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2027 Summer Corporate Intern – Product Support Engineering

Caterpillar · Peoria, IL · $22.50–$40.25 an hour · Full time

Posted Aug 28, 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 time you helped someone solve a technical problem. How did you communicate with them?

What they are checking: Whether they can support others clearly, which is the core of product support.

Tell me about a time you had to write instructions or a report for someone else to follow.

What they are checking: Whether they can write clearly for dealers and technicians who rely on their guidance.

Are you comfortable working with your hands or spending time around machines in a shop or field setting?

What they are checking: Whether they are suited to hands-on product support, not just desk work.

Why product support instead of design engineering?

What they are checking: Whether they value helping customers and dealers keep machines running.

What would you do

How would you learn how a dozer, loader or natural gas engine works if you have never seen one up close?

What they are checking: Whether they have a plan to learn new products quickly and ask good questions.

A customer is upset because their machine is down and they are losing money. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they stay calm, show urgency and focus on getting the machine running.

How would you build trust with dealer technicians who know these machines much better than you do?

What they are checking: Whether they respect experience and earn credibility through listening and follow-through.

About the work

A dealer reports that an excavator keeps losing hydraulic pressure. How would you help figure out what is wrong?

What they are checking: Whether they can think through a technical problem step by step on a real machine.

What basic engineering ideas from your classes do you think apply to keeping big machines running?

What they are checking: Whether they can connect theory like fluids, materials or thermodynamics to real equipment.

How would you use field failure data to suggest a design or service improvement?

What they are checking: Whether they see how support data can feed back to engineering.

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. Job Summary Caterpillar offers a unique opportunity within our Product and Customer Support organization to allow students to gain a wealth of real-world practical experience and establish core competencies. Engineering professionals across the enterprise help our dealers and customers succeed in their business through the promotion and selling of products and services, including market research to the industries we serve. Product Support Engineering Interns help sell and support our products/services and deliver superior service and industry expertise for our dealers and customers. The primary role of a Product Support intern is to assist teams that work with Cat dealers and customers with technical support of large machine and engine base including Excavators, Articulated Trucks, Dozers, Loaders, Natural Gas Engines and more. Mechanical & Industrial Engineering degrees or similar preferred. Specialties within Product Support Engineering include but are not limited to: • Channel Capability & Support • Aftermarket & Service Learning • Field Technical Support • Site Performance Management • Parts & Service Information • Service Operations • Quality & Service Engineering • Lifecycle Management Additional Info: • This is a full- time ( 40 hours per week) 12-week internship May 17, 2027 – August 6, 2027 (subject to change based on selected candidates schedule). • Locations for this internship could be Peoria, IL; Cary, NC; Houston, TX; Seguin, TX; Irving, TX; Tucson, AZ or other locations throughout the US What You Will Do: • Build foundational knowledge of Caterpillar, its products, services and customers. • Grow personally and professionally through soft skills development and hands-on technical training. • Collaborate with experts in product development, dealer management, marketing, and sales, etc. • Work in various rotational assignments throughout Caterpillar, learning strategy, services and products • Ultimately, manage assigned territory and serve as a connection between dealers and Caterpillar. What You Have: Customer Focus: Knowledge of the values and practices that align customer needs and satisfaction as primary considerations in all business decisions and ability to leverage that information in creating customized customer solutions. Level Basic Understanding: • Focuses activities on developing and maintaining positive customer relationships. • Discusses general differences between internally and externally focused organizations. • Cites the cost and benefits of good versus poor customer service. • Explains why customer satisfaction is important to successful product/service delivery. Effective Communications: Understanding of effective communication concepts, tools and techniques; ability to effectively transmit , receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through the application of appropriate communication behaviors. Level Basic Understanding: • 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. Problem Solving: Knowledge of approaches, tools, techniques for recognizing, anticipating , and resolving organizational, operational or process problems; ability to apply knowledge of problem solving appropriately to diverse situations. Level Basic Understanding: • Explains the value of a disciplined approach to problem solving. • Describes problem reporting and escalation practices. • Utilizes accepted procedures for problem analysis and resolution. • Identifies key aspects of problem-solving techniques used in own area. Relationship Management: Knowledge of relationship management techniques; ability to establish and maintain healthy working relationships with clients, vendors, and peers. Level Basic Understanding: • Provides examples of the characteristics of effective business relationships. • Identifies key business relationships in own organization. • Describes the nature of a productive business relationship. • Explains the benefits of building business partnerships. Program Qualifications: • Must be enrolled full time at a 4-year University/College in Engineering, Industrial Distribution, Business, or related degree at the time of application and throughout the program • Must have completed 12 credit hours prior to the start of the program • Minimum 2.8 /4.0 cumulative GPA, no rounding • Must be able to relocate to internship location for the duration of the internship and complete daily commute using reliable transportation Top Candidates Will Also Have: • Previous experience/ demonstrated abilities in the following areas: • Project Management • Customer, Dealer, Industry and Product understanding • Digital Technology Acumen • Strong initiative, communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills • Strong presentation skills • Highly organized • Previous experience/level of proficiency within the following areas: • Construction Equipment • Mining Equipment • Diesel Equipment • Natural Gas Engines • On-Highway Trucks • Mining engineering experience Summary Pay Range: $22.50 - $40.25 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: August 28, 2026 - November 13, 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. Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community .

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