A global leader in heavy-duty equipment, Caterpillar moves the earth—literally. Caterpillar has facilities across the world. A partner since 2009, Caterpillar has offered several internships focusing on supply chain and optimizing operations, as well as more technically focused projects on welding. Caterpillar actively recruits students interested in leading initiatives in the company.
Santiago Andrade Aparicio (LGO ’23)
Title: Nuclear Microreactors as a Clean Energy Source for Data Centers and Mining Sites
Engineering Department: Nuclear Science and Engineering
Caterpillar has been hiring LGO graduates into their leadership pipeline for many years.
Rotational & Leadership Development Opportunities: The Caterpillar Accelerated Leadership Development Program is designed to provide experienced professionals with an opportunity to gain hands-on experience that enables them to make a real-world impact. MIT LGO graduates who join Caterpillar, a proud LGO partner company, will have the opportunity to complete a multi-phase program that includes:
- Participant choice of three rotational assignments from but not limited of the following options:
- New Technology Validation
- Autonomy Design
- Product Electrification
- Product Value Chain Design
- Strategic Procurement
- Lean Innovation
- Manufacturing Operations
- Field Assignment (Mine Site Autonomy Deployment or Services Growth)
- Mentorship by a senior Caterpillar Executive
- Intentional Leadership Development & Experiential Learning Opportunities.
- One 12–18-month developmental international assignment
Recent Post-Graduation Job Titles: Analytics Manager, Energy Transition Strategy Manager, Rotational Leadership Development Program Manager, Manufacturing Engineering Manager
Mark Membreno, P.E. (LGO ’24)
Analytics Manager, Dallas, TX, Caterpillar
While at LGO: MBA & SM Civil and Environmental Engineering
Previous Studies: Texas A&M University, B.S. in Civil Engineering; Massachusetts Institute of Technology, M.Eng. in Structural Engineering
Mark is a licensed Professional Engineer in California with extensive experience in Forensic and Construction Engineering within the construction industry. During his research fellowship at Boeing through LGO, he analyzed air travel’s price elasticity as the aviation industry moves towards decarbonization by adopting Sustainable Aviation Fuels. Mark joined Caterpillar after graduating where he is currently aiding the digital transformation of its procurement and supply chain.
Santiago Andrade Aparicio (LGO ’23)
Energy Transition Strategy Manager, Dallas, TX, Caterpillar
While at LGO: MBA & SM Nuclear Science and Engineering
Previous Studies: Universidad Iberoamericana – Mexico City, B.S. in Chemical Engineering
Santiago started his career as a Chemical Engineer with General Electric Oil and Gas. In Mexico City, where he is from, he worked with Bain & Co. on operations optimization and strategy definition projects for electric utilities and beverage companies. At LGO, as one of the first NSE students, Santiago focused on understanding the technical and commercial feasibility of using nuclear microreactors to decarbonize mining and data center customers. After graduation, he rejoined Caterpillar where he defines the strategic path for the Electric Power Division’s engagements with emerging clean energy technologies.
Paige Youngerman (LGO ’20)
Manufacturing Project Engineer, Tucson Proving Grounds, Caterpillar
While at LGO: MBA & SM Mechanical Engineering
Previous Studies: United States Military Academy, Mechanical Engineering
Paige served as an Engineer Officer in the United States Army in a variety of construction management roles. At LGO, she conducted her internship at Caterpillar, working to understand the cost of complexity as a low volume part is manufactured. Paige joined Caterpillar after graduation where she was responsible for understanding and identifying opportunities for improvement in Large Mining Truck product cost. She is now working as a manufacturing engineer focused on electrification at the Tucson Proving Grounds.
Denise Johnson (LGO ’97)
Group President, Caterpillar
While at LGO: MBA & SM, Mechanical Engineering
Previous Studies: Michigan State University, Mechanical Engineering
Denise Johnson is the first woman to enter senior management in Caterpillar’s history. She joined Caterpillar in 2011 after a successful career at General Motors. At CAT, Denise is responsible for underground and surface mining products as well as CAT’s global supply network.
