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Test and Validation Engineer

Caterpillar · Mossville, IL

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Level
Engineer
Team
Quality
Base pay
$121k–$146k
Degree
Required
Experience asked
4+ years
Industry
Industrial
Posted
Yesterday

The role in 30 seconds

An engineer-level quality role at Caterpillar (industrial) in Mossville, IL. Plan, improve, and standardize testing procedures and operations to increase reliability, efficiency, and cost effectiveness.

They ask for
4+ years · degree required
Tools it names
Lean, DOE, Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ), Robotics, Automation
Base pay
$121k–$146k
Day to day
some off-shift / weekend coverage

Read from the posting. The full description is below.

From the plant jobs report · week of October 26, 2026

Quality Engineer roles in Illinois: typical posted base $99k–$136k. This one lists $121k–$146k.

Median of the low and high ends of 40 live postings that list pay, out of 52 quality engineer openings in Illinois, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.

Illinois plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →

How this role compares

Against 51 other live quality postings in Illinois.

Base pay
About 22% above similar roles

Typical $96k–$123k, from 33 postings that list pay.

Experience asked
Typical (4+ years)

Similar roles usually ask 4+ years.

Skills these teams ask for most

  • ✓ Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ) 46%
  • Root cause 44%
  • Supplier quality 44%
  • Team leadership 37%
  • SPC 35%
  • FMEA 33%

✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.

Stands out: this posting asks for Robotics, which few similar roles mention. If you have it, lead with it.

It asks for 4+ years. If you're close, apply anyway: requirements are a wish list. Talk to someone doing this work there first.

At a glance

Off-shift / weekend coveragePromotion path mentioned

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. 1

    Pick 2–3 people on the Quality team at Caterpillar

    We found 10 people at this company and state: 6 in this kind of role, 4 leaders. Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. See them ↓

  2. 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 Aaron → (free)
  3. 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. 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. 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 Mossville

6 other open roles at this site · 10 people we found in quality roles at Caterpillar.

Full description from CaterpillarAs posted on their careers site.Show

requirements

and ensure compliance with all applicable emissions regulatory standards for new programs, as well as continued compliance for existing products. Utilize 1D thermodynamic cycle simulation and advanced engineering analysis tools to down select engine combustion recipes. Design, plan, and execute lean and efficient engine tests by leveraging automation within a worldclass engine test facility. Create and execute comprehensive test plans, perform complex data analysis, identify and resolve challenging technical issues, and initiate innovative ideas and solutions. Manage development activities to established schedules and provide regular progress updates to technical leadership. Report test results, conclusions, and engineering recommendations to internal and external stakeholders through clear technical presentations and written reports. Develop strong peer relationships and collaborate effectively with global teams through clear and effective technical communication. Evaluate new products, processes, and systems. Support new product and new technology programs using program management software and contractual requirements. Ensure design acceptance and manufacturing readiness by resolving design and manufacturing issues in collaboration with cross functional teams. Support ISO

requirements

and internal data quality standards through statistical analysis and Built-in Quality (BIQ) methodologies. Communicate technical information, guidance, and recommendations to engineers, managers, marketing personnel, dealers, customers, and suppliers. Mentor and train new engineers and support staff on engine development processes and procedures. Adopt and implement new technologies and processes, including automation, robotics, and computer aided manufacturing software, to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance product quality. Plan, improve, and standardize testing procedures and operations to increase reliability, efficiency, and cost effectiveness. Monitor test results, machine and process capabilities, and overall performance reliability. REQS: This position requires a bachelor’s degree or foreign equivalent in Mechanical Engineering, or a related field and 4 years of experience as a Test & Validation Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Engineering Manager, or related occupation. In the alternative, employer will accept a master’s degree or foreign equivalent in Mechanical Engineering, or a related field and 2 years of experience as a Test & Validation Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Engineering Manager, or related occupation. Additionally, the applicant must have employment experience with: (1) 1-D thermodynamic Engine Simulation (GT power or equivalent); (2) Statistical models and DOE’s (Design of Experiment) to create diesel engine performance software maps; (3) Diesel engine performance data taken in a lab environment to make calibration and quality decisions; and (4) Identification of defects in diesel engine hardware and software data and permanent corrective actions. No telecommuting allowed.

Rate of pay : $120,994 - $146,290.00 per year.

Show full description ↓

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.

Caterpillar Inc. seeks Test and Validation Engineer at its facility located at 14009 Old Galena Road, Building L, Chillicothe, IL 61523. Serve as an individual contributor on complex, high impact engineering projects. Responsible for performance and emissions development of marine, electric power, machine, and locomotive diesel and spark ignited engines. Perform engine system calibrations to meet customer

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.

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Posting Dates

October 27, 2026 - February 23, 2027

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

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