Research And Development Design Engineer Jobs in Decatur, IL

Job Title: Design Engineer - Hydraulic Systems Integration
Job Description
This on-site design engineering role focuses on integrating hydraulic systems into large wheel loaders and wheel tractor scrapers, with an emphasis on current production machines rather than new platforms. You will work closely with manufacturing teams in Decatur, IL to ensure hydraulic components are correctly installed, systems function reliably, and issues are resolved quickly on the shop floor and in the field. The position involves hands-on problem solving, collaboration with electrical and mechanical integration teams, and the use of 3D CAD tools to maintain and improve hydraulic system designs.
Responsibilities

• Support the integration of hydraulic systems within existing machine platforms, including routing, component layout, packaging, and overall system functionality.
• Work directly with manufacturing teams on-site to resolve hydraulic-related assembly issues and improve build quality and manufacturability.
• Troubleshoot hydraulic system performance issues identified during production or reported from the field, and drive timely resolution.
• Assist in root cause analysis for hydraulic system concerns and implement effective corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Collaborate with electrical and mechanical integration teams to ensure proper interaction between hydraulic systems and other machine systems.
• Support engineering changes (ECR/ECN) related to hydraulic components, layouts, and system updates, ensuring accurate documentation and implementation.
• Utilize 3D modeling tools (such as CREO) to review, update, and maintain hydraulic system designs, layouts, and routing.
• Provide technical support to production teams for build issues, to suppliers for component-related concerns, and to field teams for customer issues.
• Contribute to current product maintenance activities, including continuous product improvement (CPI) in a manufacturing environment.
• Participate in system updates and, depending on experience and team needs, contribute to new product or technology update work.
• Engage in cross-functional discussions to balance design, performance, manufacturability, and serviceability of hydraulic systems.
• Leverage knowledge of engine installation design when applicable to ensure cohesive integration of engines, cooling systems, and hydraulic systems.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
• At least 1 year of experience in hydraulic systems design, development, or integration.
• Experience using 3D CAD tools such as CREO for design, layout, and routing of hydraulic or mechanical systems.
• Basic understanding of hydraulic components and systems, including pumps, valves, cylinders, lines, and routing.
• Ability to work effectively in a hands-on, manufacturing-focused environment with frequent interaction on the shop floor.
• Mechanical engineering foundation with practical exposure to hydraulics and fluid power.
• Capability to troubleshoot hydraulic systems and support integration within complex machine architectures.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience supporting production or current product engineering teams, particularly in a manufacturing environment.
• Exposure to heavy equipment, off-highway vehicles, or similar industries involving large, complex machines.
• Familiarity with troubleshooting hydraulic or fluid power systems, including hydraulic circuits and fluid systems.
• Experience collaborating across cross-functional engineering teams, including electrical, mechanical, and manufacturing stakeholders.
• Proficiency with CREO for 3D modeling, routing, packaging, and design reviews.
• Knowledge of engineering drawing standards and practices such as GD&T.
• Experience with hydraulic systems integration, hydraulic circuits, routing, and packaging of hydraulic components.
• Prior experience with engine installation design and integration, particularly in large machine applications.
• Familiarity with the products, processes, or design standards commonly used in large equipment manufacturing environments.
• Experience supporting current product maintenance (CPI) and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ability to contribute to API, new product development, or technology update projects when needed.
• Demonstrated history of longer-term roles that reflect stability and sustained contribution rather than frequent job changes.

Work Environment
This role is based on-site in Decatur, IL, working closely with local manufacturing operations and production lines for large wheel loaders and wheel tractor scrapers. You will spend significant time in a hands-on, shop-floor environment, interacting directly with production teams to address assembly and performance issues. The team collaborates with an international engineering group, but core work, decision-making, and problem solving occur locally to enable fast feedback and rapid resolution of issues. The focus is on updating and modernizing existing machine technology, integrating hydraulic systems with engines, cooling systems, and other machine subsystems. You will use modern engineering tools such as CREO and standard engineering change processes (ECR/ECN) in a structured, cross-functional setting that emphasizes reliability, build quality, and continuous product improvement.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Decatur, IL.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $50.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Decatur,IL.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on May 31, 2026.
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