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Britta Jost is a senior engineer at Caterpillar Inc. with design responsibility for the chassis of the D6 track-type tractor. In this role, she works in a global environment with suppliers and counterparts in processing, manufacturing, materials and analysis, providing new, quality designs and timely resolutions to field and production problems, and pursuing cost reduction initiatives. A 6 Sigma Green Belt, she has also been named co-inventor on one patent, with two additional applications pending.
Jost has long been active in Caterpillar’s Womens Initiatives Network, having previously chaired the WIN Next Leaders subcommittee. She also recruits talent for the company at her alma mater, Michigan Technological University, where she was heavily involved in student government during her tenure. She represents the firm on Michigan Tech’s Corporate Advisory Board, organizing and training teams of interviewers and hosts, and overseeing all events and interviews.
Active with the Society of Women Engineers - Central Illinois Section, Jost began as webmaster and served as membership chair for two years. Under her leadership, the section won all three regional statistical awards for membership. She was appointed Region H Regional Membership Coordinator in FY 2009 and 2010, became president of the Central Illinois Section in 2010, and received the Central Illinois Section Distinguished Member Award the following year. She is also the Work/Life Integration Chair for FY 2014.
Jost has been a volunteer for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Peoria County since 2008, advocating for abused and neglected children. Her commitment to the organization is reflected in more than 350 hours of service and thousands of miles she has driven to serve her cases. She has participated in the Bear Buddy program and Engineering Explorer Post program, helping high school students explore career opportunities in science and engineering, and has been active in her local Brownie troop, helping its members earn the Science in Action patch. iBi