2027 Part-Time Intern - Engineering

Location: Pontiac, Illinois

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.

Role Definition

As a Part-Time Intern – Engineering at Caterpillar’s Pontiac facility, you will be working with a team of engineering, quality, maintenance, and production professionals supporting some of Caterpillar’s world class Fuel System and Aftertreatment components. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to a team making improvements in safety, quality, velocity and cost while you gain valuable experience and grow your skills and knowledge.

What You Will Do

This position is located in Pontiac, IL with an anticipated start date of late spring or early summer 2027 with the opportunity to continue through the 2027-2028 school year. Part-time hours (10 to 15 hours per week) would be expected during the school year with full-time working hours (40 hours per week) during the summer. Job duties/responsibilities may include:

Utilize Microsoft Excel and Minitab Statistical Software to analyze data.

Utilize Microsoft Word update work instructions and Microsoft Power Point to develop presentations.

Populate machine results documentation into Sharepoint system.

Work with operations and engineering to implement continuous improvement projects using 6-Sigma tools.

Work with operations and manufacturing engineering for new equipment implementation.

Work with machine original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and Pontiac Controls team to connect machine tools to databases.

Apply data analytics skills to support engineering and operations.

What You Have

Skills and Experiences: In this role, you will have the opportunity to contribute your unique skills and experience. Below are some of the most critical skills:

Manufacturing Processes: Basic understanding of existing product manufacturing methods, technologies, and processes.

Experience with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Internship Qualifications

Must be enrolled full-time at a 2-year or 4-year college/university.

Must be able to commute daily to the Pontiac, IL facility.

Expected graduation date of 2028 and beyond.

Top Candidates May Also Have

Currently or interested in pursuing a career in engineering, quality, or statistics.

Leadership involvement in campus organizations, community service and/or extracurricular activities.

Business and/or technical internship, co-op, or research/relevant experience.

Strong communication, analytical, and interpersonal skills.

Strong commitment to safety, quality, and teamwork.

Shop floor experience.

Experience with AutoCAD and blueprint reading.

Industrial Controls Processes: Basic understanding of existing industrial process control, technologies, and data structures.

Experience with PLC – programmable logic computers.

Experience with SCADA systems.

Additional Information

Start date for this position will be late spring or early summer 2027.

Please attach your resume and an unofficial copy of your transcript to your application.

This position is located on-site at Caterpillar’s Pontiac, IL facility.

Relocation is not available for this position.

Sponsorship is not available for this position.

What You Will Get

Intern Hourly Rate: The 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 includes:

Paid holidays.

Accrued Paid Time Off (PTO).

Paid Volunteer Day.

Optional medical coverage.

Optional voluntary benefits.

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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.

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Posting Dates

October 12, 2026 - December 18, 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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