Research Associate Jobs in Alpharetta, GA

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.

About EPD

Caterpillar's Electric Power Division (EPD) offers integrated solutions, parts, and services to meet the needs of our various commercial and industrial electric power customers. EPD supports a wide range of customer applications across the globe, including providing back-up power to hospitals, providing emergency power when natural disasters strike, and supporting critical infrastructure for data centers, municipalities, and more. With a rich history of more than 95 years in the electric power business, our team has world-class expertise and a proven ability to adapt to changing demands. We’re committed to providing sustainable and reliable solutions to our customers. Join our team to help build a better, more sustainable world for future generations!

Job Summary

Join Caterpillar’s Electric Power Division in Alpharetta, GA as part of a rapidly expanding team designing power solutions that keep critical infrastructure running. In this role, you will execute engineering designs for electrical, communication, switchgear, control panel, and automation schematics supporting real-world applications like data centers, healthcare, and emergency power systems. You’ll gain hands-on experience working with switchgear and control technologies in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. This is a strong entry point to grow your career in power systems and advanced controls.

What You Will Do

• Create electrical, communication, switchgear, control panel, and automation schematics using CAD tools

• Modify and maintain CAD templates to support project requirements and standardization

• Apply design updates and implement engineering markups into final drawing packages

• Partner with Power Systems Engineers to translate design intent into accurate schematics

• Support ongoing design changes by updating drawings and ensuring documentation accuracy

Degree Requirement

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related field, or equivalent practical experience alongside demonstrated experience applying engineering concepts in design, CAD, or related technical work.

What You Will Have

• Effective Communications: Working knowledge and 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.

  • Clearly communicate design intent, updates, and issues to engineering and cross-functional teams

  • Incorporate feedback into work and adapt communication style based on audience

  • Prepare basic technical documentation and support project deliverables

• Technical Excellence: Basic understanding and knowledge of various design software and application methods; ability to develop and provide solutions for CAD implementation challenges.

  • Apply structured problem-solving to support CAD design and implementation challenges

  • Continuously build knowledge of CAD tools, electrical design, and switchgear systems

  • Take ownership of assigned tasks and proactively support technical execution

• Data Gathering & Analysis: Basic understanding and knowledge of data gathering and analysis tools, techniques, and processes; ability to collect and synthesize data from a variety of stakeholders and sources in an objective manner to reach a conclusion, goal, or judgment.

  • Collect and validate design inputs, markups, and requirements from engineering teams

  • Maintain accurate documentation and ensure consistency across drawings and BOMs

  • Use data to support design decisions and continuous improvement efforts

• Analytical Thinking: Basic understanding and knowledge of techniques and tools that promote effective analysis; ability to determine the root cause of organizational problems and create alternative solutions that resolve these problems.

  • Identify issues in drawings or designs and support root cause analysis

  • Apply engineering fundamentals to evaluate options and recommend solutions

  • Learn and apply tools or systems used to support design and analysis work

Additional Requirements:

• Proficiency in CAD software, including AutoCAD, AutoCAD Electrical, and Autodesk Vault

• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment

• Working knowledge of computer-aided design and engineering principles, including 2D drafting

What Will Put You Ahead

• Experience using 3D CAD software for modeling and design

• Familiarity with AutoCAD LISP (or similar scripting languages) to support design automation

Additional Information

• This position requires the candidate to work a 5-day-a-week schedule in the office.

• Travel up to 10% is possible.

• Relocation assistance is available for this position.

• Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this position.

This Job Description is intended as a general guide to the job duties for this position and is intended for the purpose of establishing the specific salary grade. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as an exhaustive summary of all responsibilities, duties and effort required of employees assigned to this job.

At the discretion of management, this description may be changed at any time to address the evolving needs of the organization. It is expressly not intended to be a comprehensive list of “essential job functions” as that term is defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

About Caterpillar

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. For over 100 years, we have been helping customers build a better, more sustainable world and are committed and contributing to a reduced-carbon future. Our innovative products and services, backed by our global dealer network, provide exceptional value that helps customers succeed.

Please ensure you frequently check the e-mail account you provided on your application, including the junk/spam folder, as this is the primary correspondence method in our recruiting process.

Summary Pay Range:

$81,370.00 - $122,060.00

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.

Relocation is available for this position.

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Posting Dates:

June 19, 2026 - July 12, 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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