friction, wear, and lubrication performance, and interpret tribological data to provide recommendations on design, materials selection, and surface engineering solutions.
• Scope and execute tribology research programs, including defining success criteria with internal clients, managing project schedules and budgets, communicating with stakeholders and suppliers, and meeting committed project deliverables
• Develop and execute rapid validation test methods to reduce validation timelines and costs while improving component durability and reliability
• Provide engineering technical support and resolve issues related to tribology and surface metrology
• Maintain deep expertise in tribology testing, surface metrology, and data analysis

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Engineering, or related field.

Skills you will have:  

• Analytical Thinking: Working knowledge of techniques and tools that promote effective analysis; ability to determine the root cause of organizational problems and create alternative solutions that resolve these problems.
• Decision Making and Critical Thinking: Working knowledge of the decision-making process and associated tools and techniques; ability to accurately analyze situations and reach productive decisions based on informed judgment.
• Effective Communications: Extensive knowledge and understanding of effective communication concepts, tools and techniques; ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through the application of appropriate communication behaviors.
• Technical Excellence: Working knowledge of a given technology and various application methods; ability to develop and provide solutions to significant technical challenges.
• Product Testing: Extensive experience and knowledge of product testing approaches, techniques and tools; ability to design, plan and execute testing strategies and tactics to ensure product quality at all stages of manufacturing.
• Troubleshooting Technical Problems: Working knowledge of troubleshooting approaches, tools and techniques; ability to anticipate, detect and resolve technical problems in a manufacturing or product development environment.

Top candidates will possess:

• M.S or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Engineering, or related fields preferred
• Prior tribological testing experience
• Powertrain system testing experience
• Surface metrology expertise
• Technical