
Design Engineer - Air Systems
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Overview
Job Description
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.
Our Air systems team has an exciting opening for a Design Engineer to join their team.
What you will do:
Provide engineering support for several existing component families and associated sub-systems
Determine suitability of applying existing components and/or sub-systems to new engine applications
Lead and manage requirements definition, design concepts, analysis/simulation, design down select, part procurement, validation activities, product cost, and associated timing for new components and sub-systems within the Caterpillar NPI (New Product Introduction) process
Lead and support the closure of formal CPI (Continuous Product Improvement) and NPI (New Product Introduction) issues thru the Six Sigma DMAIC process
Lead team meetings with Air Systems suppliers to manage existing purchased finished components and to develop new purchased finished components from concept thru start of production
Perform first order calculations, analyze data, and summarize data in order to articulate design tradeoffs or support design validation activities
Identify and apply Caterpillar design standards, expertise from COEs (Centers of Excellence), Air Systems standard work, and expertise from Air Systems peers to a variety of design projects
Interface with a multitude of Caterpillar computer systems to obtain, upload, &/or manage information
Collaborate with internal process partners, suppliers, and internal/external customers on multiple projects that will be taking place simultaneously
Create and present informal and formal design reviews
Assemble &/or disassemble prototype components &/or sub-systems
Perform detailed inspections of new &/or field returned components
Requirements
Basic engine component and system level knowledge & experience
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and prints
Strong verbal and written communication skills
CREO 3D modeling (or similar) and simulation skill set
Skilled in MS Office Applications
Strong organization and time management skills
Education:
- Bachelor's degree in an accredited Engineering curriculum or relevant work experience desired
Top Candidates will also have:
Experience collaborating with suppliers utilizing the an APQP process
Experience with NPI (New Product Introduction) and CPI (Continuous Product Improvement) process and timelines
Component level design experience with castings, fabrications & injection molded polymers
Engine component and system level design experience
Strong analytical skills
Demonstrated ability to prioritize and manage multiple complex projects simultaneously
Demonstrated capability to be successful in an engineering role with minimal formal processes & procedures (self-starter)
What you have:
Analytical Thinking: Level Working 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: Level 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.
Managing Multiple Priorities: Level Working 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: Level Working Knowledge of a given technology and various application methods; ability to develop and provide solutions to significant technical challenges.
Computer-Aided Design & Engineering: Level Working Knowledge of tools and techniques of specialized graphics programs; ability to produce, analyze, simulate and test product design drafts.
Product Design - MFG: Level Working Knowledge of processes, approaches, tools and techniques of product design; ability to convert customer and market requirements into product design.
Product Design and Development: Level Working Knowledge of product features; ability to design, build, and develop a new product, technology, or service from concept through to production.
Additional Information:
- This position is located in Lafayette, IN or Mossville, IL
- This position may require up to 10% travel.
Summary Pay Range:
$89,210.00 - $133,810.00
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. This employer is not currently hiring foreign national applicants that require or will require sponsorship tied to a specific employer, such as, H, L, TN, F, J, E, O. As a global company, Caterpillar offers many job opportunities outside of the U.S which can be found through our employment website at www.caterpillar.com/careers.
Posting Dates:
February 27, 2026 - March 4, 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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