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Design Engineer Jobs in Lafayette, IN (NOW HIRING)

Wabash

Design Engineer

Lafayette, IN · On-site

As a Design Engineer, you will provide leadership of complex projects through research, analysis, creation of new drawings and Bills of Materials (BOMs This position will require decision-making that ...

Walker Transport

Design Engineer

Lafayette, IN

As a Design Engineer, you will provide leadership of complex projects through research, analysis, creation of new drawings and Bills of Materials (BOMs This position will require decision-making that ...

Caterpillar

Design Engineer

Lafayette, IN · On-site

$97K - $146K/yr

Lead engine hardware design direction by guiding L3 systems engineers * Conducting DFMEA's to drive validation requirements on product changes * Conducting design reviews with a cross functional ...

Caterpillar

Design Engineer

Lafayette, IN · On-site

$97K - $146K/yr

Lead engine hardware design direction by guiding L3 systems engineers * Conducting DFMEA's to drive validation requirements on product changes * Conducting design reviews with a cross functional ...

Caterpillar

Design Engineer

Lafayette, IN

$97K - $146K/yr

Lead engine hardware design direction by guiding L3 systems engineers * Conducting DFMEA's to drive validation requirements on product changes * Conducting design reviews with a cross functional ...

New

Caterpillar

Mechanical Design Engineer

Lafayette, IN · On-site

$73K - $99K/yr

The incumbent will facilitate the concept and the detailed engineering design for various aspects of the standard enclosed genset solutions, overseeing the releasing to Cat engineering systems ...

Caterpillar

Design Engineer - CCV Components

Lafayette, IN · On-site

$97K - $146K/yr

The Large Power Systems Division (LPSD) with design centers in both Lafayette, IN and Mossville, IL has an opening for a Design Engineer for closed-crankcase ventilation (CCV) system development with ...

IDEX

Senior Design Engineer

Crawfordsville, IN · On-site

Mentors engineers and provides technical leadership in design best practices and fluid power fundamentals Education and/or Experience Requirements: * Bachelors of Science degree in Mechanical ...

Caterpillar

Senior Design Engineer

Lafayette, IN · On-site

Lead engine hardware design direction by guiding L3 systems engineers * Managing material cost reduction projects - defining projects and validation * Conducting DFMEA's to drive validation ...

Caterpillar

Senior Design Engineer

Lafayette, IN

$112K - $169K/yr

Lead engine hardware design direction by guiding L3 systems engineers * Managing material cost reduction projects - defining projects and validation * Conducting DFMEA's to drive validation ...

Caterpillar

Senior Design Engineer

Lafayette, IN · On-site

$112K - $169K/yr

Lead engine hardware design direction by guiding L3 systems engineers * Managing material cost reduction projects - defining projects and validation * Conducting DFMEA's to drive validation ...

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All JobsDesign Engineer JobsDesign Engineer Jobs in Lafayette, IN

Design Engineer information

See Lafayette, IN salary details

$39K

$84.8K

$152.5K

How much do design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for design engineer in Lafayette, IN is $84,812.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,400.00 and $94,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Design Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, CAD software proficiency, and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with tools like SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and simulation software, along with certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE), are commonly required. Creativity, problem-solving, and effective communication are standout soft skills for collaborating with teams and translating ideas into workable designs. These abilities ensure innovative, efficient, and manufacturable solutions that meet both technical and client requirements.

What is the difference between Design Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectDesign EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, Design certifications often preferredBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, Professional Engineer (PE) license optional
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, CAD software, project planningManufacturing plants, labs, fieldwork, CAD and testing
Employer & Industry UsageProduct design firms, automotive, aerospace, consumer goodsManufacturing, automotive, aerospace, energy sectors

Design Engineers focus on creating and developing product designs using CAD tools, while Mechanical Engineers often work on the broader application, testing, and manufacturing of mechanical systems. Both roles require engineering degrees, but Design Engineers typically emphasize design skills and software proficiency, whereas Mechanical Engineers may engage more in analysis and system integration.

What does a Design Engineer do?

A Design Engineer is responsible for creating and developing new products, systems, or structures by combining engineering principles with creative design. They use computer-aided design (CAD) software to produce detailed drawings and specifications, working closely with other engineers and teams to ensure functionality, safety, and cost-effectiveness. Design Engineers are involved in every stage of product development, from initial concept through prototyping, testing, and final production. Their work often requires problem-solving skills, technical knowledge, and the ability to communicate ideas clearly.

How does a Design Engineer typically collaborate with other departments during a project?

Design Engineers regularly work alongside teams such as manufacturing, quality assurance, and product management to ensure that designs are both innovative and feasible for production. Collaboration often involves participating in cross-functional meetings, reviewing prototypes, and incorporating feedback from various stakeholders. This teamwork is essential to address technical and practical challenges early in the design process, which ultimately helps in delivering a successful product to market. Strong communication and adaptability are key skills for thriving in this collaborative environment.

What Is a Design Engineer?

Design engineers develop ideas for new products and determine ways to improve existing products. As a design engineer, you put a creative perspective on your technical engineering knowledge to perform your job duties, which include creating sketches of design ideas and using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software to generate plans for prototypes. To ensure the product is viable, you also evaluate other aspects of the product design, such as safety, cost, sustainability, aesthetics, and user experience. You collaborate with a team of technicians and other engineers to run tests, troubleshoot problems, and ultimately produce a newly designed product.

More about Design Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Design Engineer jobs in Lafayette, IN? The most popular types of Design Engineer jobs in Lafayette, IN are:
What are popular job titles related to Design Engineer jobs in Lafayette, IN? For Design Engineer jobs in Lafayette, IN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Design Engineer jobs in Lafayette, IN look for? The top searched job categories for Design Engineer jobs in Lafayette, IN are:
What cities near Lafayette, IN are hiring for Design Engineer jobs? Cities near Lafayette, IN with the most Design Engineer job openings:
Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Engineer job openings in Lafayette, IN as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,812 per year, or $40.8 per hour.

Design Engineer

Wabash

Lafayette, IN • On-site

Other

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

About the Role:

As a Design Engineer, you will provide leadership of complex projects through research, analysis, creation of new drawings and Bills of Materials (BOMs This position will require decision-making that is primarily job-centered and will require close collaboration with others involved in the process. At any given time, the Design Engineer will have to manage multiple projects.

Your Responsibilities:

  • Create and manage new custom design features to satisfy customer order requirements and meet production needs
  • Apply established engineering standards to meet all applicable FMVSS regulations and meet needs of all production areas for product manufacturing
  • Interact with outside vendors and internal purchasing agents to ensure that purchased materials meet customer specifications and "fit and finish" expectations
  • Identify, document, and implement internal department quality and process improvements
  • Review engineering documentation, including pilot run support with production representatives
  • Respond to product fabrication and assembly issues relating to design, process or material quality
  • Suggest changes to standard designs based on custom design needs and market trends
  • Assist CAD technicians with documentation standards
  • Support follow up activities related to manufacturing challenges on the shop floor
  • Regularly communicates with Purchasing to reduce potential excess and obsolete material
  • Check design packages for accuracy and completeness
  • Create, implement, and follow up on Engineering Change Master creation and maintenance
  • Identify possible material substitutions for purchasing and production
  • Identify "root/cause" for fabrication and assembly issues in Production
  • Participate occasionally in formal/structured continued improvement and cost saving projects
  • Other duties as assigned

Let's Talk About Your Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's Degree (Preferred Major: Engineering)
  • Minimum 5 years of experience in engineering/manufacturing (trailer manufacturing preferred)
  • Experience in SolidWorks
  • Familiarity with the fundamentals of manufacturing processes
  • Specific experience in Microsoft Excel
  • Knowledge of electrical circuitry and training in air circuits
  • Must be able to interact openly in a group setting in order to solve problems
  • Comfortability with multi-tasking to support and drive multiple projects simultaneously

Leadership Attributes:

At Wabash, we pride ourselves on being empowering, and there are some things we feel very strongly about:

  • Embrace Diversity and Inclusion -- Solicit and respect the input of others, celebrate differences, and strive for transparency and inclusiveness
  • Seek to Listen -- Actively listen to reach the best solution and make the strongest decisions
  • Always Learn -- Strive to improve; do not quit or settle for the status quo
  • Be Authentic -- Demonstrate honesty, incredible energy, and grit in everything you do
  • Win Together -- Collaborate, seek alignment, and excel at cross-group communication to success as one team and One Wabash

Join us in turning ideas into world-changing realities. Curate and build your high-impact professional career at Wabash!

Affirmative Action/EEO Statement:

Wabash is committed to providing equal employment opportunity for its associates and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, or other protected class or activity under federal, state, or local law. All employment decisions must be based on neutral, legitimate criteria. All employment policies and rules shall be applied equally to similarly situated associates.
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