Senior Design Engineer

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.

Senior Design Engineer

Ready to design structures that withstand some of the toughest operating environments on earth? At Caterpillar, your engineering expertise becomes reality-powering massive machines that move mountains, support global mining operations, and redefine durability. Join our Light Structures team within Tracked Product Engineering as a Senior Design Engineer, where you will lead the design and development of critical light structures for Large Track Type Tractors, Hydraulic Mining Shovels, Surface Rock Drills, and Electric Rope Shovels. This role puts you at the intersection of innovation, scale, and real‑world impact-working on products that customers depend on every day in the harshest conditions.

What You'll Do

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of light structures systems for Tracked Products from concept through production

• Drive cross‑functional collaboration across product development, manufacturing, procurement, value chain, commercial, and product support teams

• Manage engineering projects with accountability for technical execution, timelines, budgets, quality, and risk

• Research and apply new materials, design approaches, and benchmarking insights to improve performance, durability, and cost

• Coordinate and lead prototype builds, validation testing, and performance analysis to ensure designs meet functional and regulatory requirements

• Translate functional requirements into detailed engineering designs, drawings, and technical documentation

• Partner with supply specialists and buyers on supplier development, sourcing strategies, and buy‑vs‑build decisions

• Provide technical leadership and guidance to drafting, testing, and engineering support personnel

• Support design reviews, cost estimates, proposals, and technical reports while solving complex engineering challenges using rigorous analytical methods

What Makes This Role Exciting

• Real‑World Impact: Your designs become mission‑critical components on some of Caterpillar's largest and most iconic machines

• End‑to‑End Ownership: Influence products from early concept through manufacturing, validation, and customer delivery

• Mining Industry Challenges: Solve complex, high‑load structural problems in demanding environments where durability and performance matter most

• Cross‑Functional Exposure: Work closely with manufacturing, procurement, suppliers, and global engineering teams to bring ideas to life

• Technical Leadership: Serve as a subject‑matter expert and lead while shaping engineering standards and best practices

• Global Scale & Reach: Support Caterpillar's Resource Industries Operations & Products (RIOP) across multiple product lines and global facilities

• Career Growth: Opportunities to lead major programs, influence next‑generation designs, and expand your leadership and technical impact

Required

• Bachelor's degree (or higher) in an accredited Engineering curriculum.

• Working experience using Creo.

What Skills you will have

Technical Excellence

Extensive experience with Creo, Creo Simulate, Vis View, and Teamcenter.

Acts as a trusted technical advisor by mentoring others, engaging subject matter experts, and delivering effective solutions to complex technical challenges. Maintains accountability for technical performance while coaching teams to achieve high‑quality outcomes aligned with business needs.

Computer‑Aided Design & Engineering

Applies advanced CAD and engineering tools to create, manipulate, and visualize complex product designs. Coaches others on projections, design methodologies, and graphical techniques to support accurate analysis and communication.

Product Design - Manufacturing

Leads complex manufacturing product design efforts by translating customer and market requirements into functional, cost‑effective solutions. Advises teams, monitors design integrity, and evaluates feedback to ensure performance, quality, and cost objectives are met.

Product Design and Development

Oversees end‑to‑end product development from concept through production, establishing standards and improving processes to increase efficiency. Develops prototypes, proof‑of‑concepts, and solutions to validate and advance complex product offerings.

Analytical Thinking

Demonstrates advanced analytical capability by identifying inconsistencies, isolating root causes, and breaking complex problems into manageable components. Evaluates multiple solution paths by quantifying risks, costs, benefits, and likelihood of success using appropriate analytical tools.

Effective Communications

Communicates complex ideas clearly and persuasively across all organizational levels while adapting messaging to diverse audiences. Provides constructive feedback, balances empathy and assertiveness, and maintains focus to drive understanding and alignment.

Top Candidates will also have

• Heavy Equipment Tracked Product (LTTT, HMS, SRD, ERS) and/or mining industry application knowledge.

• Previous experience designing fabrications.

• Ability to deliver on quality, velocity, and cost targets for New Product Introduction (NPI).

• Ability to resolve Continuous Product Improvement (CPI) projects with a sense of urgency.

Additional Information

The primary work location for this role is Tucson, AZ, with a requirement to work on-site full-time at a Caterpillar facility.

Domestic relocation assistance is available.

This role might require 5% travel (domestic and international).

Sponsorship is not available for this position.

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:

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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