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Caterpillar Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Caterpillar

Data & Controls Engineer

Peoria, IL · On-site

$81K - $106K/yr

Caterpillar's Earthmoving division is hiring for hydraulic system and controls engineer. Role Summary: As a Hydraulic Systems & Controls Engineer, you will support the design, development, validation ...

Caterpillar

Senior Autonomy Engineer

Mossville, IL · On-site

$112K - $183K/yr

When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do ... Design, develop, and validate software supporting machine control and autonomy solutions, including ...

Caterpillar

QA Automation Engineer

Mossville, IL · On-site

$97K - $158K/yr

When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do ... Knowledge of system and software testing; ability to design, plan and execute system testing ...

Caterpillar

Research Senior Engineer

Mossville, IL · On-site

$126K - $169K/yr

Caterpillar Inc. seeks Research Senior Engineer at its facility located at 14009 Old Galena Rd ... Design and promote new laboratory test protocols and analytical methods, as well as bench tests and ...

Caterpillar

Senior Autonomy Engineer

Mossville, IL · On-site

$112K - $183K/yr

As a Senior Network Autonomy Engineer, you will be part of an engineering team primarily focused on wireless network testing and supporting Caterpillar autonomy customer network design and ...

Caterpillar

Senior Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$126K - $166K/yr

When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do ... Design, implement, and maintain Salesforce solutions that enhance marketing efforts. Develop and ...

Caterpillar

Senior Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$112K - $183K/yr

Caterpillar Inc. seeks Senior Software Engineer at its facility located at 540 W Madison St, Chicago, IL 60661. Design, modify, develop, write, and implement software programming applications for ...

Caterpillar

Elec Sys V&V Sr. Engineer

Mossville, 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 ... Participate in the design and development of Next generation telematics concepts and complex ...

Caterpillar

Manufacturing Engineer

Mapleton, IL · On-site

$131K - $146K/yr

When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do ... Design complex or intricate jigs and fixtures to ensure parts produced meet all Engineering ...

Caterpillar

Software Engineer

Decatur, IL · On-site

$97K - $158K/yr

When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do ... Design, develop, and maintain full-stack web applications for shop floor users, including UI ...

Caterpillar

Senior Software Engineer

Irving, TX · On-site

$117K - $155K/yr

Caterpillar Inc. seeks Senior Software Engineer at its facility located at 5205 N O'Connor Boulevard, Williams Square-Corporate Headquarters, Suite 100, Irving, TX 75039. Architect, design and ...

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All JobsCaterpillar Design Engineer Jobs

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 11, 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 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.
Data & Controls Engineer

Data & Controls Engineer

Caterpillar

Peoria, IL • On-site

$81K - $106K/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 466 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

225th of 429 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.
Caterpillar's Earthmoving division is hiring for hydraulic system and controls engineer.
Role Summary: As a Hydraulic Systems & Controls Engineer, you will support the design, development, validation, and continuous improvement of hydraulic systems and electro-hydraulic controls for Caterpillar Earthmoving products.
This role blends components, systems, controls and data analytics to deliver high-performance, reliable, and cost-effective system solutions. You will work with global cross-functional teams to translate machine-level requirements into robust, data-informed engineering solutions.
You will also perform analytical tasks such as leading initiatives to generate insights from vehicle end-of-line data or connected assets that can help diagnose and improve hydraulic system performance and reliability.
What You'll Do (Job Duties)
  • Validate hydraulic system performance through simulation, testing, and field validation activities. Tune Hydraulic system controls on machine to meet hydraulic machine performance requirements.
  • Lead data gathering, data mining, data cleansing, and processing activities for end of line testing as well as connected assets. Use data analytics, simulation and testing to diagnose hydraulic performance and reliability issues.
  • Ensure designs meet Caterpillar standards, regulatory requirements, and application Needs. Diagnose and resolve any hydraulic system issues using on-machine testing.
  • Direct and participate in the concept, design and development of hydraulic systems and components (including valves, cylinders, pumps, motors, and fluid routing systems), ensuring products provide superior performance, durability, quality, and serviceability while meeting cost and delivery targets.
  • Collaborate with other engineers on development activities with internal and external suppliers of mechanical and electro-hydraulic components through New Product Development (NPI) or Continuous Product Improvement (CPI) programs. Collaborate with cross-functional teams across manufacturing, purchasing, supply chain, validation, and simulation to deliver robust solutions.
  • Use your technical expertise, product knowledge and cutting-edge technologies to extract data from our products and systems and transform it into valuable insights to create integrated solutions that help customers solve their greatest challenges.

What You Have (Core Skills)
  • Analytical Thinking: Approaches complex hydraulic system challenges by breaking them into manageable components and identifying root causes. Uses data, testing results, and prior experience to evaluate performance, risks, and trade-offs between cost, quality, and reliability. Identifies multiple solution paths and selects the most effective approach based on structured analysis and sound engineering judgment.
  • Effective Communications: Communicates technical concepts clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Collaborates across cross-functional and global teams to drive alignment and achieve project goals. Prepares technical documentation and presentations, using strong communication skills to influence decisions, support recommendations, and resolve issues with internal partners and suppliers.
  • Technical Excellence: Knowledge of hydraulic systems and components as well as hands-on experience in testing. Knowledge of advanced technologies like AI, data analytics, and simulations. Ability to perform data analytics on connected asset data.
  • Product Design - MFG: Designs hydraulic components and systems with a focus on manufacturability, cost, and quality. Applies DFM/DFA and APQP principles to align designs with production capabilities and business objectives. Works closely with manufacturing, procurement, and suppliers to optimize designs, evaluate feedback, and drive improvements based on production and field performance.

Top Candidates Will Also Have
  • Requires a bachelor's degree (or international equivalent) or higher in mechanical Engineering discipline, along with engineering experience in hydraulics, controls and system simulation.
  • Knowledge of hydraulic system and components (including valves, cylinders, pumps, motors, and fluid routing systems) and their performance.
  • Experience in embedded control systems for mobile equipment or automotive applications.
  • Experience in Data Science, Data Engineering, Analytics Engineering, and Machine Learning disciplines.
  • Experience in system performance simulation and modeling.

Additional Details
  • Work location: Building AH, alternatives: PPG and building AB
  • Domestic relocation assistance IS available for this role
  • Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this role.
  • Travel: Upto 10% domestic and international
  • This position requires 5 days per week in the office (M-F)

Summary Pay Range:
$89,210.00 - $133,810.00
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:
July 2, 2026 - July 17, 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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