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Caterpillar Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Caterpillar

Mechanical Design Engineer

Decatur, IL · On-site

$97.53K - $146.29K/yr

When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do ... Mechanical Design Engineer Locations: Decatur, IL - Champaign, IL - Mossville, IL (AC) Travel: Up ...

Caterpillar

Design Engineer

Mossville, IL · On-site

Caterpillar's Earth Moving division is hiring for Design Engineer in Mossville, IL. Role Summary: Joining our Operator Systems Engineering division as part of the Operator Visibility Team means you ...

Caterpillar

Electrical Design Engineer

Alpharetta, GA · On-site

$97.53K - $146.29K/yr

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 ...

Caterpillar

Design Engineer A

Lafayette, IN

$81.37K - $122.06K/yr

When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do ... The Design Engineer A designs, develops, builds, and implements new components, products, or ...

Caterpillar

Design Engineer A

Lafayette, IN

$81.37K - $122.06K/yr

When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do ... The Design Engineer A designs, develops, builds, and implements new components, products, or ...

Caterpillar

Senior Design Engineer

East Peoria, IL · On-site

When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do ... This role will be filled by a capable design engineer with proven experience in design and ...

Caterpillar

Design Engineer A

Lafayette, IN · On-site

$81.37K - $122.06K/yr

When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do ... The Design Engineer A designs, develops, builds, and implements new components, products, or ...

Caterpillar

Design Engineer A

Lafayette, IN · On-site

$81.37K - $122.06K/yr

When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do ... The Design Engineer A designs, develops, builds, and implements new components, products, or ...

Caterpillar

Design Engineer

Menominee, MI · On-site

When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do ... We are looking for a Design Engineer to join our team at our Menominee, MI facility , where you'll ...

Caterpillar

Senior Engineer - Design

Mossville, IL · On-site

$131.23K - $169.06K/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

Senior Engineer-Design

Lafayette, IN · On-site

$125.65K - $169.06K/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 ...

Caterpillar

Embedded SW Engineer

Mossville, IL · On-site

$127.59K - $146.29K/yr

Engineering Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc. When you join Caterpillar, you're ... Caterpillar displays & connectivity product lines using for years to come. Design, develop ...

Caterpillar

Packaging Engineer

Seguin, TX · On-site

$89.21K - $133.81K/yr

... design Software; (3) Pack assist; and (4) EPSA. Applicants who are interested in this position should apply via www.caterpillar.com/careers, search [Packaging Engineer / R0000369993 #LI-DNI]

Caterpillar

Embedded SW Sr. Engineer

Mossville, IL · On-site

$127.59K - $169.06K/yr

Caterpillar Inc. seeks Embedded SW Sr. Engineer at its facility located at 2427 E Engine Drive, Chillicothe, IL 61523. Design, develop, and test embedded software features. Create and maintain design ...

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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 May 31, 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 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 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 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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 89% Physical, and 11% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $88,150 per year, or $42.4 per hour.
Mechanical Design Engineer

Mechanical Design Engineer

Caterpillar

Decatur, IL • On-site

$97.53K - $146.29K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Caterpillar Inc. rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 458 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

217th of 415 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.
Mechanical Design Engineer
Locations: Decatur, IL - Champaign, IL - Mossville, IL (AC)
Travel: Up to 15%
Relocation Assistance: Available
Visa Sponsorship: Not Available
Job Summary
Caterpillar is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer to support L4 system design for LWL/CWD Large Structures, driving innovative mechanical solutions aligned to L6 down-selected system QVC requirements. This role focuses on mechanical design engineering excellence, including structural weldments, thick-section components, manufacturability, and automation-ready designs.
You will collaborate across CPPD (Concurrent Product and Process Development) teams, translating functional and performance requirements into robust mechanical designs that meet cost, quality, durability, and manufacturing objectives. This role plays a critical part in shaping next-generation Caterpillar products through hands-on mechanical design leadership from concept through production.
Key Responsibilities
  • Perform mechanical design engineering for Large Structures (QVC) supporting LWL/WDC NPI and CPI programs, with strong emphasis on Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA).
  • Develop and document mechanical functional requirements, translating L6 system requirements into detailed L4 mechanical designs, models, and drawings.
  • Design and optimize structural weldments, thick-plate and thick-wall cast components (≥25 mm), balancing strength, weight, durability, and cost.
  • Apply mechanical engineering fundamentals (statics, dynamics, fatigue, load paths, material behavior) to large-scale structures including buckets, work tools, linkages, frames, bodies, liners, pins, bearings, and joints.
  • Lead mechanical layout, tolerance, and GD&T definition, including fixturing concepts for finished weldments and machined components.
  • Collaborate with manufacturing partners to enable robotic welding, BTS (laser/plasma/gas cutting), CNC machining, and paint automation, improving supply chain efficiency.
  • Participate in Go See Act workshops, pilot builds, and pre-production validation activities, supporting mechanical issue resolution and continuous improvement.
  • Support PMO-based project plans, providing mechanical design status, risk assessments, and set-based design recommendations.

Required Skills
  • Mechanical Design Engineering: Demonstrated experience designing mechanical systems and large structural components from concept through production.
  • CAD & Modeling: Proficient in CREO for mechanical modeling, assemblies, and detailed drawings.
  • Structural Design Knowledge: Experience with weldments, castings, thick plates, wear materials, and structural load paths.
  • Manufacturing Integration: Working knowledge of robotic welding, BTS cutting processes, CNC machining, and automation-focused design.
  • Requirements Analysis: Experience performing L4 design based on L6 system requirements, including trade studies and design validation.
  • Project Execution: Ability to plan, organize, and execute mechanical design work within structured project frameworks.
  • Problem Solving: Strong troubleshooting skills for resolving mechanical and manufacturing issues in production environments.

Preferred Skills
  • FEA & Simulation: Working knowledge of finite element analysis for static and dynamic structural validation.
  • Advanced Mechanical Systems: Experience with fatigue, impact loading, abrasion, and wear mechanisms in heavy equipment applications.
  • Aftermarket & Service Considerations: Understanding of serviceability and lifecycle performance for large mechanical structures.
  • Cross-Functional Influence: Ability to influence design decisions through technical expertise across engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain teams.

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:
May 22, 2026 - June 4, 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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