Senior Design Researcher Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Engineering

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.

The Senior Design Engineer – Large Mining Trucks provides technical leadership in the design, development, integration, and validation of engine installation and cooling systems supporting Caterpillar's Large Mining Truck (LMT) product line. In this role, you will lead complex engineering projects that influence truck performance, reliability, durability, serviceability, and customer value. Working across powertrain, hydraulics, electronics, structures, and machine integration teams, you will develop innovative solutions that help deliver industry-leading mining equipment capable of operating in the world's most demanding environments.

• Shape the Future of Large Mining Trucks Lead the development of critical machine systems that improve productivity, reliability, fuel efficiency, and overall hauling performance for Caterpillar's global mining customers.
• Drive End-to-End Product Development Support products from concept through production by defining requirements, developing designs, coordinating prototype builds, validating performance, and resolving technical challenges.
• Influence Cross-Functional Engineering Excellence Partner with suppliers, manufacturing, testing, purchasing, and product support teams to ensure integrated solutions that meet customer and business objectives.
• Deliver Customer-Focused Innovation Apply engineering expertise and problem-solving skills to develop solutions that enhance machine durability, uptime, maintainability, and operational efficiency in the field.

• Lead the design and development of Large Mining Truck Engine Installation and Cooling systems by creating innovative solutions that improve machine performance, reliability, durability, and serviceability.
• Develop and document functional requirements and translate customer, business, and regulatory needs into robust engineering designs and technical specifications.
• Research emerging technologies and competitive products to identify opportunities for product improvements, innovation, and cost optimization across the Large Mining Truck portfolio.
• Coordinate prototype builds, testing, and validation activities to verify designs meet performance, quality, safety, and durability requirements.
• Perform engineering analysis and root cause investigations using test data, field feedback, and structured problem-solving methods to resolve complex technical issues.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Powertrain, Hydraulics, Electronics, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Product Support to deliver integrated machine solutions.
• Support supplier development and component quality initiatives by partnering with suppliers and internal stakeholders to drive product improvements and successful program execution.
• Provide technical leadership across New Product Introduction (NPI) programs while mentoring others and ensuring engineering deliverables align with project milestones, customer expectations, and business objectives.

Requires a degree in an accredited Engineering, Computer Science, or Materials Science curriculum.

Technical Excellence Ability to apply advanced engineering knowledge and technical expertise to solve complex Large Mining Truck design challenges. Provide innovative solutions that improve machine performance, reliability, durability, and serviceability while mentoring others and driving engineering excellence across programs.

Analytical Thinking Demonstrate the ability to evaluate complex Large Mining Truck systems, interpret test and field data, identify root causes of technical issues, and develop practical solutions that improve machine performance, reliability, and durability.

Product Design and Development Knowledge of product design principles, development processes, and engineering methodologies. Ability to develop, validate, and implement innovative solutions that meet customer requirements while balancing performance, quality, cost, and manufacturability objectives.

Computer-Aided Design & Engineering Knowledge of engineering design tools, modeling techniques, and analysis methods. Ability to create, review, and evaluate designs using CAD and engineering software to support product development, validation, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Effective Communications Apply strong communication skills to effectively convey technical concepts, engineering recommendations, and project updates to engineers, suppliers, manufacturing teams, and business partners while ensuring alignment across cross-functional stakeholders.

• Experience with Large Mining Truck systems and machine integration.
• A strong systems mindset across complex machine systems.
• Experience supporting NPI programs from concept through production.
• Passion for customer-focused engineering solutions.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Experience analyzing test and field data.
• Knowledge of CAD and engineering analysis tools.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrate ability to coach and mentor others

Primary work location: Tucson, AZ (on site full time at a Caterpillar facility)

Domestic relocation assistance: Available

Travel requirements: Up to 20%

Sponsorship: Visa sponsorship, international assignments, and payroll transfers are not available

Posting Date: 8/21/2026 - 9/4/2026

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.Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Posting Dates:

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.