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. Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc. When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team that 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. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.

Caterpillar is seeking a Senior Associate Engineer to support the Mossville cooling validation team through validation planning, supplier collaboration, product-health data collection, Continuous Product Improvement (CPI) initiatives, and hands-on testing. In this onsite role, you will work closely with validation team leads, internal engineering teams, and external suppliers to execute testing and validation activities that support product performance and reliability. You will contribute to the development of validation plans, review test documentation, collect and analyze product-health data, and help drive continuous improvement efforts. This opportunity is ideal for an early-career engineer who combines strong analytical problem-solving skills with hands-on mechanical aptitude and the ability to work independently. You will gain exposure to Caterpillar products, cooling systems, components, and system operation while progressing toward independently leading laboratory testing activities. How You Will Make an Impact: Advance Product Validation - Support the validation team in ensuring product quality, reliability, and performance through hands-on testing and execution of validation activities. Drive Data-Based Decisions - Collect and analyze product-health data to support engineering recommendations and continuous product improvement initiatives. Collaborate Across Teams and Suppliers - Partner with internal engineering teams and external suppliers to plan, coordinate, and execute validation activities. Apply Mechanical and Analytical Expertise - Utilize mechanical aptitude, engineering knowledge, and structured problem-solving methods to address technical challenges. Develop Technical Ownership - Build expertise in Caterpillar products, cooling systems, and laboratory testing processes while progressing toward independently running testing programs. Responsibilities include: Support validation team leads with testing and validation activities. Develop DVP&Rs (Design Verification Plans and Reports) and validation plans that define testing requirements, methods, schedules, and acceptance criteria. Work with suppliers to execute validation activities. Gather and analyze product-health data. Support Continuous Product Improvement (CPI) projects. Perform hands-on testing activities. Review test plans and test reports. Progress toward independently running laboratory testing. Utilize Creo (or other 3D modeling ) to support testing, validation, and engineering activities. Degree Requirement: Bachelor's degree preferred but not required when offset by strong relevant experience and a technical two-year engineering degree. What Skills You Will Have: Product Testing (Working Knowledge) Support testing and validation activities through hands-on laboratory and component testing. Document test processes and results, prepare and analyze test data, and support issue tracking activities. Test components for compliance with functional requirements and established procedures. Develop and execute validation plans and DVPNRs in partnership