Caterpillar, Inc

Mechanical Design Engineer

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

Qualifications

  • 5-7 years of experience in mechanical design engineering of large structural components
  • Proficient in CREO for CAD modeling and documentation
  • Strong knowledge of structural design, including weldments and thick plates
  • Familiarity with manufacturing processes like robotic welding and CNC machining
  • Expertise in requirements analysis for translating L6 to L4 designs
  • Ability to execute mechanical design projects within structured frameworks
  • Problem-solving skills in mechanical and manufacturing environments

Responsibilities

  • Perform mechanical design for Large Structures with a focus on DFMA
  • Develop and document mechanical functional requirements and designs
  • Optimize structural weldments and components balancing various factors
  • Apply mechanical engineering principles to large-scale structures
  • Lead mechanical tolerancing and GD&T definition
  • Collaborate with manufacturing for automation integration
  • Participate in validation activities to enhance production processes

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits
  • Paid time off (vacation, holidays, volunteer)
  • 401(k) savings plans
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Career development opportunities
  • Incentive bonuses
  • Life and disability insurance
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Parental and adoption leave
Full Job Description
Career Area:
Engineering

Job Description:

MechanicalDesign Engineer

Locations: Decatur, IL - Champaign, IL - Mossville, IL (AC)
Travel: Up to 15%
Relocation Assistance: Available
Visa Sponsorship: Not Available

Job Summary

Caterpillar is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer to support L4 system design for LWL/CWD Large Structures, driving innovative mechanical solutions aligned to L6 down-selected system QVC requirements. This role focuses on mechanical design engineering excellence, including structural weldments, thick-section components, manufacturability, and automation-ready designs.

You will collaborate across CPPD (Concurrent Product and Process Development) teams, translating functional and performance requirements into robust mechanical designs that meet cost, quality, durability, and manufacturing objectives. This role plays a critical part in shaping next-generation Caterpillar products through hands-on mechanical design leadership from concept through production.

Key Responsibilities
  • Perform mechanical design engineering for Large Structures (QVC) supporting LWL/WDC NPI and CPI programs, with strong emphasis on Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA).
  • Develop and document mechanical functional requirements, translating L6 system requirements into detailed L4 mechanical designs, models, and drawings.
  • Design and optimize structural weldments, thick-plate and thick-wall cast components (≥25 mm), balancing strength, weight, durability, and cost.
  • Apply mechanical engineering fundamentals (statics, dynamics, fatigue, load paths, material behavior) to large-scale structures including buckets, work tools, linkages, frames, bodies, liners, pins, bearings, and joints.
  • Lead mechanical layout, tolerance, and GD&T definition, including fixturing concepts for finished weldments and machined components.
  • Collaborate with manufacturing partners to enable robotic welding, BTS (laser/plasma/gas cutting), CNC machining, and paint automation, improving supply chain efficiency.
  • Participate in Go See Act workshops, pilot builds, and pre-production validation activities, supporting mechanical issue resolution and continuous improvement.
  • Support PMO-based project plans, providing mechanical design status, risk assessments, and set-based design recommendations.


Required Skills
  • Mechanical Design Engineering: Demonstrated experience designing mechanical systems and large structural components from concept through production.
  • CAD & Modeling: Proficient in CREO for mechanical modeling, assemblies, and detailed drawings.
  • Structural Design Knowledge: Experience with weldments, castings, thick plates, wear materials, and structural load paths.
  • Manufacturing Integration: Working knowledge of robotic welding, BTS cutting processes, CNC machining, and automation-focused design.
  • Requirements Analysis: Experience performing L4 design based on L6 system requirements, including trade studies and design validation.
  • Project Execution: Ability to plan, organize, and execute mechanical design work within structured project frameworks.
  • Problem Solving: Strong troubleshooting skills for resolving mechanical and manufacturing issues in production environments.


Preferred Skills
  • FEA & Simulation: Working knowledge of finite element analysis for static and dynamic structural validation.
  • Advanced Mechanical Systems: Experience with fatigue, impact loading, abrasion, and wear mechanisms in heavy equipment applications.
  • Aftermarket & Service Considerations: Understanding of serviceability and lifecycle performance for large mechanical structures.
  • Cross-Functional Influence: Ability to influence design decisions through technical expertise across engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain teams.


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:
May 22, 2026 - June 4, 2026

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

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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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

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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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