I applied through a recruiter. The process took 3 months. I interviewed at Caterpillar (Decatur, IL) in Oct 2023
Interview
I was being interviewed for a mechanical engineering internship and did not speak to a single engineer I would be working with the whole time. I was not given an option for an in-person interview, it was conducted via Teams. The interview was straightforward and to the point but I was uncomfortable. There was no small talk before or after, It was only interviewing questions from a recruiter and a co-op student who then sent notes from my interview to corporate HR.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
They asked me different questions such as "What is the most difficult thing you have done in your life and how did you overcome it?"
You will sit down with two engineers who will ask you pretty simple interview questions and go over your experiences. It is a very laid back experience and focused on understanding you more as a person.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Tell us about a time you struggled with a team dynamic.
I applied in-person. The process took 1 day. I interviewed at Caterpillar (Peoria, IL) in Oct 2025
Interview
Had two Chief ME engineers; the interview process was super comfortable, and they were very patient and open-minded. Behavioral Questions only (Tell me About Yourself, Go through and explain resume, 5-10 questions using STAR Method). I had my interview during the SHPE National 2024 conference.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Tell about a time you had to deal with a conflict with a coworker
Typical Assessment Center
Interview + Group Activity + Presentation (in any order)
Nothing out of the blue and questions are not technical to understand the candidate thought process. Fairly straightforward group activity to analyse teamwork skills. Presentation on prior project work.