Human Resources Professional Development Program

Position: 2026 Human Resources Professional Development Program

Career Area:
Human Resources

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 Caterpillar

Caterpillar Inc. is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off‑highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel‑electric locomotives. For nearly 100 years, we’ve been helping customers build a better, more sustainable world and are committed to contributing to a reduced‑carbon future. Our innovative products and services, backed by our global dealer network, provide exceptional value that helps customers succeed.

Job Summary

The Human Resources Development Program (HRDP) is designed to strengthen the Human Resources talent pipeline by hiring high potentials and accelerating their foundational learning of HR and of Caterpillar through a rotational program focused on providing diverse on‑the‑job experiences preparing them to become future Caterpillar leaders. Your peers, assignment leaders, and business partners will mentor you through the program as you learn and grow with our team.

What You Will Do:

• Counsel the business on employee and/or labor relations challenges to ensure high‑performing teams and an inclusive environment.
• Deploy recruitment solutions to increase the diversity of workforce composition.
• Identify talent and create visibility and awareness to enable a cross‑functional talent pipeline for the enterprise.
• Comprehensive HR data analysis to identify insights to make better decisions and drive efficiencies for the business.

What You Have:
Effective Communications

• Describes non‑verbal behaviors that influence the interpretation of the message.
• Cites examples of effective and ineffective communications.
• Explains the importance of effective business communication.
• Speaks/writes using correct language, mechanics, and gestures.

Interpersonal Relationships

• Describes the organizational culture for interacting with others.
• Provides examples of individuals with good interpersonal skills and their specific skills.
• Explains the benefits of maintaining positive working relationships with associates.
• States the basic characteristics of good working relationships.

Decision Making and Critical Thinking

• Explains characteristics and steps in an effective decision‑making process.
• Identifies issues and communicates with others when a decision needs to be made.
• Names decision makers in own environment and cites examples of past decisions.
• Describes types of decisions incumbent may and may not make in own job or function.

Flexibility and Adaptability

• Explains the perspective that change is inevitable.
• Seeks value in new ways of doing things.
• Easily copes with day‑to‑day frustrations, adversities and uncertainties.
• Provides examples of flexible and inflexible behavior in the face of change.

Growth and Agility

• Knows how to access and use available learning and development resources.
• Identifies and welcomes changes and ambiguities that arise in the business environment.
• Asks questions and listens to and embraces feedback non‑defensively for personal growth.
• Collects necessary information, learning resources, and best practices used to resolve ambiguous situations.

Data Gathering and Reporting

• Identifies the key objectives of gathering data.
• Describes alternative data‑gathering techniques and tools.
• Applies basic data‑gathering methodologies.
• Identifies key sources of needed information.

Tops Candidates will also have:

• Previous HR Internships or Caterpillar work experience (2 years or less)
• HR Related Certifications
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Human Resources, Business with an emphasis in HR, or related degree.
• Minimum 3.0/4.0 Cumulative GPA (no rounding).

Additional Info

• Program Start Dates:
  January & June 2026.
• Location of rotations varies by…