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.
Job Summary:
As the Product Sound Engineering Technical Steward, you will serve as Caterpillar's top technical expert in product acoustics and sound engineering. In this highly visible role, you will provide strategic technical leadership for product sound across the enterprise and represent Caterpillar's acoustics expertise both internally and externally.
You will shape the future of acoustics technology by defining and executing strategies that strengthen Caterpillar's sound engineering capabilities, ensure compliance with global noise regulations, advance acoustic modeling and virtual validation methods, and deliver acceptable sound quality for our customers. Through collaboration with product groups, research partners, and industry experts, you will drive innovation and help ensure Caterpillar products meet the required acoustic performance in the most effective and efficient manner. This role reports to a Sr Manager and at the same time works in close collaboration with the Manager of Global Sound and Cooling and a broad network of engineering teams across Caterpillar.
What You Will Do:
This role is responsible for ensuring Caterpillar's acoustics expertise, technology, and intellectual property are effectively developed, managed, and applied across components, systems, and machines worldwide. Key responsibilities include:
- Serve as the enterprise technical leader and subject matter expert for product sound and acoustics.
- Develop, manage, protect, and promote Caterpillar's acoustics intellectual property and technical know-how.
- Represent Caterpillar's acoustics technologies and strategies with customers, industry organizations, regulatory bodies, suppliers, and academic partners.
- Provide technical interpretation, guidance, and leadership to ensure compliance with global sound and noise regulations.
- Build and cultivate strategic partnerships with universities, research institutions, suppliers, and industry organizations to advance acoustics technology.
- Help define and execute Caterpillar's long-term acoustics competency and technology development strategy.
- Lead the development and execution of Caterpillar's acoustics research and engineering programs.
- Partner with product groups to address complex acoustics challenges and deliver effective solutions for customers.
- Identify, evaluate, and validate emerging acoustics technologies and methodologies for implementation across Caterpillar products.
- Champion the advancement of virtual acoustics, simulation, and data-driven engineering approaches that improve product development efficiency and performance.
Education requirement:
Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Physics required.
What skills you will have:
Effective Communication:
- Actively contributes to technical discussions through strong listening, thoughtful questioning, and meaningful input.
- Translates customer and stakeholder needs into clear execution plans and effectively communicates progress, risks, and changes.
- Communicates technical and project status clearly across all organizational levels, both internally and externally.
- Develops concise, compelling written and verbal communications that inform decisions and influence outcomes.
- Mentors engineers in effective technical communication and professional presentation skills.
Technical Excellence:
- Demonstrates deep expertise in mechanical systems and the ability to identify, assess, and mitigate technical and acoustic risks.
- Possesses extensive hands-on experience in acoustic testing, analysis, and simulation, with advanced knowledge of NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) and noise control technologies.
- Maintains strong knowledge of global sound regulations and Caterpillar compliance processes.
- Holds self and others accountable for achieving high technical standards and delivering quality results.
- Leverages a broad technical network to resolve complex engineering challenges.
Influencing Through Expertise:
- Recognized as a subject matter expert whose recommendations drive technical decisions and business outcomes.
- Builds credibility with internal and external stakeholders through demonstrated expertise and sound judgment.
- Effectively influences decisions, aligns diverse perspectives, and gains support for challenging technical recommendations.
Technical Advising:
- Provides proactive technical guidance to engineering teams and stakeholders.
- Identifies and engages the appropriate experts to support decision-making and problem resolution.
- Solicits stakeholder input, considers differing viewpoints, and adjusts recommendations when appropriate.
- Supports teams in executing technically sound and practical solutions.
Products and Services Knowledge:
- Maintains deep knowledge of Caterpillar product noise control processes, technologies, and best practices.
- Understands the impact of global sound regulations across Caterpillar products and components.
- Partners with product teams to establish sound targets that satisfy customer expectations and regulatory requirements.
- Applies expertise to improve the efficiency, cost effectiveness, and timeliness of achieving product sound compliance.
Troubleshooting Technical Problems:
- Provides expert guidance on troubleshooting complex product noise issues.
- Develops and reviews test and analysis plans to efficiently identify root causes and corrective actions.
- Determines the most effective combination of testing, simulation, and engineering judgment to achieve resolution.
- Stays current on emerging sound measurement, analysis, and simulation technologies and drives adoption across Caterpillar.
Top Candidates will also have:
- Master's degree or Ph.D. in Engineering or Physics with a specialization in NVH, Acoustics, or Noise Control.
- Deep experience in product noise engineering.
- Deep experience supporting construction, mining, agricultural, power generation, or other large industrial equipment powered by diesel engines.
Additional Information:
This position requires the candidate to work onsite five days a week at the Mossville, IL office.
Domestic relocation assistance is NOT available for this position.
Visa sponsorship is NOT available with this position.
This position may require up to 10% travel to Caterpillar facilities, customer sites, and field locations.
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Summary Pay Range:
$159,120.00 - $238,680.00
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
This position requires working onsite five days a week.
Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.
Posting Dates:
July 28, 2026 - August 2, 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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