About the Role
The Engineering Rotational Development Program (ERDP) - Welding Track is all about developing the next generation of Welding Engineering leaders and technical experts. The purpose of the program is to build off your education, skills and experience to develop welding engineering talent through rotational assignments and learning opportunities so that you may not only fulfill your career goals but provide excellent service to Caterpillar and its customers.
What You Will Do
You will join the Manufacturing Technology and Solutions team for three, 12-month rotations in various Caterpillar facilities in the United States. This is an entry-level engineering position which supports building welding and materials joining technical abilities in roles including (but not limited to):
- Research and Development
- Facility Welding Engineering Support
- Product Development
- Analysis
- Automation
- Supplier Quality Support
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 welding and fabrication 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 Bachelors or higher in Welding Engineering, Mechanical Engineering with a welding emphasis, Metallurgical and/or Materials Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering with a welding emphasis, Welding and Fabrication Technology or Weld Fabrication Technology Management (selected candidates must obtain their degree before they start)
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0/4.0 or higher (unrounded)
- Willing to travel and relocate domestically
Top Candidates May Also Have
- Involvement with campus design/competition teams or related experience
- Project or team leadership experience
- Previous technical internship/co-op or relevant experience
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Hands-on experience or knowledge of welding processes
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
- Relocation is available to those who qualify
- Sponsorship is NOT available for this position.
- This is a Monday through Friday, in-person opportunity—perfect for building relationships, learning fast, and diving deep into your rotations
- 2026 available start dates – February 2, 2026; June 1, 2026; July 13, 2026; and August 3, 2026 (seats are limited for each start date)
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.
