Caterpillar, Inc

Design Engineer

Caterpillar, Inc$89K — $133K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Degree in Engineering from an accredited program
  • Working knowledge of product design and development
  • Ability to conduct analytical thinking and root cause analysis
  • Effective communication skills, both verbal and written
  • Experience in managing multiple priorities and concurrent projects

Responsibilities

  • Research new materials and competitive products
  • Organize and execute building, testing, and analysis of prototypes
  • Develop and document functional requirements into detailed design documents
  • Support proposal preparation, cost estimates, and technical reports
  • Participate in buy-build analysis for product components

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits
  • Paid time off plan including vacations and holidays
  • 401(k) savings plan options
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
  • Access to employee assistance program
  • Career development opportunities
  • Incentive bonuses
  • Disability and life insurance
  • Parental and adoption leave
  • Tuition reimbursement programs
Full Job Description
Career Area:
Engineering

Job Description:

Role Definition

We are seeking a Design Engineer. This person will design, develop, build, and implement new components, products, or technologies.

What You Will Do:
  • Researching new materials and competitive products. Organizing, coordinating, and executing the building, testing, and analysis of prototypes.
  • Developing and documenting functional requirements and translating into detail design documents. Participating in buy-build analysis for product components.
  • Participating in and supporting proposal preparation, cost estimates, and technical
  • reports.


Degree Requirement
Requires a degree from an accredited engineering program.

What You Will Have:

Analytical Thinking: 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.

Level Working Knowledge:
  • Approaches a situation or problem by defining the problem or issue and determining its significance.
  • Makes a systematic comparison of two or more alternative solutions.
  • Uses flow charts, Pareto charts, fish diagrams, etc. to disclose meaningful data patterns.
  • Identifies the major forces, events and people impacting and impacted by the situation at hand.
  • Uses logic and intuition to make inferences about the meaning of the data and arrive at conclusions.


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

Level Working Knowledge:
  • Builds three-dimensional models with basic materials.
  • Communicates with professionals to understand various requirements of product design.
  • Tests and evaluates alternative means of production being considered for use.
  • Uses automated tools to design or modify the design of a product.
  • Assists in building a complex prototype of product.


Effective Communications: 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.

Level Working Knowledge:
  • Delivers helpful feedback that focuses on behaviors without offending the recipient.
  • Listens to feedback without defensiveness and uses it for own communication effectiveness.
  • Makes oral presentations and writes reports needed for own work.
  • Avoids technical jargon when inappropriate.
  • Looks for and considers non-verbal cues from individuals and groups.


Managing Multiple Priorities: 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.

Level Working Knowledge:
  • Recognizes changing demands and priorities; validates changes with management.
  • Obtains information about how current assignments contribute to organizational goals.
  • Completes current work according to assigned priorities.
  • Responds to day-to-day operational priorities while still making progress on project work.
  • Performs at least 2-3 concurrent activities without reducing productivity.


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

Level Working Knowledge:
  • Provides effective technical solutions to routine functional challenges via sound technical competence, effectively examining implications of events and issues.
  • Effectively performs the technical job aspects, continuously building knowledge and keeping up-to-date on technical and procedural job components.
  • Applies technical operating and project standards based on achieving excellence in delivered products, technologies and services.
  • Applies current procedures and technologies to help resolve technical issues in one's general area of technical competence.
  • Helps others solve technical or procedural problems or issues.


Additional Information
  • Sponsorship is not available for this position
  • Relocation is available
  • ISE assignment is not available


Summary Pay Range:

$89,210.00 - $133,810.00

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 25, 2026

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.

Explore Job Opportunities and Growth

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.

Internship Programs

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.

Benefits and Culture

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.

Join Our Team

Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We are looking for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players. Ready to start your journey at Caterpillar, Inc.? Explore our career portal for the latest job opportunities.

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Keep up to date with company news, career tips, and industry insights—all from the people who work here. Subscribe to our careers blog and personalize your subscription to receive updates that align with your career interests.

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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