Caterpillar, Inc

Senior Design Engineer

Caterpillar, Inc$112K — $169K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline
  • 5-7 years of experience in mechanical system design and development
  • Proven leadership in product development from concept to release
  • Strong problem-solving skills in complex engineering contexts
  • Ability to manage cross-functional technical activities and stakeholder coordination

Responsibilities

  • Lead the design and development of complex engine systems and components
  • Establish design strategies meeting performance and reliability standards
  • Drive concept development and evaluate design alternatives
  • Conduct engineering analyses and validation programs for product durability
  • Provide leadership and guidance to engineering teams and partners
  • Coordinate technical activities across various engineering disciplines
  • Analyze product performance data to identify trends for improvements
  • Influence product architecture and long-term development roadmaps
  • Mentor junior engineers, promoting a culture of innovation

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits
  • Paid time off plan including vacation and volunteer days
  • 401(k) savings plan
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Career development opportunities
  • Incentive bonus options
  • Tuition reimbursement
Full Job Description
Career Area:
Engineering

Job Description:

Job Summary
As a Senior Design Engineer, you will lead the development of complex engine systems and components for the GCM34 gas engine including Balance of Plant (BOP) in close collaboration with overall medium speed engine family M20-M46. You will drive technical decisions throughout the product development lifecycle, partnering with global cross-functional teams to transform ideas into robust, manufacturable products while advancing innovation, product quality, and long-term platform performance. The senior role aligns with the same overall product development mission but carries greater ownership of technical direction, system-level decisions, and complex engineering challenges.

What You Will Do:
  • Lead the design and development of complex engine systems, components, and integrated product solutions from concept through production implementation.
  • Establish technical approaches and design strategies that satisfy customer, regulatory, manufacturing, performance, and reliability requirements.
  • Drive concept development activities, evaluating multiple design alternatives and recommending optimal solutions.
  • Lead engineering analyses, simulations, validation programs, and technical reviews to ensure robust product performance and durability.
  • Provide technical leadership and guidance to engineers, project teams, suppliers, and external engineering partners.
  • Coordinate cross-functional development activities with manufacturing, quality, performance, controls, supply chain, and product support organizations.
  • Supporting the worldwide dealer and O&M teams with all technical questions about engines and connected systems and their interfaces with each other.
  • Analyze product, validation, and field performance data to identify trends and drive product enhancements.
  • Lead resolution of complex technical challenges through structured problem-solving and risk-based decision-making.
  • Influence system architecture decisions, component integration strategies, and long-term product development roadmaps.
  • Drive product release activities, engineering changes, and design governance processes while ensuring compliance with quality and engineering standards.
  • Identify opportunities to improve engineering efficiency through the use of new technologies, digital tools, data analytics, and AI-enabled engineering solutions.
  • Mentor and develop less experienced engineers while fostering technical excellence and innovation across the team.
  • Lead initiatives that improve product quality, reliability, manufacturability, and customer value throughout the product lifecycle.


Degree Requirement
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.


What You Will Have
  • Analytical Thinking: Extensive experience and 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.
  • 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.
  • Managing Multiple Priorities: Working 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.
  • Technical Excellence: Working knowledge of a given technology and various application methods; ability to develop and provide solutions to significant technical challenges.


Additional Requirements
  • Experience leading the design and development of mechanical systems, components, or products.
  • Experience independently driving product development activities from concept through validation and release.
  • Experience evaluating complex technical challenges and developing robust engineering solutions.
  • Experience coordinating technical activities across multiple engineering disciplines and stakeholder groups.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage technical risk, design tradeoffs, and engineering decision making throughout the product lifecycle.


What Will Put You Ahead
  • Advanced knowledge of medium-speed engine design, development, integration, and performance optimization.
  • Experience leading the development of complex engine systems, power generation products, or large industrial equipment.
  • Advanced experience with system integration, validation strategies, and product performance optimization.
  • Experience leading technical reviews, design decisions, and cross-functional development initiatives.
  • Experience mentoring engineers or providing technical leadership within engineering teams.
  • Experience using data analytics to drive engineering decisions, product improvements, or design optimization.
  • Knowledge of both mechanical and electrical system interactions within complex products.
  • Experience working within global engineering organizations and collaborating across multiple regions.
  • Experience evaluating and implementing emerging engineering technologies, digital tools, or AI-enabled engineering solutions.
  • Experience influencing product strategy, technical roadmaps, or architecture decisions.


Additional Information
  • This position requires the candidate to work a 5-day-a-week schedule in the office.
  • International travel up to 5% is possible.
  • Relocation is available for this position.
  • Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this position.


This Job Description is intended as a general guide to the job duties for this position and is intended for the purpose of establishing the specific salary grade. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as an exhaustive summary of all responsibilities, duties and effort required of employees assigned to this job.

At the discretion of management, this description may be changed at any time to address the evolving needs of the organization. It is expressly not intended to be a comprehensive list of "essential job functions" as that term is defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Summary Pay Range:

$112,710.00 - $169,060.00

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 5, 2026 - August 19, 2026

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

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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.

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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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