Start Your Career with Purpose
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’ll continue 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’s more than just a job, it’s a launchpad for your future at one of the world’s leading manufacturers of construction and mining equipment.
What the Program Offers
As part of the ERDP, you’ll rotate through different teams and projects that match your skills, knowledge, and abilities. You’ll work 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: CFD [Computational Fluid Dynamics] (ANSYS), FEA [Finite Element Analysis], 3D modelling, autonomy sensor and photorealistic environment root cause investigation, system/subsystem/component design optimization, structural dynamics, development and optimization of engine, aftertreatment, battery, fuel cell, powertrain, machine system performance, and/or autonomy and multiple machine coordination.
- Test/Validation/Hands-on: Apply strong mechanical engineering understanding in a test/validation (hands-on) environment, troubleshooting issues, and collaborating with others for optimal results.
- Controls Development: Develop/implement control system algorithms using Matlab/Simulink for various control systems including, but not limited to, engine controllers, machine implement controllers, as well as powertrain controllers. Will be responsible for understanding the feature requirement, implementing it, as well as testing it prior to a production rollout.
- Electronic Components: Will be responsible for designing and testing various electronic control modules, as well as various electronic components. Will 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-core design and implementation, autonomy algorithms for perception, localization, planning, etc. 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 help validate fixes.
- Engineering Data Analytics: Ability to write and understand computer code, Python, analytics/data science experience, exposure to machine learning concepts/tools, engineering and statistics fundamentals.
- Process Engineering: Apply mechanical, manufacturing, systems and/or industrial engineering knowledge to analyze and optimize an engineering process or processes. Will have the opportunity to leverage problem-solving and communication skills.
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
- 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 desired objective or invention
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and quickly acquire and 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
- This position requires 12 months or less of professional experience in this field (excluding internships)
Program Qualifications
- ABET-accredited Bachelor’s or Master’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)
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0/4.0 or higher (unrounded)
- Willing to relocate and travel as needed
Top Candidates May Also Have
- Involvement with a campus design/competition team or related experience
- Project or team leadership experience
- Previous technical internship/co-op or relevant experience
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Intellectual curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to learn by doing
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
- Most positions are based in Peoria, Illinois, with limited availability in other United States’ locations
- This is a Monday through Friday, in-person opportunity—perfect for building relationships, learning fast, and diving deep into your rotations
- Sponsorship is NOT available for this position
- Relocation is available to those who qualify
- 2026 available start dates – February 2, 2026; June 1, 2026; July 13, 2026; and August 3, 2026 (seats are limited for each start date)
