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.
The** Laboratory / Support Engineer** provides advanced hands-on technical support to product development and test teams by executing complex instrumentation, testing, data acquisition, and analysis activities. This role supports the validation of new and existing machine systems and plays a key part in ensuring accurate, high-quality test data that informs engineering decisions.
This position is well suited for an experienced instrumentation professional who routinely owns complex test setups and enjoys working directly with machines, test systems, and data in laboratory, shop, and field environments while collaborating closely with engineers, mechanics, operators, and other technical teams.
Why This Role Is Exciting:
**Hands-On Product Development **Work directly with advanced machine systems, instrumentation packages, and prototype builds across multiple development programs.
Impactful Technical Contribution Your testing, data analysis, and troubleshooting directly influence product readiness, system performance, and engineering validation.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with engineers, mechanics, operators, and test teams throughout build, test, and issue-resolution cycles.
Technical Depth and Variety: Build and apply deep expertise in instrumentation, data acquisition systems, electrical and hydraulic integration, and prototype support across a wide range of applications.
What You Will Do:
- Lead hands-on instrumentation and data acquisition activities in support of product testing and validation programs, including New Product Introduction (NPI) and CPI efforts.
- Install, configure, and validate instrumentation on complex machine systems involving hydraulic, electrical, structural, and mechanical components.
- Monitor and manage hundreds of real-time data channels during lab and field testing, identifying signal issues, anomalies, or data-integrity concerns.
- Execute advanced data acquisition and analysis using systems such as eDAQ TCE, DewesoftX, DatK, or similar platforms to confirm instrumentation accuracy and system behavior.
- Diagnose and troubleshoot instrumentation and machine performance issues using data-driven analysis and sound technical judgment.
- Partner closely with engineers, mechanics, and operators to align test objectives, resolve technical issues, and ensure instrumentation setups meet test requirements.
- Verify instrumentation functionality and ensure test documentation comply with established procedures and ISO 17025 requirements.
What Skills You Will Have:
Accuracy and Attention to Detail Executes instrumentation, wiring, and technical documentation with a high level of precision, consistently delivering reliable and repeatable results.
Decision Making and Critical Thinking Organizes data and observations to support sound technical decisions, weighing risks, benefits, and alternatives during testing and development activities.
Effective Communication Produces clear technical reports and delivers concise updates that support effective cross-team collaboration.
Technical Excellence Applies strong technical judgment to resolve routine and complex development and testing challenges while remaining current on tools, procedures, and technologies.
Product Testing Expertise Executes test procedures accurately and documents results that support engineering validation and compliance requirements.
Troubleshooting Technical Problems Identifies early indicators of technical issues and applies structured troubleshooting approaches to resolve problems efficiently during testing or prototype builds.
Minimum Qualifications:
- 5+ years of hands-on instrumentation and/or data acquisition experience supporting complex test or development programs.
- Proven experience supporting product testing, validation, or development activities.
- Ability to work effectively and independently in laboratory, shop, and field-testing environments.
Top Candidates Will Also Have:
- Experience working in an ISO 17025-accredited test laboratory.
- Extensive experience with Somat or Dewesoft data acquisition systems.
- Extensive knowledge with instrumentation used at Tucson Proving Ground.
- Accredited technical associate degree or equivalent hands-on experience.
Additional Information:
Primary Work Location:** Tucson Proving Ground – Green Valley, AZ (onsite, full-time).**
Relocation Assistance: Not available.
Travel: Up to 10%.
Schedule: 9/80 work schedule, providing an extra day off every other week (equivalent to 26 additional days off per year).
Visa sponsorship, international assignments, and payroll transfers are not available
**Posting date: **4/30/2026- 5/14/2026
Summary Pay Range:
$81,370.00 - $122,060.00
Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar.
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:
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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