Test & Validation Senior Associate Technologist – Electric Power

Job description

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. About EPD Caterpillar's Electric Power Division (EPD) offers integrated solutions, parts, and services to meet the needs of our various commercial and industrial electric power customers. EPD supports a wide range of customer applications across the globe, including providing back-up power to hospitals, providing emergency power when natural disasters strike, and supporting critical infrastructure for data centers, municipalities, and more. With a rich history of more than 95 years in the electric power business, our team has world-class expertise and a proven ability to adapt to changing demands. We’re committed to providing sustainable and reliable solutions to our customers. Join our team to help build a better, more sustainable world for future generations! Job Summary As a Test & Validation Senior Associate Technologist with Caterpillar’s Electric Power Division, you’ll play a critical hands‑on role ensuring the reliability and performance of our large-engine power systems supporting mission‑critical data centers. In this field‑based position, you’ll travel extensively to conduct on-site testing, commissioning, and troubleshooting of complex engine packages, directly influencing product quality and customer satisfaction. Customers and dealers will rely on your expertise as you represent Caterpillar on-site and resolve real‑world technical challenges. This role is ideal for an experienced engine professional who enjoys autonomy, problem-solving, and making an immediate impact in dynamic environments. What You Will Do Perform on-site testing, validation, and commissioning of large engine packages used in data center backup power applications, ensuring safe and accurate execution of test plans Analyze test data, interpret results, document findings, and drive closure of issues identified during field validation activities Troubleshoot and resolve mechanical, electrical, controls, and package-related issues at customer and dealer sites, escalating complex issues to internal engineering teams when appropriate Utilize Caterpillar ET and general test equipment to perform diagnostics, capture performance data, and validate corrective actions Resolve issues tied to design or manufacturing, and ensure products meet design acceptance and manufacturing readiness expectations Support engine and package startup and commissioning activities across field locations throughout the U.S. and Canada Monitor machine and system performance, test results, and reliability trends; provide recommendations to improve product capability, field performance, or validation processes Participate in the adoption of new technologies, automation tools, robotics, and improved test or manufacturing processes to support efficiency, quality, and cost reduction initiatives Improve and refine testing procedures and operations to make testing more reliable, efficient, and cost‑effective Collaborate closely with electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, project leaders, and integrators to address and close out field issues identified during testing or commissioning Serve as Caterpillar’s on-site representative, maintaining clear, professional, and customer-focused communication with dealers and end customers throughout testing and troubleshooting activities Follow all safety protocols and site requirements while working in data center and industrial environments What You Will Have 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. Documents test process and results; prepares and analyzes defect-tracking reports. Summarizes features of a specific product-testing process and associated procedures. Tests components for compliance with functional requirements and established conventions. Develops product-testing procedures; participates in selecting testing environment and tools. Troubleshooting Technical Problems: Working knowledge of troubleshooting approaches, tools and techniques; ability to anticipate, detect and resolve technical problems in a manufacturing or product development environment. Documents common hardware, software and communications problems and likely resolutions. Troubleshoots typical technical problems in a specific area. Works with vendor-specific diagnostic guides, tools and utilities to discover application problems. Adheres to standard troubleshooting procedures to ensure effectiveness of resolutions. Technical Excellence: Basic understanding and knowledge of a given technology and various application methods; ability to develop and provide solutions to significant technical challenges. Uses a structured approach in analyzing and resolving technical problems. Seeks opportunities for continual learning to maintain technical competence in pursuit of technical excellence. Decision Making and Critical Thinking: Basic understanding and knowledge of the decision-making process and associated tools and techniques; ability to accurately analyze situations and reach productive decisions based on informed judgment. Explains characteristics and steps in an effective decision-making process. Identifies issues and communicates with others when a decision needs to be made. Analytical Thinking: Working knowledge of techniques and tools that promote effective analysis; ability to determine the root cause of organizational problems and creat