Caterpillar, Inc

Design Engineer

Caterpillar, Inc$97K — $146K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or relevant field
  • ~6 years of relevant engineering experience
  • Extensive knowledge of design tools and techniques
  • Experience in product design and development
  • Strong communication and analytical skills

Responsibilities

  • Resolve complex design issues
  • Act as the key point of contact for shop support
  • Collaborate with suppliers on design and cost evaluations
  • Lead initiatives for component and supplier strategies
  • Foster excellence in product development initiatives
  • Support validation of product designs
  • Deliver robust and validated designs on time

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits
  • Paid time off including vacation and holidays
  • 401(k) savings plan
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
  • Career development opportunities
  • Tuition reimbursement
Full Job Description
Career Area:
Engineering

Job Description:

Job Summary

This key Design Engineer role is in the Large Power Systems Division Core Packaging group. As a Design Engineer, you will be involved in concepting and designing of mechanical systems which meets performance, quality and cost targets while delivering on time. This position will be accountable for managing team workload as well as lead project initiatives and demonstrate product development excellence.

What you will Do
  • Resolves complex design issues
  • Key point of contact for shop support and issue resolution
  • Collaborate with suppliers for design, process, cost and deviation evaluation
  • Lead component and supplier strategy initiatives
  • Lead robust product development excellence initiatives
  • Support product validation
  • Responsible for delivering robust and validated design on time to meet deliverables
  • Ability to communicate technical information in a succinct and accurate manner


Degree Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or relevant field
  • Relevant experience of ~6 years with bachelor's degree or higher


What you will have

Analytical Thinking: Extensive 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.

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.

Managing Multiple Priorities: Working knowledge of effective self-management practices; ability to manage multiple concurrent objectives, projects, groups, or activities, making effective judgments as to prioritizing and time allocation.

Technical Excellence: Working knowledge of a given technology and various application methods; ability to develop and provide solutions to significant technical challenges.

Computer-Aided Design & Engineering: Extensive experience and knowledge of tools and techniques of specialized graphics programs; ability to produce, analyze, simulate and test product design drafts.

Product Design - MFG: Extensive knowledge of processes, approaches, tools and techniques of product design; ability to convert customer and market requirements into product design.

Product Design and Development: Working knowledge of product features; ability to design, build, and develop a new product, technology, or service from concept through to production.

What will put you ahead
  • Master's degree in an Engineering or relevant field
  • Fabrication design experience
  • System integration
  • Factory support experience
  • Experience with Creo or other modeling tools
  • Knowledge of and experience in APQP, NPI, CPI and NTI processes is a plus
  • Supplier/component strategy experience


Additional Information:
• Location of this position is in Lafayette, IN.
• Relocation assistance is available for this position
• Sponsorship is NOT available for this position
• Travel up to 20% is possible

#LI

Summary Pay Range:

$97,530.00 - $146,290.00

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:
August 12, 2026 - August 28, 2026

Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.

Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.

About Caterpillar, Inc

Progress Rail Services Corporation, a Caterpillar company, is one of the largest integrated and diversified suppliers of railroad and transit system products and services worldwide. Since its acquisition by Caterpillar Inc. in 2006, Progress Rail has used the Caterpillar international footprint to gain quick and widespread notice and approval across the globe. Product technology, reliability and durability, along with legendary aftermarket parts and service support, have been their keys to success. Caterpillar is the world's leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines and industrial gas turbines. The technology and world reach of Caterpillar, combined with the service standard and historical reliability of Progress Rail, ensures their products and services make a growing impact on the world rail industry. With their acquisition of Electro-Motive Diesel (EMD), Progress Rail is the world's largest builder of diesel-electric locomotives for all commercial railroad applications including freight, intercity passenger, commuter, switching, industrial and mining. EMD is also a global provider of diesel power engines for marine propulsion, offshore and land based oil well drilling rigs and stationary power generation. Electro-Motive is the only diesel engine manufacturer of its size to have produced more than 70,000 engines. This success stems from product reliability, serviceability, load acceptance capability, low operating costs and ease of maintenance with standardized components.

Caterpillar, Inc. Careers

Join the robust team at Caterpillar, Inc., a global leader in construction and mining equipment, where innovation drives everything we do. As part of our team, you'll engage in work that improves the world and furthers your career with every project you touch.

Work You’ll Do

At Caterpillar, Inc., you will have the opportunity to contribute to a variety of groundbreaking projects that extend across the globe. Our commitment to leadership in the industry is unwavering, and we achieve it through a culture that fosters diversity and leadership development.

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Caterpillar offers a wide range of job opportunities and career paths, providing a platform for professional growth and development. Whether you're interested in engineering, sales, marketing, or management, Caterpillar has a position that will utilize your unique skills and talents. We are continuously hiring innovative minds to propel our mission forward and maintain our status as industry leaders.

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Kickstart your career with a Caterpillar internship. Our internships provide invaluable workplace experience and networking opportunities that often lead to full-time employment at our company. As an intern, you will work alongside experienced professionals and gain insights that will benefit you as you advance in your career.

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Choosing a career at Caterpillar means more than just having a job. It means you're part of a team that values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment. We offer competitive benefits to ensure the health and well-being of our employees and their families. These benefits include health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off, alongside unique perks like professional development and diversity training programs.

Innovation and Leadership

Drive innovation and industry leadership as part of the Caterpillar team. We empower our employees to lead from their first day on the job, encouraging continuous improvement and career advancement. At Caterpillar, your ideas will shape the future of our business and the industries we serve.

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Prepare for Your Interview

Make a great first impression. Prepare for your interview at Caterpillar by reviewing common questions and practicing your responses. Tailor your resume to highlight the experiences and skills that make you the ideal candidate for the position you are applying for. At Caterpillar, Inc., every role offers the chance to make an impact. Come be a part of our team and drive the future of our global industries. Your career at Caterpillar is not just about what you'll accomplish, but how you'll grow and the innovation you'll lead. Join us and build a career that matters.
Learn more about Caterpillar, Inc
Size
107,700 employees
Market Cap
$125.3 billion
Industry
Net Income
$2.9 billion
Founded
1925
5 Year Trend
+5.8%
Revenue
$41.7 billion
NASDAQ

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