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Caterpillar Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Caterpillar

Design Engineer

Mossville, IL · On-site

When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do ... This Design Engineer will lead the design, development, and validation of cooling components and ...

Caterpillar

Design Engineer

Mossville, IL · On-site

$97K - $146K/yr

When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do ... Design Engineer Mossville, IL Your Work Shapes the World Whether it be groundbreaking products ...

Caterpillar

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 ...

Caterpillar

Design Engineer/Undercarriage Team

Sanford, NC · On-site

$113K - $136K/yr

Caterpillar's Building Construction Products division in Sanford, NC is hiring a Design Engineer in the Compact Track Loaders (CTL) and Skid Steer Loader (SSL) Undercarriage and Drive Systems Team.

Purple Hires Inc

Design Engineer (Creo)

Mossville, IL · On-site

Caterpillar is seeking a Design Engineer 2 to support the design, integration, and optimization of hydraulic systems and components for Mining machines. The role involves design engineering, project ...

Caterpillar

Senior Engineer-Design

Lafayette, IN · On-site

$112K - $169K/yr

When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do ... Work with design engineers, agency employees, manufacturing, global purchasing and suppliers to ...

Caterpillar

Senior Engineer-Design

Lafayette, IN

$112K - $169K/yr

When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do ... Work with design engineers, agency employees, manufacturing, global purchasing and suppliers to ...

Caterpillar

Senior Engineer-Design

Lafayette, IN

$112K - $169K/yr

When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do ... Work with design engineers, agency employees, manufacturing, global purchasing and suppliers to ...

Caterpillar

Senior Engineer-Design

Lafayette, IN

$112K - $169K/yr

When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do ... Work with design engineers, agency employees, manufacturing, global purchasing and suppliers to ...

Caterpillar

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 ...

Caterpillar

$112K - $169K/yr

When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do ... Work with design engineers, agency employees, manufacturing, global purchasing and suppliers to ...

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All JobsCaterpillar Design Engineer Jobs

Caterpillar Design Engineer information

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$40.5K

$88.2K

$158.5K

How much do caterpillar design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 20, 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
What job categories do people searching Caterpillar Design Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Caterpillar Design Engineer jobs are:
Caterpillar Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Caterpillar Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 5% Full Time, 92% Part Time, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote 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

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Caterpillar Inc. rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 459 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

220th of 418 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Job description

Career Area:
Engineering
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.
Your Work Shapes the World
Whether it be groundbreaking products, best in class solutions or creating a lifelong career, you can do the work that matters at Caterpillar. With a 100 year legacy of quality and innovation and 150 locations in countries around the world, your impact spans the globe.
When you join Caterpillar, you are joining a team of makers, innovators and doers. We are the people who roll up our sleeves and do the work to build a better world. We don't just talk about progress and innovation. We make it happen. And we are proud of that, because it helps our customers build and power the world we live in - the roads, hospitals, homes and infrastructure. Without a dedicated workforce Caterpillar could not effectively meet our customer's needs. Join us.
Job Summary:
We currently have an opening for a cooling component Design Engineer within the Machine and Electrification Thermal Systems team. This Design Engineer will lead the design, development, and validation of cooling components and systems for Caterpillar machinery, with a primary focus on Track Type Tractor and Surface Rock Drill applications. This role partners closely with cross-functional engineering teams throughout concept, prototype, and production phases to ensure robust system performance and quality. The engineer will drive innovation through NTI cooling component development, resolve technical issues for both NPI and CPI programs, and guide teams through FMEA, durability testing, and the creation of strong validation criteria. Success in this position requires strong analytical thinking, technical excellence, effective communication, and the ability to manage multiple priorities. Experience with cooling systems, component design, Creo modeling, and Caterpillar NPI/APQP processes is highly beneficial.
What you will do:
  • Will be accountable for leading design of cooling components and systems for specific machine applications, including, but not limited to, Track Type Tractor and Surface Rock Drill products.
  • Engage with other component and system design teams through design concept/ prototype and production phases to ensure robust validation plans are created and implemented.
  • Lead new cooling component NTI (TRL0 -TRL4) and staying abreast of innovative technology in cooling space.
  • Lead and support technical resolution of issues related to Cooling components and systems (NPI and CPI)
  • Lead component and System FMEA in collaboration with design engineers and system leads
  • Investigate and develop accelerated component durability test methods.
  • Demonstrate effective leadership through:
    • Providing technical guidance to component teams and resolve NPI and CPI issues with urgency.
    • Clearly communicating technical risks and mitigation tasks with management.
    • Updating robust validation procedures in design guides.
    • Creating validation Pass / Fail criteria for machine cooling product components and systems

Education and Experience Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in an accredited Engineering or Materials Science curriculum.
  • Relevant professional experience within design, development, and/or validation.

Skills you will have:
  • Analytical Thinking: Extensive 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.
  • Computer-Aided Design & Engineering: Extensive knowledge of tools and techniques of specialized graphics programs; ability to produce, analyze, simulate and test product design drafts.
  • Product Design - MFG: Extensive knowledge of processes, approaches, tools and techniques of product design; ability to convert customer and market requirements into product design.
  • Product Design and Development: Working knowledge of product features; ability to design, build, and develop a new product, technology, or service from concept through to production.

Top Candidates Will Have:
  • Extensive component design and modeling experience.
  • Prior experience with track type tractor cooling components, system design focused is preferred.
  • Prior experience with design and development of machine mounted cooling components.
  • Experience reviewing and interpreting simulation/VPD results.
  • Ability to Research new materials and competitive products. Organizing, coordinating, and executing the building, testing, and analysis of prototypes.
  • Prior experience assisting supply specialists and buyers with supplier development and supplier performance.
  • Experience overseeing the efforts of drafting and testing specialists.
  • Experience developing and documenting functional requirements and translating into detail design documents, participating in buy-build analysis for product components, and participating in and supporting proposal preparation, cost estimates, and technical reports.
  • Extensive experience with Creo modeling, light fabrication design, print development and releasing procedures.
  • Strong knowledge of Caterpillar NPI program requirements and APQP project execution.

Additional Information:
  • This position is located in Mossville, IL.
  • This position may require 10-15% travel.
  • Domestic relocation assistance is available for this position.
  • Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Summary Pay Range:
$97,530.00 - $146,290.00
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:
June 8, 2026 - June 15, 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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