Test & Validation Engineer - Building Construction Products

Caterpillar · Clayton · $97,530–$146,290 (stated in the posting)

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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.

Role Summary

Caterpillar Inc. is seeking a Machine Test & Development (T&D) Engineer to join the Building Construction Products (BCP) Product Development–West Test Team in Clayton, North Carolina. This is a hands-on engineering role, with approximately 50–60% of your time spent in shops and test fields. You will work with advanced technologies across multiple product lines, machine systems, components, and software, helping bring machines from initial concept through delivery to customers.

As a member of the BCP PD–West Test Team, you will partner with technicians, operators, design engineers, and validation engineers to execute New Product Introduction (NPI) and Continuous Product Improvement (CPI) programs across our Clayton Machine Development Center (CMDC) and Sanford Machine Development Center (SMDC) test sites. You will support the testing and development of current and future BCP products, including loaders, excavators, telehandlers, tractors, and work tools.

In this role, you will deliver high-quality, hands-on testing that develops machine designs and concepts and validates performance, safety, quality, reliability, and customer requirements. You will own the full test cycle—from planning and preparation through safe execution, data analysis, and clear, actionable recommendations. Success in this role requires proactive client communication, flexibility as priorities shift, timely and well-organized documentation, and consistent data practices.

What You Will Do

• Partner with design and validation engineers during pre-test planning to define objectives, methods, deliverables, roles, and acceptance criteria.
• Build practical test plans that address schedule, machine readiness, instrumentation and data collection, applications, operations, risks, and support needs.
• Apply standard test procedures, improve existing methods, and document new methods as needed.
• Coordinate with support teams to prepare test machines, instrumentation, test fields, facilities, and support equipment.
• Safely conduct tests, evaluations, and development activities on prototype and production machines in shop and field environments, including machine operation, instrumentation installation and verification, and use of basic hand tools.
• Verify data quality during testing, troubleshoot issues quickly, and document any changes to test scope, channels, run lists, or methods.
• Analyze time-series and frequency data using industry-standard and proprietary software to develop clear conclusions and actionable product recommendations.
• Keep internal clients informed throughout planning, execution, analysis, and report-out, escalating risks, failures, delays, or unmet objectives early.
• Deliver clear, accurate, and timely test reports, completing documentation before moving on to new assignments whenever practical.
• Maintain consistent data naming, file organization, archiving, and traceability so results can be easily reused and analyzed.
• Share lessons learned and collaborate across CMDC and SMDC to standardize best practices.
• Lead or support continuous improvement efforts that strengthen safety, quality, client value, efficiency, capability, and consistency across the BCP PD–West Test Team.

What You Will Have

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in engineering, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience in testing, validation, or product development.
• Technical Expertise: Experience with construction or agricultural machines and/or systems such as engines, hydraulics, drivetrains, electrical systems, machine software, controls, or telematics, along with the ability to read engineering schematics.
• Hands-On Testing: Strong mechanical aptitude and a desire to work hands-on, spending approximately 50–60% of your time in shops and outdoor test fields year-round around construction equipment.
• Data Analysis: Ability to assess data quality, analyze test results, identify abnormal conditions, and translate findings into evidence-based conclusions and recommendations.
• Client Focus & Communication: Ability to clarify expectations, communicate progress and concerns directly, adapt to changing priorities, and deliver documentation that helps internal clients make informed product decisions.
• Project Management: Proactive self-starter who effectively manages time, priorities, and commitments across multiple test activities.
• Collaboration: Ability to work independently and contribute effectively within a multi-site team.
• Driver’s License: A valid driver’s license is required.

Top Candidates Will Have

• Degree in mechanical, electrical, agricultural, or systems engineering, or a related discipline.
• Experience with DEWESoft, HBM/HBK eDAQ, or comparable instrumentation and data acquisition systems.
• Experience analyzing time-series and frequency data using tools such as DATK, LabVIEW/DIAdem, MATLAB, Aspire, or similar applications.
• Experience operating construction equipment.
• Proven ability to write concise technical reports that connect test results to decisions, risks, and recommended next steps.
• Experience collaborating across locations, functions, or product groups to share resources and standardize testing best practices.

Additional Information

• Location: Clayton, NC. This role is on-site five days per week, Monday through Friday, in office, laboratory, shop, and outdoor test-field environments.
• Site Support: The role supports the BCP PD–West Test Team across CMDC and SMDC and may require occasional travel between North Carolina test locations.
• Travel: Up to 10% domestic or international travel (outside of CMDC and SMDC).
• Relocation: Relocation assistance is available. Sponsorship and ISE assignments are not available.
• Physical Requirements: Must be able to lift up to 35 lb.

Summary Pay Range:

Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar. 

Benefits:

Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of benefits.

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits*

• Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)*

• 401(k) savings plans*

• Health Savings Account (HSA)*

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)*

• Health Lifestyle Programs*

• Employee Assistance Program*

• Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts*

• Career Development*

• Incentive bonus*

• Disability benefits

• Life Insurance

• Parental leave

• Adoption benefits

• Tuition Reimbursement

* These benefits also apply to part-time employees

Posting Dates:

Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities.  Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.

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