Test & Validation Senior Associate Engineer

Career Area: Engineering 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.

Definition The Test & Validation Senior Associate Engineer implements and improves testing and validation techniques, processes, tooling and machinery to maximize product quality. The role performs statistical process control validation of finished hydraulic products, evaluates master parts and production behavior, and verifies test-machine functionality. The position provides direct technical support to Production and collaborates with Manufacturing and Maintenance to resolve machine issues and protect production continuity.

Perform statistical process control validation of finished hydraulic products to confirm conformity with defined quality requirements. Evaluate master-part and production behavior and make technical decisions that support product quality. Maintain test-machine performance within statistical control and monitor machine and process capability and reliability. Control and verify master parts used as references in the validation process. Review test-machine functionality and identify conditions that may affect test reliability or production output. Provide timely technical support to Production to help meet established operating targets. Collaborate directly with Production, Manufacturing and Maintenance to diagnose and resolve machine-related issues. Apply basic hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical, electrical and electronic knowledge when troubleshooting test equipment. Participate in improving testing procedures and operations to increase reliability, efficiency, cost effectiveness and product quality.

Requirements Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechatronics, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering. English: Conversational English required for technical communication associated with suppliers, customers, machine reviews and occasional travel.

Descriptors Analytical Thinking Apply basic hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical, electrical and electronic knowledge when troubleshooting test equipment. Approaches a situation by defining the problem and determining its significance. Makes a systematic comparison of two or more alternative solutions. Uses flow charts, Pareto charts or fishbone diagrams to identify meaningful data patterns. Identifies the major factors and stakeholders affecting the situation. Uses logic and informed judgment to interpret data and reach conclusions. Effective Communications Delivers constructive feedback focused on observable behavior. Listens to feedback and applies it to improve communication effectiveness. Prepares oral updates and written reports needed for assigned work. Adjusts technical language to the audience and avoids unnecessary jargon. Considers verbal and non-verbal cues during cross-functional interactions. Product Testing Knowledge of Visual Basic, Python, C++ or similar programming languages. Documents test processes and results and analyzes defect-tracking information. Summarizes the features and procedures of the applicable product-testing process. Tests components for compliance with functional requirements and established conventions. Compares relevant usability, safety and integration testing considerations. Develops or improves product-testing procedures and participates in selecting the testing environment and tools. Troubleshooting Technical Problems Practical exposure to hydraulic manufacturing, automated test systems or statistical process control. Documents common hardware, software and