What the Program Offers

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As part of the ERDP - Materials track, you will join the Advanced Materials Technology organization and rotate through three, 12-month assignments located primarily in the midwestern United States. You’ll work on meaningful projects and connect with mentors supporting the global enterprise with a focus on building technical abilities. Here are just a few paths you might explore:

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• Ferrous Metallurgy: deepen your understanding of wrought steels and ferrous castings through hands-on assignments in the foundry, traveling to our extensive supply base, or using advanced equipment in a lab setting
• Failure Analysis: tackle urgent issues impacting our customers by developing your metallography, fractography, and microscopy skills under the guidance and mentoring of veteran experts
• Quality Engineering: work in a Caterpillar factory environment where you will learn to apply materials engineering inspection methods and problem-solving techniques to deliver our products to customers at the quality level they expect
• Heat Treat Engineering: gain hands-on experience with heat treat production operations, including recipe development, quality control, efficiency improvements, and capital projects
• Product Development: provide materials engineering support to design engineers developing our next generation of products while you develop a broader knowledge of Caterpillar’s applications and markets

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What You Have – Skills and Experiences

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

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• 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)

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Program Qualifications

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• ABET-accredited Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Materials Engineering discipline (e.g. Metallurgical Engineering, Ceramic Engineering, Mat Sci & Eng, etc.); a Mechanical Engineering degree with a minor in Materials Engineering may be considered (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

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Top Candidates May Also Have

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• 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

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Additional Information

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• 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, and June 1, 2026 (seats are limited for each start date)

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