Senior Design Engineering Specialist

Senior Design Engineering Specialist

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.

We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Design Engineering Specialist to join our Underground Hard Rock Vehicle team and play a pivotal role in designing, developing, and implementing innovative products, components, and technologies. This position is ideal for a technical leader who thrives on solving complex engineering challenges, has Underground Hard Rock application expertise and driving product excellence from concept through production.

What you'll do:

In this role, you will:

• Design & Development: Develop design parameters, performance characteristics, and technical specifications that meet customer needs while advancing safety, quality, velocity, and cost objectives.
• Lead Technical Execution: Guide the evolution of technical design, including project planning, detailed engineering development, and testing activities. Participate in supplier selection and capability assessments.
• Innovate & Explore: Monitor emerging technologies, materials, and methodologies to identify opportunities for product or process improvement.
• Prototype & Test: Construct and fabricate prototype equipment; oversee material selection, process optimization, yield improvements, reliability testing, and failure analysis.
• Collaborate Across the Lifecycle: Work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure that testing, manufacturability, and lifecycle requirements are embedded throughout product development.

Requirements:

• A degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or Materials Science from an accredited program is required.
• Underground Hard Rock Mining or Machinery experience.

Required skills & competencies:

Analytical Thinking — You apply structured, data-driven approaches to solve complex problems.

• Identify discrepancies in information and explain variances.
• Prioritise and sequence actions to resolve issues effectively.
• Draw from underground domain experience and research to determine multiple root causes.
• Quantify costs, benefits, risks, and success likelihoods before making recommendations.
• Break down complex issues into manageable components.
• Select the right analytical tools based on the situation.

Decision Making & Critical Thinking — You excel in making well-informed decisions.

• Evaluate alternatives with diverse stakeholders.
• Stay current with decision-making tools and methodologies.
• Coach others on sound decision-making practices.
• Anticipate critical considerations during crisis scenarios.
• Understand when to act, delay, or escalate decisions.
• Distinguish between decision content and context.

Effective Communications — You communicate with clarity, empathy, and influence.

• Review and coach others on written and verbal communication.
• Tailor content for various audiences.
• Communicate confidently across all organizational levels.
• Use persuasive communication techniques when appropriate.
• Remain focused and intentional in all interactions.

Troubleshooting Technical Problems — You resolve complex technical challenges with precision.

• Coach teams in troubleshooting rare or performance-related issues.
• Define best practices for diagnosing mechanical, electronic, or system failures.
• Lead discussions on alternative troubleshooting approaches.
• Organize cross-functional and vendor teams to resolve major issues.
• Develop monitoring policies, problem logs, and lessons-learned systems.
• Oversee resolution of multi-component technical failures.

Project Management — You deliver complex projects on time and within scope.

• Champion project management methodologies and best practices.
• Manage multiple high-risk, high-cost initiatives with diverse stakeholders.
• Foster open communication across project teams.
• Monitor critical paths and performance against plans.
• Advise on planning and execution for high-impact projects.
• Identify emerging tools and approaches in project management.

Computer-Aided Design & Engineering — You leverage advanced tools to bring concepts to life.

• Coach others in projection and modeling techniques.
• Present complex systems through compelling graphical representation.
• Manipulate design models and manage multi-layered drawings.
• Guide computational transformations of objects.

Product Development Life Cycle (Manufacturing) — You enable efficient, high-quality product development.

• Develop and deliver training on structured methodologies.
• Guide teams in applying product development best practices.
• Create and refine multiple development methodologies.
• Advocate for continuous improvement across the product lifecycle.

Product Testing — You ensure products meet the highest standards of quality and reliability.

• Coordinate testing plans, resources, schedules, and tools.
• Integrate testing requirements early in the design process.
• Recommend testing automation and optimization strategies.
• Evaluate and compare testing methodologies.
• Develop test scenarios and scripts tailored to product needs.

Additional information:

• Working environment - 5 days in office
• Sponsorship & Relocation is not supported for this role.

Why join us?

You will join a team that values innovation, technical leadership, and excellence in product development. This is a high-impact role with opportunities to shape product direction and mentor the next generation of engineering talent.

Posting dates: March 5, 2026 - March 19, 2026

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.