Caterpillar, Inc

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - Drivetrain & Powertrain Systems

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

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Agricultural, Electrical Engineering, or related discipline
  • 5+ years of experience in mechanical systems design and development
  • Experience with systems under significant mechanical loads
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Effective communication of technical concepts across teams
  • Familiarity with powertrain, drivetrain, and transmission systems

Responsibilities

  • Design, develop, validate, and release powertrain components
  • Lead engineering decisions throughout the product development lifecycle
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver integrated solutions
  • Develop and execute product validation plans and analyze performance data
  • Participate in DFMEA, PFMEA, and root cause analysis activities
  • Support manufacturing implementation and resolve production challenges
  • Apply engineering analysis methods to evaluate component performance

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)
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Career Development opportunities
  • Incentive bonus
  • Tuition Reimbursement
Full Job Description
Career Area:
Engineering

Job Description:

Design the Future of Heavy Equipment Powertrain Technology

Are you an experienced Mechanical Engineer, Powertrain Engineer, Drivetrain Engineer, Product Development Engineer, or Systems Engineer looking to work on large-scale machines that impact industries around the world?

The Drivetrain Platform Team within Caterpillar's Integrated Drivetrain Energy Solutions Division (IDES) is seeking a highly motivated Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to lead the design and development of advanced transmissions, axles, driveline systems, and powertrain components from concept through production.

This opportunity is ideal for engineers with experience in automotive, aerospace, industrial equipment, robotics, automation, off-highway vehicles, agricultural equipment, defense systems, or other complex mechanical systems operating under demanding conditions. In this role, you'll take ownership of critical drivetrain systems, collaborate with global engineering teams, and help shape the next generation of high-performance machinery.

What You Will Do
  • Design, develop, validate, and release transmissions, axles, driveline systems, and mechanical powertrain components
  • Lead engineering decisions throughout the entire product development lifecycle, from concept through production
  • Partner with controls, software, systems, manufacturing, and supplier teams to deliver integrated solutions
  • Develop and execute product validation plans and analyze performance test data
  • Participate in DFMEA, PFMEA, root cause analysis, and structured problem-solving activities
  • Support manufacturing implementation and resolve design, quality, and production challenges
  • Apply engineering analysis methods to evaluate component durability, performance, reliability, and manufacturability
  • Communicate technical recommendations and project progress to global stakeholders

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


Top candidates will have
  • 5+ years of experience designing and developing mechanical systems
  • Experience working on systems operating under significant mechanical loads
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to communicate technical concepts effectively across cross-functional teams
  • Powertrain, drivetrain, transmission, gearbox, axle, or propulsion systems
  • Gears, bearings, shafts, rotating equipment, and mechanical power transmission
  • Structural, load-bearing, or heavy-duty mechanical systems
  • Automotive, aerospace, defense, industrial equipment, off-highway, agricultural, or robotics applications
  • Product development and engineering processes from concept through production
  • Root cause analysis and corrective action implementation
  • Collaboration with manufacturing, suppliers, and global engineering teams
  • CAD-based design and engineering analysis tools

Key Skills
  • Mechanical Design Engineering
  • Product Development
  • Powertrain Systems
  • Drivetrain Engineering
  • Design Validation
  • System Integration
  • Engineering Analysis
  • DFMEA/PFMEA
  • Root Cause Analysis
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Technical Leadership
  • Problem Solving

Why Join Us?
  • Work on world-class machines that operate in some of the toughest environments on earth
  • Own critical components and systems with direct production impact
  • Collaborate with global engineering experts and industry leaders
  • Influence future drivetrain and powertrain technologies
  • See your ideas evolve from concept to production

Additional Information
  • This position will close at 11:59 p.m. on 10/15/2026.
  • This position will be located onsite 5 days a week in East Peoria, IL (Building KK).
  • Relocation assistance (domestic) is available for this position.
  • Sponsorship is NOT available.
  • This position may require less than 10% travel


Final details

Please frequently check the email associated with your application, including the junk/spam folder, as this is the primary correspondence method. If you wish to know the status of your application - please use the candidate log-in on our career website as it will reflect any updates to your status.

#LI #MilitaryMonday #Letsdothework #caterpillarinc #Iamcaterpillar

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:
October 1, 2026 - October 15, 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.

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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