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2027 Summer Corporate Intern- Manufacturing

Caterpillar · Decatur, IL · $25.00–$43.00 an hour · Full time

Posted Jul 1, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a process you improved, in school or at work. How did you measure the improvement?

What they are checking: Whether they think in terms of measurable results, which manufacturing teams care about most.

Tell me about a project where you had to work with people from different departments to get it done.

What they are checking: Whether they can coordinate across engineering, quality and production teams.

Are you comfortable spending most of your day on a production floor in Decatur? Tell me what that looks like to you.

What they are checking: Whether they have a realistic picture of plant work and the environment.

What would you want to have accomplished by the end of this internship?

What they are checking: Whether they think about delivering real project results, not just gaining experience.

What would you do

How would you build respect with operators on the floor who have far more experience than you?

What they are checking: Whether they will listen to the people doing the work before suggesting changes.

Safety comes first in any plant. Tell me how you would make sure your project did not create a new hazard.

What they are checking: Whether they think about safety as part of every change rather than an afterthought.

You suggest a change and the supervisor says, we tried that before and it did not work. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they learn from past attempts and adjust instead of giving up or pushing blindly.

About the work

What do lean tools like 5S, value stream mapping or standard work mean to you in practice?

What they are checking: Whether they understand lean as daily practice on the floor, not just definitions.

A station on the line is always the bottleneck. How would you figure out why?

What they are checking: Whether they can observe, collect data and find the real cause of lost throughput.

What would you look at if a part started failing quality inspection more often this week?

What they are checking: Whether they check material, method, machine and people in an organized way.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Caterpillar.

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. 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 Manufacturing and Supply Chain Intern program seeks students currently enrolled in a four-year university to work alongside manufacturing 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’ll join a team with diverse project responsibilities and have experiences including (but not limited to): • Manufacturing Engineering  : Responsible and accountable for enhancements and modifications to equipment and processes in our facilities, monitoring equipment and process reliability, identifying and addressing problem areas and providing engineering support on equipment, processes, or facilities • Quality : Analyzing non-conformance data and maintaining quality system documentation. Participating in and offering technical support to internal and external audits; following up response of corrective action from audit. Interacting with manufacturing team members to determine the root cause of quality issues and ensure that corrective and preventive action is implemented. • Automation: Collecting and researching data on customer experience with robotic platforms. Documenting architecture specifications, software design description, verification plans, test cases, operating procedures, and safety procedures. Utilizing appropriate tools to debug, test and maintain software and hardware systems of robotic tools; assisting in the verification and validation process. Participating in design and development of application software and algorithms for robotic platforms. 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 • 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 in one of the following degree programs:  Engineering, Engineering Management/Technology, Industrial Distribution/Technology, Automation Engineering Technology, Mechatronics, Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or other relevant degrees at the time of application and throughout the program. • Must have 30 completed semester hours before the start of the internship. • If a transfer student must have 12 semester hours completed at a 4-year university. • Minimum 2.8/4.0 Cumulative Grade Point Average (no rounding) at current institution. • Must be able to relocate to 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 internship, co-op, or research/relevant experience • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills 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. • Relocation is available to those that qualify • This position requires working onsite five days a week. 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. 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 . 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. Relocation is available for this position. Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position. Posting Dates: July 1, 2026 - February 28, 2027 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. Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community .

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