Caterpillar, Inc

Design Engineering Specialist – Hydraulic Installation Expert

Caterpillar, Inc$128K — $192K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Materials Science, or related field
  • 5+ years of hydraulic installation design experience
  • Experience with heavy equipment hydraulic installation
  • Familiarity with hydraulic design guides and development of engineering standards
  • Proven track record in technical leadership and mentoring
  • Experience in New Product Introduction (NPI) and continuous improvement

Responsibilities

  • Develop and manage hydraulic installation design guides and standards
  • Serve as the technical expert for hydraulic installation across products
  • Coach and mentor engineers in hydraulic design and integration
  • Champion engineering processes for consistency and quality
  • Define design requirements and performance characteristics for projects
  • Guide technical design reviews and project planning activities
  • Evaluate emerging technologies and materials for improvements

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)
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Career Development
  • Incentive bonus
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Life Insurance
  • Parental leave
  • Adoption benefits
Full Job Description

Career Area:

Engineering

Job Description:

Caterpillar's Resource Industries Division is seeking a Design Engineering Specialist – Hydraulic Installation Expert to provide technical leadership for hydraulic system installation across Resource Industries products, including Rigid Frame Trucks, Load & Haul machines, Tracked Products, and emerging technology programs. In this highly visible role, you will establish hydraulic installation standards, mentor engineering teams, and drive consistent engineering practices that improve quality, efficiency, and execution across New Product Introduction (NPI) programs and continuous improvement initiatives.

What You'll Do:

  • Develop and manage hydraulic installation design guides, standards, and engineering best practices.

  • Serve as the technical expert for hydraulic installation across Resource Industries products and technology programs.

  • Coach, mentor, and develop engineers in hydraulic installation design and integration.

  • Champion common engineering processes that improve consistency, quality, and efficiency across teams.

  • Define design requirements, performance characteristics, and technical specifications that support safety, quality, velocity, and cost objectives.

  • Guide technical design reviews, project planning, detailed design activities, and development testing efforts.

  • Participate in supplier selection activities and assess supplier capabilities to support program objectives.

  • Evaluate emerging technologies, materials, and hydraulic components to identify product and process improvement opportunities.

  • Support prototype construction and fabrication activities, including material selection and process optimization.

  • Lead reliability testing, failure analysis, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement initiatives.

What Skills Will You Have:

Technical Excellence Serve as the technical authority for hydraulic installation design, routing, packaging, and system integration across Resource Industries products. Lead the development of engineering standards and design guidelines, mentor and coach engineers, and provide technical direction that drives quality, reliability, manufacturability, and product performance across NPI and continuous improvement programs.

Analytical Thinking Apply analytical tools and engineering expertise to identify root causes of complex hydraulic installation and integration challenges. Evaluate technical data, testing results, and field feedback to develop innovative solutions that improve safety, quality, reliability, and customer value.

Decision Making & Critical Thinking Lead technical decision-making by evaluating design alternatives, assessing risks, and recommending solutions that balance performance, cost, manufacturability, and customer requirements. Apply sound engineering judgment to support hydraulic system development and continuous improvement initiatives.

Effective Communications Communicate complex hydraulic installation concepts clearly and effectively across engineering, manufacturing, suppliers, and product teams. Mentor engineers, provide constructive technical guidance, and influence technical decisions while building alignment across cross-functional stakeholders.

Project Management Lead hydraulic installation activities for New Product Introduction (NPI) programs and continuous improvement projects. Plan, organize, prioritize, and execute engineering deliverables while managing risks, coordinating resources, and ensuring successful project outcomes.

Computer-Aided Design & Engineering Develop, analyze, and optimize hydraulic installation designs using advanced engineering and CAD tools. Lead design reviews, mentor engineers on design best practices, and guide system integration activities to ensure quality and consistency across programs.

Product Testing Develop and execute testing strategies that validate hydraulic system performance, reliability, and quality. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to incorporate testing requirements into system designs and drive improvements through data-driven validation activities.

Troubleshooting Technical Problems Apply advanced troubleshooting techniques and failure analysis methodologies to diagnose and resolve complex hydraulic system issues. Lead root cause investigations, mentor team members in effective problem-solving approaches, and drive improvements in system reliability and product performance.

Education & Experience Requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Materials Science, or a related accredited technical discipline.

Top Candidates Will Have:

· 5+ years of hydraulic installation design experience.

· Heavy equipment hydraulic installation experience.

· Hydraulic design guide and standards development experience.

· Technical leadership and mentoring experience.

· NPI and continuous improvement experience.

· Hydraulic testing and validation expertise.

· Cross-functional and supplier collaboration experience.

Additional Information:

The primary work location for this role is Tucson, AZ OR Decatur, IL, with a requirement to work on-site full-time at a Caterpillar facility.

Up to 20% travel may be required.

Domestic relocation assistance is available.

Visa sponsorship, international assignments, or payroll transfers are not available for this role.

Posting Dates: 09/11/2026 - 09/25/2026

Summary Pay Range:

$128,470.00 - $192,710.00

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

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.

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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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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.

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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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