2026 Engineering Internship Program- Welding Engineering

Learn more about Caterpillar Inc.
Caterpillar Inc.

Caterpillar Inc.

2026 Engineering Internship Program- Welding Engineering

Mossville, IL
Internship
Paid
  • Responsibilities

    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.

    About the Role

    Caterpillar's Corporate Engineering Intern program seeks students currently enrolled in a four-year university to work alongside engineering professionals to learn and apply themselves to project work within their teams.

    Interns will have assignments that provide them with experience and significant learning opportunities. In addition to this work, Interns can network with management throughout the company to learn about Caterpillar areas outside their assigned team.

    Students can deepen their business skills in their assignments through team and business partner interactions, develop their skills, conduct presentations, and measure their success through the performance and evaluation process.

    What You Will Do

    You'll join a team with diverse project responsibilities and have valuable networking opportunities with all levels of Caterpillar employees. The internship is a 40-hour-per-week assignment lasting 12 weeks.

    You can focus on building welding and materials joining technical abilities in roles including (but not limited to) research and development, facility welding engineering support, product development, analysis, automation and supplier quality support.

    What You Have - Skills and Experiences

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

    • Analytical skills, initiating ideas, troubleshooting, root cause analysis, problem-solving, and critical thinking capabilities.
    • Knowledge of engineering principles, theory, and engineering experience gained through projects, internships, and/or relevant work experiences.
    • Fundamental understanding of engineering for a manufacturing environment, ability to design and implement welding and fabrication processes that safely realize a desired objective or invention.
    • Organize and manage multiple projects simultaneously, ability to quickly gain, and effectively apply new skills & knowledge.
    • Success in collaborating with others of diverse cultures, interpersonal styles, and abilities.
    • Strong written and verbal communication skills
    • Participate in, and build on our inclusive, constructive, and productive work environment.
    • Ensure all team members' contributions are recognized and valued.

    Internship Program Qualifications:

    • Must be enrolled full-time in a 4-year university/college pursuing an ABET accredited degree in Welding Engineering, Welding Engineering Technology, Mechanical Engineering with Welding Emphasis, Metallurgical and Material Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering Technology with a welding emphasis, Welding and Fabrication Technology, Welding and Fabrication Technology Management or Welding and Fabrication Engineering Technology at the time of application and throughout the program.
    • Must have completed 30 semester hours before the start of the internship. If a transfer student must have 12 semester hours completed at a 4-year university
    • Minimum 3.0/4.0 Cumulative Grade Point Average (no rounding) at current institution
    • Must be able to relocate to Peoria, IL area or indicated work location for the duration of the internship and complete daily work commute using reliable transportation.

    Top candidates can also have:

    • Project or Team Leadership experience
    • Previous technical internship, co-op, or research/relevant experience
    • Excellent Interpersonal and communication skills
    • Hands-on experience or knowledge of welding processes

    Additional Information:

    • Please attach your resume and an unofficial copy of your transcript to your application.
    • Applicants will be considered for positions throughout the United States.
    • Sponsorship is NOT available for this position.
    • The majority of these positions will be in the Peoria, Illinois area with a small number of positions in other Caterpillar locations in the United States.
    • This position requires working onsite five days a week.

    Summary Pay Range:

    $25.00 - $43.00*

    *Hourly Rate is based on the major/degree being pursued and the number of completed academic hours achieved prior to the start of the internship.

    Intern Benefits:

    The total rewards package, beyond the base salary includes:

    • Paid holidays
    • Accrued Paid Time Off (PTO)
    • Paid Volunteer Day
    • Housing Stipend and Relocation Assistance (if eligible)
    • Optional medical coverage
    • Optional voluntary benefits

    Besides exciting work, Corporate Interns will experience:

    • Comprehensive internship orientation
    • Tours of state-of-the-art manufacturing and research facilities
    • Product Demonstration
    • Mentorship Programs
    • Various social events
    • Networking with leadership
    • Business skill building
    • Career discussion with leaders and experts

    Final details:

    Please frequently check the email associated with your application, including the junk/spam folder, as this is the primary correspondence method. If you wish to know the status of your application - please use the candidate log-in on our career website as it will reflect any updates to your status.

    Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.

    For more information, visit caterpillar.com. To connect with us on social media, visit caterpillar.com/social media.

    Summary Pay Range:
    $25.00 - $43.00
    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

    Relocation is available for this position.Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position. This employer is not currently hiring foreign national applicants that require or will require sponsorship tied to a specific employer, such as, H, L, TN, F, J, E, O. As a global company, Caterpillar offers many job opportunities outside of the U.S which can be found through our employment website at www.caterpillar.com/careers.

    Posting Dates:

    July 1, 2025 - March 31, 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.

    Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community .

  • Industry
    Manufacturing
  • About Us

    For 100 years, we’ve been helping customers build a better, more sustainable world. Our innovative products and services, backed by our global dealer network, provide exceptional value that helps customers succeed.

    With 2024 sales and revenues of $64.8 billion, 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.

    Caterpillar does business on every continent, principally operating through three primary segments – Construction Industries, Resource Industries and Energy & Transportation – and provides financing and related services through our Financial Products segment