Caterpillar, Inc

Principal NPI Mechanical Design Engineer

Caterpillar, Inc$120K — $180K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent experience.
  • Extensive experience in mechanical design of complex products.
  • Experience with turbomachinery or gas turbine systems.
  • Strong proficiency in 3D modeling and engineering documentation tools.
  • Ability to independently solve complex technical problems.
  • Experience mentoring engineers and developing technical capabilities.
  • Effective communication skills with all stakeholders.

Responsibilities

  • Translate customer and business requirements into engineering solutions.
  • Lead development of mechanical designs for new products and technology.
  • Create and maintain detailed engineering documentation.
  • Integrate complex turbomachinery systems into designs.
  • Collaborate with multiple teams to resolve technical challenges.
  • Evaluate technical tradeoffs regarding design and manufacturability.
  • Identify risks and develop mitigation strategies for projects.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits
  • Paid time off plan (including vacations and holidays)
  • 401(k) savings plans
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
  • Career Development programs
  • Incentive bonuses
  • Tuition Reimbursement
Full Job Description

Career Area:

Engineering

Job Description:

Position Overview

As a Principal Mechanical Design Engineer, you will serve as a key technical contributor within a small, high-performing development team responsible for new product introduction (NPI).

You will be expected to apply advanced mechanical engineering principles to evaluate complex problems, develop practical and innovative solutions, and provide technical leadership throughout the product development lifecycle. The successful candidate will work with a high degree of independence and will frequently collaborate with Field Service, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Business Development, and other engineering organizations to resolve challenging technical issues and drive product improvements.

Key Responsibilities

  • Partner with Product Owners, Scrum Masters, and development teams to translate customer, business, and product requirements into actionable engineering solutions.
  • Lead the development of creative concepts and detailed mechanical designs supporting new products, technology development efforts, and platform enhancements.
  • Develop, review, and maintain detailed 3D models, engineering drawings, Bills of Material (BOMs), and associated product documentation.
  • Apply advanced mechanical design principles to the development and integration of complex turbomachinery systems and components.
  • Work closely with Field Service Representatives, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Quality, and Business Development teams to identify root causes of technical challenges and implement effective solutions.
  • Lead evaluation of technical tradeoffs and design alternatives related to safety, performance, reliability, manufacturability, cost, serviceability, and risk.
  • Support the development and review of mechanical installation drawings and system integration documentation.
  • Utilize engineering analysis tools, including FEA when appropriate, to support design decisions and resolve complex engineering challenges.
  • Identify technical risks and develop mitigation strategies to ensure successful execution of development programs.
  • Provide technical guidance and mentorship to engineers across multiple experience levels.
  • Serve as a technical resource within the organization, helping establish engineering best practices and sharing lessons learned across projects.
  • Exercise significant independent judgment in determining technical approaches and resolving highly complex engineering challenges.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, related engineering discipline, or equivalent experience.
  • Extensive experience in mechanical design and development of complex engineered products.
  • Extensive experience with turbomachinery, rotating equipment, gas turbine systems, or related industrial equipment.
  • Strong proficiency in 3D modeling (Ansys Space Claim, Creo), engineering drawings, BOM development (Windchill, Linked Data), and configuration management.
  • Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, product development, and design for manufacturability principles.
  • Demonstrated ability to independently solve complex technical problems and provide technical leadership across functional boundaries.
  • Experience mentoring engineers and contributing to the development of organizational technical capability.
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills with technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Top Candidates will also have:

  • Graduate degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
  • Experience developing and reviewing mechanical installation drawings
  • Working knowledge of engineering analysis methods, including finite element analysis (FEA), with the ability to interpret and apply results to support design decisions.

Summary Pay Range:

$120,600.00 - $180,900.00

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. 

 

 

 

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

 

 

Posting Dates:

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.

Stay Connected

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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