Associate Design Engineer

Caterpillar; Rapid City (SD); On-site; USD 81,000 - 122,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

401(k) retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Caterpillar’s Earthmoving Division is seeking an Associate Design Engineer for the Rapid City, SD Engineering Design Center. You will assist in designing new and existing components, assemblies, or systems for Caterpillar equipment, using 3D modeling and analyses, and coordinating with project leads to deliver complete drawings for manufacturing.

The role requires collaboration with multiple teams and suppliers, with responsibilities spanning modeling, analysis, and drawing finalization to

Qualifications

• Ability to analyze situations and make informed decisions.
• Strong analytical skills to identify root causes.
• Proven track record of delivering technically sound solutions.
• Clear and effective communication within teams and with suppliers.
• Experience using 3D modeling tools for design output.

Responsibilities

• Create 3D models of new designs using Creo.
• Document functional requirements and translate into detailed designs.
• Oversee drafting teams to produce manufacturing drawings.
• Perform analyses to support design development and refinement.
• Communicate technical information across Caterpillar teams and suppliers.

Skills

Decision making

Critical thinking

Technical excellence

Effective communications

3D software

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.

Role Summary

Caterpillar’s Earthmoving Division has an opening for an Associate Design Engineer on the Rapid City, SD Engineering Design Center team. In this role, you will work closely with a product group and engineering project lead to assist in the design and development of new and existing components, assemblies, or systems for Caterpillar equipment. This position performs various design activities, including developing design concepts using 3D modeling software; performing basic to intermediate analyses, ranging from finite element analysis to bolted joint analysis; identifying and assisting in the resolution of design problems; working closely with other Caterpillar teams and suppliers; and managing the development and completion of any required drawings to support the manufacture of parts related to your project designs.

What You’ll Do (Job Duties)

• Create 3D models of new designs utilizing PTC Creo
• Develop and document functional requirements and translate them into detail design documents
• Oversee the efforts of drafting teams to create any manufacturing drawings related to your designs
• Perform needed analysis activities to aid in development and refinement of designs.
• Communicate technical information to team members, other Caterpillar engineering teams, and suppliers.

What You Have (Core Skills)

• Decision Making and Critical Thinking: Knowledge of the decision-making process and associated tools and techniques; ability to accurately analyze situations and reach productive decisions based on informed judgment.
• 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.
• Technical Excellence: Knowledge of a given technology and various application methods; ability to develop and provide solutions to significant technical challenges.
• 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.
• 3D Software: Knowledge of the types, features and tools of 3D software; ability to use, implement, test and upgrade the software package in the process of 3D models production.

Top Candidates Will Also Have

• Proficiency in application of PTC Creo or other parametric 3D modeling and/or simulation tools.
• Experience with manufacturing and/or fabrication.
• Experience maintaining or operating heavy equipment.

Additional Details

• Work location: Rapid City, SD – Caterpillar Engineering Design Center.
• Domestic relocation assistance IS NOT available for this role.
• Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this role.
• This position requires 5 days per week in the office (M-F).

Summary Pay Range:

$81,370.00 - $122,060.00

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:

• 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

Posting Dates:

October 29, 2026 - November 12, 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.