STEM Student Trainee

Career Area

Students and Graduates

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.

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 is seeking high school STEM students enrolled in advanced courses or active in STEM clubs to collaborate with our engineering professionals on real projects.

As a STEM Student Trainee (SST), you will gain hands‑on experience, network with company leaders, and explore different areas of Caterpillar. Through teamwork and business interactions, you will sharpen your skills, present ideas, and track progress - while preparing for an exciting future in STEM.

You will join a team with diverse project responsibilities and have valuable networking opportunities with Caterpillar employees at all levels. The program is a 40‑hour‑per‑week assignment lasting 8 weeks.

You can focus on building technical abilities in roles including (but not limited to):

• Product Design: Engineer components & systems for Caterpillar products to meet our customers' needs. Deliver solutions by leading collaboration with cross functional teams throughout our value chain starting from initial concept through production.
• Simulation/Performance Analysis : CFD - Computational Fluid Dynamics (ANSYS), FEA - Finite Element Analysis, 3D modelling, root cause investigation; system/subsystem/component design optimization, structural dynamics, development and optimization of Engine, Aftertreatment, Battery, Fuel Cell, Powertrain, and/or Machine System performance.
• Test/Validation/Hands on: Apply strong mechanical engineering understanding in a test/validation (hands‑on) environment, troubleshooting issues, and collaborating with others for optimal results.
• Controls Development: Develop/Implement control system algorithms using MATLAB/Simulink for various control systems including but not limited to engine controllers, machine implement controllers as well as powertrain controllers. Will be responsible for understanding the feature requirement, implementing it as well as testing it prior to a production roll out.
• Electronic Components: Will be responsible for designing and testing various electronic control modules as well as various electronic components. Will work with various internal Caterpillar clients to understand controller/component requirements, help design Printed Circuit Board layouts as well as perform digital/analog/power circuit analysis and testing. Other duties may include working with suppliers, testing the controllers/components in various environments, ensuring that FMEA's [Failure Mode and Effects Analysis] are conducted and documented to meet stringent Caterpillar quality requirements.
• Embedded Software Development: Develop embedded software in C, C# and/or C++ for various electronic control modules. Some examples of embedded software development applications include Datalink communications, Inputs and Outputs [Sensors and actuators], speed calculation, injection/spark timing, memory management, CPU optimization, multi core design and implementation etc. In addition, some areas of work include developing scripts in Python/Visual Basic for automation.
• Software Validation/Verification for Electronic Systems: Verify functionality of a feature or control system algorithm on a HIL [Hardware in the Loop] simulator bench or a SIL [Software in the loop] system. Understand requirements of the feature and/or the schematics of the controller /…