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Caterpillar Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$112K - $169K/yr

When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do ... As a Senior Design Engineer you will design, develop, build, and implement new products, components ...

New

$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: Extensive Knowledge of tools and techniques of specialized ...

$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: Extensive Knowledge of tools and techniques of specialized ...

Role - Design Engineer 4 Location: Hodges, South Carolina (Onsite) Duration: Full Time About the ... Design foundry tooling using Creo following Caterpillar standards and best practices. * Design and ...

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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 Sep 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 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Caterpillar design engineer?

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 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 are popular job titles related to Caterpillar Design Engineer jobs?

For Caterpillar Design Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Caterpillar Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,150 per year, or $42.4 per hour.

Component Design Engineer - Large Engine

Lafayette, IN • On-site

$112K - $169K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Design core engine components such as valvetrain, rotating components, heads, blocks, and housings as part of a global team.

  • Apply New Product Implementation (NPI) processes to conduct FMEAs, formulate validation plans, and complete validation activities.

  • Communicate results to customers, suppliers, team members, and other business units.


Caterpillar Inc. rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 489 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


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.
Job Posting Dates: 8/4/26 - 8/18/26
As a Component Design Engineer - Large Engine, you will have the opportunity to concept, develop, and design complex components and systems while strengthening your analytical skills and mastery of engineering concepts. You will partner with and provide technical guidance to global teams. You will contribute to the development of diesel, natural gas, and alternative fuel reciprocating engines serving a variety of customers across the world. You will contribute to the planning and delivery of projects, continually learn and stay abreast of innovative technology, mentor and coach team members, and broaden your professional network. You will work with engineers, agency employees, manufacturing, global purchasing and suppliers to design / release / validate core engine components in support of current and future programs/projects.
What you will do:
• Design of core engine components as a part of a global team that could include valvetrain, rotating components, heads, blocks, and housings.
• Design and promote new components and sub processes
• Technical evaluation of product design, reliability, durability, validation cost, product cost and meeting program requirements
• Apply New Product Implementation (NPI) processes to conduct FMEAs (Failure Mode Effects Analysis), formulate validation plans, and complete the validation activities
• Evaluate new products, processes, or systems including supplier change requests
• Complete projects on time and at cost in support of NTI (New Technology Introduction), NPI, CPI (Continuous Product Improvement) and NSI (New Supplier Introduction) programs
• Communicate results to customers, suppliers, team members, and other business units
• Leadership of supplier collaboration and CPPD (Continuous Product & Process Development)
Education:
• Bachelor's degree in an accredited Engineering curriculum OR Relevant Experience
What 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: Extensive 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: Extensive 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: Extensive 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: Extensive Knowledge of product features; ability to design, build, and develop a new product, technology, or service from concept through to production.
Top Candidates will also have:
• Heavy duty reciprocating engine design or development experience
• Emphasis on initiative, honesty and accountability in leading small teams
• Experience working collaboratively with process partners in manufacturing, logistics, purchasing, test & development and other engineering groups
• Ability to manage multiple critical projects and prioritize your work
• Basic understanding of numerical simulation, inputs and results interpretation
• Working knowledge of Caterpillar Engineering systems
• Experience with APQP, CPPD, FMEAs and the design team's role in releasing quality components
• Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to develop product concepts
• Experience with 3D modeling software used in engineering design and visualization
• Application knowledge of large mining trucks, marine engines, locomotives, petroleum engines and electric power generation
Additional Information:
• Location of this position is in Lafayette, IN or Mossville, IL.
• Relocation assistance is available for this position.
• This position may require up to 20% travel. (Domestic and International)
• Sponsorship is NOT available for this position.
Please ensure you frequently sign in to your candidate home for any updates or correspondence for positions that you have applied for. https://cat.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/CaterpillarCareers.
Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position. This employer is not currently hiring foreign national applicants that require or will require sponsorship tied to a specific employer, such as, H, L, TN, F, J, E, O. As a global company, Caterpillar offers many job opportunities outside of the U.S which can be found through our employment website at www.caterpillar.com/careers.
EEO/AA Employer. All qualified individuals - Including minorities, females, veterans and individuals with disabilities - are encouraged to apply.
This Job Description is intended as a general guide to the job duties for this position and is intended for the purpose of establishing the specific salary grade. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as an exhaustive summary of all responsibilities, duties and effort required of employees assigned to this job. At the discretion of management, this description may be changed at any time to address the evolving needs of the organization. It is expressly not intended to be a comprehensive list of "essential job functions" as that term is defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
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:
August 28, 2026 - September 10, 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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