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Caterpillar Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Design Engineer

Mossville, IL · On-site

$113K - $131K/yr

Caterpillar Inc. seeks Design Engineer at its facility located at 2427 E Engine Drive, Chillicothe, Illinois 61523. Support the development of controls systems for Power Conversion Systems ...

When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do ... Experienced with UL508A control enclosure design * Power Engineering and Multi-Function Relay ...

When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do ... The Caterpillar Remanufacturing Division currently has an opening for a Senior Design Engineer.

Senior Design Engineer

Decatur, IL · On-site

$112K - $169K/yr

When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do ... Computer-Aided Design & Engineering : Knowledge of tools and techniques of specialized graphics ...

Senior Design Engineer

East Peoria, IL · On-site

$112K - $169K/yr

When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do ... Proficiency with CAD tools and engineering analysis methods Additional Information * This position ...

Associate Design Engineer

Mossville, IL · On-site

$81K - $122K/yr

When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do ... Design new solenoid products * Develop, validate, and implement design changes * Communicate ...

Senior Engineer - Design

Mossville, IL · On-site

$131K - $169K/yr

Caterpillar Inc. seeks Senior Engineer - Design at its facility located at 2427 E Engine Drive ... Chillicothe, IL 61523. Perform structural simulation of diesel engine and fuel systems in support ...

Senior Engineer-Design

Lafayette, IN · On-site

$125K - $169K/yr

Caterpillar Inc. seeks Senior Engineer-Design at its facility located at 3701 South Street, Lafayette, IN 47905. Conceive and provide practical product design applications using complex technical ...

When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do ... Proper packaging design includes part containment, protection, and optimization of transportation ...

Quality Engineer

East Peoria, IL · On-site

$112K - $169K/yr

When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do ... Experience in Manufacturing Engineering, Design Engineering, and/or Quality * Deep expertise in one ...

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Showing results 1-20

Caterpillar Design Engineer information

See salary details

$40.5K

$88.2K

$158.5K

How much do caterpillar design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for caterpillar design engineer in the United States is $88,150.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,000.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Caterpillar Design Engineers when managing multiple projects simultaneously?

Caterpillar Design Engineers often work on several projects at once, balancing product development timelines, customer specifications, and cross-functional collaboration. Managing these parallel responsibilities can be challenging, especially when coordinating with manufacturing, quality, and supply chain teams to ensure designs are feasible and cost-effective. Effective time management, clear communication, and strong organizational skills are essential for meeting deadlines and maintaining high-quality standards. Regular meetings and project tracking tools are commonly used to stay aligned and address any issues quickly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Caterpillar Design Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Caterpillar Design Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or electrical engineering, strong CAD skills, and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with tools like Creo, CATIA, or SolidWorks, and knowledge of product lifecycle management (PLM) systems are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and effective communication help you collaborate across departments and innovate effectively. These skills ensure the design of robust, high-performing equipment that meets Caterpillar's quality and safety standards.

What does a Caterpillar Design Engineer do?

A Caterpillar Design Engineer is responsible for designing and developing heavy machinery and equipment for Caterpillar Inc., such as construction vehicles, engines, and power systems. They work closely with cross-functional teams to create innovative, efficient, and durable products that meet customer needs and industry standards. Their tasks can include creating CAD models, testing prototypes, analyzing performance data, and ensuring that designs comply with safety and environmental regulations.

What is the difference between Caterpillar Design Engineer vs Mechanical Design Engineer?

AspectCaterpillar Design EngineerMechanical Design Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical, Civil, or related engineering; CAD certificationsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering; CAD certifications
Work EnvironmentManufacturing, heavy machinery, construction equipmentVarious industries including automotive, aerospace, manufacturing
Industry UsagePrimarily in heavy equipment manufacturing companies like CaterpillarBroadly across multiple industries

While both roles involve designing mechanical components, Caterpillar Design Engineers focus on heavy machinery and construction equipment, often working within manufacturing environments. Mechanical Design Engineers have a broader scope across industries, designing various mechanical systems. The key differences lie in industry specialization and the types of products designed.

More about Caterpillar Design Engineer jobs
Infographic showing various Caterpillar Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Contract, 1% Nights, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $88,150 per year, or $42.4 per hour.
Design Engineer

Design Engineer

Caterpillar

Mossville, IL • On-site

$113K - $131K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago


Caterpillar Inc. rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 465 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

225th of 427 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

Career Area:
Job Description:
Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.
When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do - but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here - we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.
Caterpillar Inc. seeks Design Engineer at its facility located at 2427 E Engine Drive, Chillicothe, Illinois 61523.
Support the development of controls systems for Power Conversion Systems, Microgrids and Energy Storage Systems. Develop control strategy requirements through interpreting voice of customer/business/regulation for power conversion systems, then converting those requirements into control algorithms and solutions. Deliver industry leading quality controls and software features. Collaborate with a global team to develop FMEA based validation plans while performing validation activities of controls systems for power conversion solutions in software in the loop (SIL), model in the loop (MIL) and hardware in the loop (HIL) environments. Collaborate with software teams to release software for new and existing products. Telecommuting: 2 days/week. Up to 10% domestic travel to Caterpillar facilities to support controls, software development, validation for Caterpillar machines and power conversion systems.
REQS: This position requires a bachelor's degree or foreign equivalent in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Systems Engineering or a related field plus 4 years of experience in delivering controls systems and software design or related occupation. Alternatively, the employer will accept a master's degree, or foreign equivalent, in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Systems Engineering or a related field plus 2 years of experience in delivering controls systems and software design or related occupation.
Additionally, the applicant must have coursework or employment experience with: (1) MATLAB and Simulink; (2) Real time simulation and development tools, such as dSpace or Opal RT; (3) Controls and software design and development of power electronics or power conversion systems, such as Energy Storage Systems, Microgrids, Inverters and Power Conversion Systems, such as Chargers and Dispensers; (4) Gitlab (or any version control tool); (5) Electrical Schematics; and (6) Python scripting.
Summary Pay Range:
$113,443.00 - $131,280.00
Compensation and benefits 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
Applicants who are interested in this position should apply via www.caterpillar.com/careers, search [Design Engineer / R0000379543]. #LI-DNI
Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.
Posting Dates:
June 27, 2026 - October 26, 2026
Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.
Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.
Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.

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