Design Engineer

Design Engineer

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 Defense proudly serves all branches of the U.S. military and federal government, allied militaries and governments, and original equipment manufacturers. For over 100 years, we have supplied reliable products and solutions to government agencies and military forces worldwide, supporting people who put their lives on the line to provide security, generate energy and supply humanitarian aid.

Today, we continue to deliver leading-edge products and global services, working around the clock and around the world to deliver the power and performance that customers need. Caterpillar's largest single customer is the U.S. Department of Defense. 190,000+ machines, tanks, tactical vehicles, and submarines move missions forward with Cat engines. We also provide solutions for power generation and surface ships. Cat has powered crucial engineering and logistical operations in every major conflict since WWI.

Caterpillar Defense is seeking a Design Engineer within the Engineering Division on the Machine Design team with an interest in designing, integrating, validating, and executing modifications to commercial prime products that meet the needs of governmental and military customers. The successful applicant will have experience in product development with focus on structural design/analysis, product testing/validation, armor design, and/or supporting defense contracts.

In addition to designing solutions, they will interact with various product groups, subcontractors, suppliers, and dealers to ensure feasibility and cost-effectiveness of designs and product compliance, conduct tolerance stack-up analysis, complete validation for vehicle-level testing, and support installation activities.

What you will do:

• Conducting system-level and component-level analysis for fit, form, and function
• Identifying and clarifying design tradeoffs across multiple solutions for technical and business issues to optimize products
• Collaborating with suppliers and manufacturing engineers to ensure feasibility and cost-effectiveness of designs
• Completing tolerance stack-ups, DFMEA's, and contributing to DVP&R planning
• Interfacing with validation teams for bench and vehicle-level testing of drivetrain assemblies
• Developing and documenting functional requirements and translating into detailed design documents
• Participating in and supporting proposal preparation, cost estimates, and technical reports
• Requires a degree in an accredited Engineering curriculum.

Degree required

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.

• Seeks discrepancies and inconsistencies in available information; explains variances.
• Organizes and prioritizes the sequence of steps to be taken to remedy the situation.
• Identifies many possible causes for a problem based on prior experience and current research.
• Quantifies the costs, benefits, risks and chances for success before recommending a course of action.
• Approaches a complex problem by breaking it down into its component parts.
• Chooses among a diverse set of analytical tools according to the nature of the situation.

Effective Communications: Working 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.

• Delivers helpful feedback that focuses on behaviors without offending the recipient.
• Listens to feedback without defensiveness and uses it for own communication effectiveness.
• Makes oral presentations and writes reports needed for own work.
• Avoids technical jargon when inappropriate.
• Looks for and considers non-verbal cues from individuals and groups.

Technical Excellence: Knowledge of a given technology and various application methods; ability to develop and provide solutions to significant technical challenges.

Level Working Knowledge:

• Provides effective technical solutions to routine functional challenges via sound technical competence, effectively examining implications of events and issues.
• Effectively performs the technical job aspects, continuously building knowledge and keeping up-to-date on technical and procedural job components.
• Applies technical operating and project standards based on achieving excellence in delivered products, technologies and services.
• Applies current procedures and technologies to help resolve technical issues in one's general area of technical competence.
• Helps others solve technical or procedural problems or issues.

Product Design - MFG: Extensive Knowledge of processes, approaches, tools and techniques of product design; ability to convert customer and market requirements into product design.

• Develops improvement plans for senior management and evaluates the outcome of the design against the functionality.
• Advises others on the development of multiple products and their functionality.
• Trains others on advanced tools and approaches of product design.
• Monitors the processes and procedures of a complex product design to ensure functional requirements are met.
• Evaluates feedback from customers and consults on functional weaknesses.
• Controls design and development costs of a proposed product through effective resource coordination.

Product Design and Development: Working Knowledge of product features; ability to design, build, and develop a new product, technology, or service from concept through to production.

• Builds three-dimensional models with basic materials.
• Communicates with professionals to understand various requirements of product design.
• Tests and evaluates alternative means of production being considered for use.
• Uses automated tools to design or modify the design of a product.
• Assists in building a complex prototype of product

This position requires the candidate to work a 5-day-a-week schedule in the office. Relocation is not offered for this position. Sponsorship is not offered for this position.

U.S. law prohibits the release of U.S. controlled technology and technical data to certain persons without authorization. This position involves items or information which may be subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or controlled for national security or other reasons under the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). By applying to this position, you acknowledge that you are a U.S. citizen; not hold dual citizenship with another country; and are willing to present evidence of your U.S. citizenship.

Caterpillar Inc. is the world's leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. For nearly 100 years, we've been helping customers build a better, more sustainable world and are committed and contributing to a reduced-carbon future. Our innovative products and services, backed by our global dealer network, provide exceptional value that helps customers succeed.

Summary Pay Range: $95,640.00 - $143,520.00 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

Posting Dates: August 25, 2025