Career Area:Students and Graduates
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.
About the Role Caterpillar's Corporate Engineering Intern program seeks students currently enrolled in a four-year university to work alongside engineering professionals to learn and apply themselves to project work within their teams.
Interns will have assignments that provide them with experience and significant learning opportunities. In addition to this work, Interns can network with management throughout the company to learn about Caterpillar areas outside their assigned team.
Students can deepen their business skills in their assignments through team and business partner interactions, develop their skills, conduct presentations, and measure their success through the performance and evaluation process.
What You Will Do You'll join a team with diverse project responsibilities and have valuable networking opportunities with all levels of Caterpillar employees. The internship is a 40-hour-per-week assignment lasting 12 weeks.
You can focus on building welding and materials joining technical abilities in roles including (but not limited to) research and development, facility welding engineering support, product development, automation and supplier quality support.
What You Have - Skills and Experiences In this role, you will have the opportunity to contribute your unique skills and experiences. Below are some of the most critical skills.
- Analytical skills, initiating ideas, troubleshooting, root cause analysis, problem-solving, and critical thinking capabilities
- Knowledge of engineering principles, theory, and engineering experience gained through projects, internships, and/or relevant work experience
- Fundamental understanding of engineering for a manufacturing environment, ability to design and implement welding and fabrication processes that safely realize a desired objective or invention
- Organize and manage multiple projects simultaneously, ability to quickly gain and effectively apply new skills & knowledge
- Success in collaborating with others of diverse cultures, interpersonal styles, and abilities
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Participate in, and build on our inclusive, constructive, and productive work environment
- Ensure all team members' contributions are recognized and valued
Internship Program Qualifications - Must be enrolled full-time in a 4-year university/college pursuing an ABET accredited degree in Welding Engineering, Welding Engineering Technology, Mechanical Engineering with Welding Emphasis, Metallurgical and Material Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering Technology with a welding emphasis, Welding and Fabrication Technology, Welding and Fabrication Technology Management or Welding and Fabrication Engineering Technology at the time of application and throughout the program
- Must have completed at least 24 semester hours from current institution before the start of the internship. If a transfer student, must have 12 semester hours completed at a 4-year university
- Must have a minimum 3.0/4.0 cumulative grade point average (no rounding) at time of application from current institution*
- *Current 1st year/1st semester students at current institution may utilize high school, college/community college, or trade school transcripts to meet a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average at time of graduation
- Must maintain 3.0/4.0 cumulative grade point average (no rounding) prior to start of internship
- Must be able to relocate to Peoria, IL area or an indicated work location for the duration of the internship and complete daily work commute using reliable transportation
Top Candidates May Also Have - Project or team leadership experience
- Previous technical internship, co-op, or research/relevant experience
- Excellent Interpersonal and communication skills
- Hands-on experience or knowledge of welding processes
- Welding automation experience
Additional Information - Must attach your resume and an unofficial copy of your transcript to your application
- Applicants will be considered for positions throughout the United States
- Primary location for these positions is in the Peoria, Illinois area, with a number of positions in other locations
- Sponsorship is NOT available for this position
- This position requires working onsite five days a week
Why Choose Caterpillar? We're a values-driven company where you'll feel your work matters-whether you're optimizing machine performance, writing embedded code, or designing the next innovation in clean energy. You'll gain access to top-tier mentorship, technical resources, and real ownership of your work from day one.
Final Details Please frequently check the email associated with your application, including the junk/spam folder, as this is the primary correspondence method. If you wish to know the status of your application - please use the candidate log-in on our career website as it will reflect any updates to your status.
For more information, visit caterpillar.com. To connect with us on social media, visit caterpillar.com/social media.
Summary Pay Range:$25.00 - $43.00
Intern Hourly Rate: An intern's hourly rate is based on the major/degree being pursued and the number of completed academic hours achieved before the start of the internship.
Intern Benefits:The total rewards package, beyond base salary, may include if eligible:
- Accrued Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Paid Holidays
- Paid Volunteer Day
- Housing Stipend
- Relocation Assistance
- Medical coverage
- Voluntary benefits
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:August 17, 2026 - December 30, 2026
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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