Test & Validation Engineer
Caterpillar · Lafayette, IN
- Level
- Engineer
- Team
- Quality
- Base pay
- $98k–$146k
- Degree
- Required
- Industry
- Industrial
- Posted
- Yesterday
The role in 30 seconds
An engineer-level quality role at Caterpillar (industrial) in Lafayette, IN.
- They ask for
- degree required
- Tools it names
- Root cause, Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ), Automation
- Base pay
- $98k–$146k
- Day to day
- some off-shift / weekend coverage · relocation help
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of November 2, 2026
Quality Engineer roles in Indiana: typical posted base $98k–$146k. This one lists $98k–$146k.
Median of the low and high ends of 16 live postings that list pay, out of 50 quality engineer openings in Indiana, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
Indiana plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 49 other live quality postings in Indiana.
- Base pay
- In line with similar roles
- Experience asked
- Not stated
Typical $97k–$145k, from 14 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ Root cause 66%
- SPC 46%
- FMEA 42%
- Control plans 40%
- ✓ New product launch 34%
- Supplier quality 34%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
At a glance
Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.
How to get in at this plant
Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.
- 1
Pick 2–3 people on the Quality team at Caterpillar
We found 8 people at this company and state: 6 in this kind of role, 2 leaders. Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. See them ↓
- 2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
Write to Will → (free) - 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- Which standards drive the work here: ISO 13485, IATF 16949, AS9100?
- How much of the job is customer complaints versus prevention?
- How does off-shift and weekend coverage work?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
- 5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.
This plant: Caterpillar in Lafayette
5 other open roles at this site · 8 people we found in quality roles at Caterpillar.
- Manufacturing Engineer - Test Cells · Manufacturing
- Quality Engineer · Quality
- Senior Proactive Quality Engineer · Quality · Senior
- Facilities Engineer - Electrical · Reliability
- Preventative Maintenance Technician- 2nd & 3rd Shift · Reliability · Technician
Full description from CaterpillarAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
What you will do
- ◆Integrate calibrated engine plant models into Hardware-In-the-Loop (HIL) Simulink framework for simulation and software validation.
- ◆Interpret wiring harness
requirements
for HIL hardware and setup the benches for Gas/DF engine software for CPI/NPI/NTI programs.
- ✓Develop Graphical User Interface tools such as Control and Automation Desk to enable the test execution on HIL benches.
- ✓Collaborate with CAT Electronics, Mechatronics and Performance teams to interpret test results for the resolution of software defects.
- ✓Deliver regular, structured updates to stakeholders on HIL bench simulation progress, results, risks, and milestones.
- ✓Demonstrate strong communication, simulation and analytical skills.
Requirements
- ✓Requires a bachelor’s degree in an accredited Engineering or Materials Science curriculum.
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
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.
Test & Validation Engineer
Role Description
The Test & Validation Engineer focuses on Gas/DF HIL Software Validation. The scope of this role will include configuring HIL hardware, integrating engine plant models, and validating NPI, CPI, and NTI engine software for the G3500, G3600, and 3500 Dual Fuel platforms.
Skills you will have
- •Accuracy and Attention to Detail: Working knowledge of the necessity and value of accuracy; ability to complete tasks with high levels of precision.
- •Analytical Thinking: Working knowledge of techniques and tools that promote effective analysis; ability to determine the root cause of organizational problems and create alternative solutions that resolve these problems.
- •Effective Communications: Working knowledge of effective communication concepts, tools and techniques; ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through the application of appropriate communication behaviors.
- •Product Testing: Working knowledge of product testing approaches, techniques and tools; ability to design, plan and execute
testing strategies and tactics to ensure product quality at all stages of manufacturing.
- •Project Management: Working knowledge of effective project management strategies and tactics; ability to plan, organize, monitor, and control projects, ensuring efficient utilization of technical and administrative resources to achieve project objectives.
Technical Excellence: Working knowledge of a given technology and various application methods; ability to develop and provide solutions to significant technical challenges.
Top candidates will have
- •Demonstrated hands-on experience with MATLAB/Simulink for modeling, simulation, and analysis of complex systems.
- •Proven experience with dSPACE tools (ControlDesk and AutomationDesk) to support HIL, including test automation and real-time system validation.
- •Experience with wire harness integration, including understanding of electrical schematics, signal routing, and troubleshooting within integrated systems.
- •Ability to bridge simulation models with real-world hardware, ensuring accurate system behavior and seamless integration across engineering disciplines.
Additional Information
- •This position is located in Lafayette, IN.
- •Domestic relocation assistance is available for this position.
- •Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Summary Pay Range
$97,530.00 - $146,290.00
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
This position requires working onsite five days a week.
Relocation is available for this position.
Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.
Posting Dates
November 4, 2026 - November 18, 2026
Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.
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