Caterpillar, Inc

Senior Design Engineer - Mechanical / Electrical

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

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related discipline.
  • 5-7 years of experience in mechanical and electrical system integration.
  • Hands-on experience in vehicle systems and heavy equipment design.
  • Experience with gated development processes and technical influence on projects.
  • Proven leadership in engineering projects across cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

  • Lead mechanical design and integration of electrical systems in vehicle platforms.
  • Design and develop components, brackets, and harness routing paths.
  • Own cost, quality, validation, and schedule for projects.
  • Collaborate with suppliers to ensure manufacturability and serviceability.
  • Work with manufacturing teams on assembly feasibility and installation repeatability.
  • Drive cross-department collaboration across development and support organizations.
  • Research new technologies for vehicle integration and durability.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits
  • Paid time off (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)
  • 401(k) savings plans
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Career Development
  • Incentive bonuses
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Parental leave and adoption benefits
Full Job Description
Career Area:
Engineering

Job Description:

Senior Design Engineer - Mechanical / Electrical

Tracked Products | Caterpillar Resource Industries

Location: Tucson Mining Center or East Peoria SS (In office 5 days a week)

Travel: Up to 15%

Relocation Assistance: Available

Visa Sponsorship: Not Offered

Caterpillar Inc. is the world's leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment. You will have the opportunity to join the Tracked Products Electrical Installation team, responsible for mechanically integrating electrical solutions across Large tracked-type equipment.

About the Role

As a Senior Design Engineer, you will lead electrical installation projects with a strong mechanical focus, ensuring electrical systems are effectively packaged, protected, and integrated within complex application environments. You'll work across the full product lifecycle on Hydraulic Mining Shovels from early concept through production. You will be collaborating closely with mechanical, electrical system, manufacturing, and supplier teams.

This role is ideal for Mechanical Engineers with experience in vehicle systems, structures, packaging, routing, and integration, as well as Electrical Engineers who enjoy working at the intersection of both disciplines.

Why This Role Stands Out
  • End-to-end ownership: Influence design decisions from concept through validation and production, including mechanical packaging and electrical integration tradeoffs.
  • True cross-functional collaboration: Work alongside mechanical design, electrical systems, manufacturing, suppliers, and purchasing to optimize performance, quality, durability, and cost.
  • Complex product systems: Apply your engineering expertise to large, highly integrated off-highway machines operating in demanding environments.
  • Growth & impact: Strengthen leadership skills while delivering high-value solutions to customers across diverse applications and platforms.


What You Will Do
  • Lead the mechanical design and integration of electrical systems within complex vehicle platforms, ensuring robust routing, protection, and packaging.
  • Design and develop components, brackets, harness routing paths, enclosures, and installation schemes that balance electrical performance with mechanical durability.
  • Own cost, quality, validation, and schedule for assigned projects.
  • Collaborate with suppliers to ensure manufacturability, serviceability, and lifecycle efficiency.
  • Partner with manufacturing teams to address assembly feasibility, tolerance stack-up, and installation repeatability.
  • Assist supply specialists and buyers with supplier development and performance improvement.
  • Drive collaboration across product development, value chain, manufacturing, commercial, and product support organizations.
  • Research and develop new technologies related to vehicle integration, packaging, thermal considerations, and durability.
  • Develop and document functional and installation design requirements, including mechanical constraints and environmental considerations.
  • Lead and participate in design reviews, ensuring conformance to electrical and mechanical design standards and best practices.
  • Organize, coordinate, and execute prototype builds, testing, and analysis, including fit, form, function, and durability assessments.


Top Candidates Will Have
  • Experience with heavy equipment, track-type tractors, wheel loaders, scrapers, or other equipment related to mining applications.
  • Background in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or integrated systems design.
  • Hands-on experience with vehicle systems integration, including routing, packaging, structural interfaces, and installation design.
  • Experience working within an SDP / gated development process and influencing outcomes through technical expertise.
  • Proven ability to lead multiple engineering projects from concept through production in a cross-functional environment.


Degree Requirement
  • Bachelor's degree (or higher) in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related accredited engineering discipline.


What Skills You Will Bring
  • Analytical Thinking: Ability to identify root causes and develop effective technical solutions across electrical and mechanical domains.
  • Effective Communication: Capability to clearly convey technical concepts across disciplines and organizational levels.
  • Managing Multiple Priorities: Proven ability to manage concurrent projects and make effective tradeoff decisions.
  • Technical Excellence: Strong understanding of mechanical and/or electrical systems and how they interact within complex products.
  • Computer-Aided Design & Engineering: Extensive experience with Creo, Vis View, and Teamcenter, Electric SDP.
  • Product Design for Manufacturing: Knowledge of manufacturing processes, installation methods, and design-for-assembly principles.
  • Product Design & Development: Ability to design, develop, and deliver integrated systems from concept through production.


Why Mechanical Engineers Should Apply

This role is not limited to pure electrical designs. Success depends heavily on mechanical aptitude-how electrical content survives, fits, routes, mounts, and performs within large, high-duty-cycle machines. Mechanical Engineers with experience in vehicle integration, structures, packaging, and durability will thrive here.

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

Posting Dates:

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.

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.

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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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