As a development engineer with Caterpillar I work with design engineers to improve new and existing designs. I do this by performing tests on machines such as Challenger tractors. A typical test involves installing new prototype parts, attaching instrumentation to the machine, performing the test, analyzing the data, removing the instrumentation and parts, and then writing a report. Our work often takes us to the customer job site or field such as the picture above which is from a field follow trip in South Dakota. While in the field we work with the customer on improving the product by obtaining valuable feedback and observing their use of the machines on a daily basis.

My education from the ABEN department at NDSU did an excellent job of preparing me for my career. Many of the department classes such as Instrumentation and Measurements, Hydraulics, Materials Handling, and Ag Power cover the fundamentals of what is needed in my daily work.

Professors in the department were also of great help because they are very easy to talk to and discuss the difficult decisions that come with choosing an internship/coop and full time employment. The ABEN department is a great mix for individuals who have an agriculture background but enjoy the challenges of engineering.