Caterpillar, Inc

Mechanical Design Engineer

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

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aeronautical engineering
  • Proficient with Cat Engineering systems (Creo, Teamcenter)
  • Experience in releasing prints using eSAP and EDS
  • Collaboration experience with suppliers
  • Effective communication skills with technical information
  • Experience supporting Cat dealers
  • Strong work ethic and initiative

Responsibilities

  • Design mechanical components and subsystems for enclosed genset solutions
  • Attend and support design reviews, including virtual ones
  • Create drawings for custom enclosure solutions
  • Conduct quality checks and resolve packaging issues
  • Release pricing for pricing options on gensets
  • Assist in releasing parts supporting life cycle cost calculations
  • Provide technical support to sales and production teams
  • Identify and implement cost reduction opportunities
  • Communicate technical details across teams and suppliers

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits
  • Paid time off (vacation, holidays, volunteer days)
  • 401(k) savings plans
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Career Development opportunities
  • Incentive bonuses
Full Job Description
Career Area:
Engineering

Job Description:

Role Definition

Electric Power Division currently has an opening for a Mechanical Design Engineer in the Global Gas Solutions Packaging team. This position will support the design of the mechanical Balance of Plant and enclosure components for natural gas genset solutions. A strong focus will be on CHP and Standby enclosures. All designs need to be modular and designed for manufacturing, so that they can be sourced either in-house or at the third-party packagers. Special design flexibility needs to be in place to quickly optimize the design to meet customer or site requirements once an order is placed to support custom orders. Enclosure solution designs will integrate mechanical components and distribution into the packages, serving different customer applications.

The incumbent will facilitate the concept and the detailed engineering design for various aspects of the standard enclosed genset solutions, overseeing the releasing to Cat engineering systems, helping resource components and assemblies, leading or participating in the design reviews, participating in the VDRA's to ensure manufacturability of the engineering designs in support of new product development (NPI) as well as engineering maintenance (custom orders) in a manner to ensure the products provide superior performance, best cost, durability, quality, and serviceability. The incumbent will facilitate or support the validation testing.

This position requires effective collaboration with internal partners, external suppliers, operations, supply chain, commercial team, and third-party packagers to deliver robust designs globally and to drive cost reduction and quality improvements.

Additional Info:
  • This position is based in Lafayette, IN and will be in-office 5 days per week
  • Travel up to 20%
  • Relocation assistance is available for this position
  • Sponsorship is not available for this position


What You Will Do:
  • Accountable for concept and design of mechanical components and subsystems for the standard packaged enclosed solutions, processing engineering drawings and data in line with company procedures and Cat engineering systems, monitoring prints releasing to Cat systems on time
  • Support design reviews, virtual design reviews, sourcing parts from suppliers, and validation testing
  • Create drawings for customized standard solutions
  • Perform quality checks on enclosure packaging solutions and drive issue resolution with a sense of urgency
  • Release pricing arrangements for the pricelist options
  • Release parts in alignment with CVA's to support total life cycle cost calculations before a sale is executed
  • Provide technical support to the technical sales support team and to the global production facilities through internal operations partners or third-party packagers
  • Identify and implement cost reduction opportunities
  • Communicate technical information effectively with team members and others in the work group, suppliers, dealers/customers and other departments in a concise and accurate manner
  • Provide presentations for Dealer Advisory Team (DAT) meetings and support training needs for internal and external groups
  • Complete projects on time and on cost


Degree required

Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aeronautical engineering

What You Have:
  • Proficient with Cat Engineering systems including Creo, Teamcenter, and product quality systems and reporting
  • Demonstrated proficiency in releasing prints in eSAP and EDS
  • Previous supplier collaboration experience
  • Previous experience of working in a design/development/problem solving environment
  • Effective communications skills with the ability to communicate technical information effectively with team members and dealers/customers
  • Demonstrated proficiency with processing invoices for engineering work and parts through NEXTGen and Prove Design.
  • Experience with supporting Cat dealers
  • A self-starter demonstrating a strong work ethic and good initiative
  • Proficient using Visio and documenting Process flow maps.


Analytical Thinking: Working 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.
• 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.

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.
• 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.

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.
• 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.

Top Candidates will also have:
  • Customer facing experience through engineering, sales, and support functions. Being able to work within AISTO XT and CSQ.
  • Good communication, interpersonal and collaboration skills
  • NPI program Experience
  • Experience leading NPI, CPI and cost reduction projects with proven results.
  • Ability to manage multiple programs and break down roadblocks to meet program objectives


This position will be posted until 11:59PM CDT on June 30, 2026

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:

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.

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.

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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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