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Senior Design Engineer

Caterpillar

Caterpillar

Design
East Peoria, IL, USA
Posted on Mar 21, 2026

Career Area:

Engineering

Job Description:

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.

Hear about the Caterpillar Experience for yourself

Role Definition

As a part of the dynamic and growing Large Power Systems Division team at Caterpillar, the Drivetrain Platform team is looking to expand our capability to support design, development, and validation of upper powertrain systems that are used in machine applications. This role will be filled by a capable design engineer with proven experience in design and development of powertrain systems, such as transmissions, driveline, axle, or engines used in earthmoving or mining machines, or prior knowledge of structures, castings, or rotating components (gears, bearings, shafts). This role will be located in East Peoria, IL and you will be a part of a growing global team of transmission and powertrain experts.

What you will do

  • Design, develop, validate, and implement components and systems of components for powershift transmissions that are used in Medium Wheel Loader applications (950-982 models)

  • Collaborate extensively with the software and L4 controls development teams to integrate the hardware design for controllability with software features and clutch control functions.

  • Integrate with the MWL product group to co-create the strategy for new powershift transmission solutions on all LCP (life-cycle-performance) models as they launch NPI programs that span the next 5-8 years, which include both diesel and battery-electric driven machines.

  • Collaborate with global purchasing and engineering teams to develop new components or optimize existing ones

  • Drive APQP tasks and thoroughly review data and information for PPAP signoff as related to transmission and axle components

  • Actively participate in component and system DFMEAs and PFMEAs as needed

  • Support structured component NPI & NTI development per Caterpillar standard practices while meeting time, cost and quality goals

  • Support resolution of CPI and NPI issues using structured problem-solving methods such as 5 why and fishbone

  • Support NPI/CPI builds and teardowns, as needed

  • Collaborate with manufacturing teams locally and others worldwide (Brazil and China) to drive zero defect focused design and process collaboration

  • Support Transmission End of Line Test by analyzing test data and providing engineering assessments for parameters outside of limits

  • Support manufacturing deviation requests by performing engineering analysis and determining disposition of material and/or rework options

  • Communicate technology and project status to support teams, project stakeholders, customers, and global manufacturing facilities

Degree Requirement

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering from an accredited curriculum.

What skills you must have

  • Analytical Thinking: 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.

  • Effective Communications: 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.

  • Managing Multiple Priorities: Knowledge of effective self-management practices; ability to manage multiple concurrent objectives, projects, groups, or activities, making effective judgments as to prioritizing and time allocation.

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

  • Computer-Aided Design & Engineering: Knowledge of tools and techniques of specialized graphics programs; ability to produce, analyze, simulate and test product design drafts.

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

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

Top candidates will also have

  • At least 5 years of job-related work experience developing drivetrains, engines, wheel and brake systems, or rotating mechanical systems

  • Basic proficiency with solid modeling CAD software, such as Creo, and Caterpillar print creation and detailing

  • Machine or lab testing experience with transmission, axle, or engine systems

  • Formal training in Six Sigma, Lean, or other engineering process improvement programs

  • Knowledge of mechatronics or software development

  • Product support or field experience with customer interface

Additional Information

  • This position posting will close on 4/3/2026 at 11:59 p.m.

  • The location for this position is East Peoria, IL (Building KK) and requires the employee to work a 5-day-a-week schedule onsite.

  • Relocation assistance (domestic) is available for this position.

  • Sponsorship is NOT available.

  • This position may require less than 10% travel

Final details

Please frequently check the email associated with your application, including the junk/spam folder, as this is the primary correspondence method. If you wish to know the status of your application – please use the candidate log-in on our career website as it will reflect any updates to your status.

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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.

Relocation is available for this position.

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Posting Dates:

March 20, 2026 - April 2, 2026

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.

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