Senior Design Engineer

Caterpillar

Caterpillar

Design

East Peoria, IL, USA

USD 112,710-169,060 / year

Posted on Apr 14, 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.

Caterpillar’s Excavation division is hiring for Sr. Design Engineer in Peoria, IL!

Role Summary: In this role you will design, develop, build, and implement new excavator worktools, worktool components, or technologies.

What You’ll Do (Job Duties)

  • Researching new worktool opportunities and competitive products. Organizing, coordinating, and executing the concepting, design, building, testing, and analysis of prototype worktools for excavators.
  • Assisting supply specialists and buyers with supplier development and supplier performance. Overseeing the efforts of drafting and testing specialists.
  • Concept machine integration opportunities specifically from a worktool perspective to improve the operator experience and work with cross functional teams to implement these opportunities.
  • Developing and documenting functional requirements based on voice of the customer and translating into detailed designs. Participating in buy-building analysis for product components.
  • Participating in and supporting project proposals, cost estimates, and technical reports.
  • Requires a degree in an accredited Engineering, Computer Science, or Materials Science curriculum.

What You Have (Core Skills)

  • 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.
  • 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

  • Strong intellectual curiosity with a flexible mindset
  • Vertically integrated engineering skillset capable of concept to production product development
  • Ability to analyze and develop worktools based on an overall consideration of the excavator and what the total solution will be to the customer
  • Good listening and communication skills with ability to work across regions and different functional areas

Additional Details

  • Work location: IL-Peoria-Proving Ground AA
  • Domestic relocation assistance IS available for this role
  • Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this role.
  • Travel: 20% including international travel.
  • This position requires 5 days per week in the office (M-F)

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:

April 13, 2026 - April 27, 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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