Component Design Engineer - Large Engine

Caterpillar; Lafayette (IN); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Caterpillar in Lafayette, IN is seeking a Component Design Engineer for Large Engine programs. You will concept, develop, and design complex engine components while partnering with global teams to meet program requirements.

Responsibilities include design of core components, evaluating design quality, and applying NPI processes. Relocation assistance is available and location includes Lafayette, IN or Mossville, IL.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an accredited Engineering curriculum or relevant experience.
• Strong analytical thinking to identify root causes and resolve issues.
• Experience with APQP, CPPD, FMEAs and design release processes.
• Engine component design experience for heavy-duty reciprocating engines.

Responsibilities

• Design core engine components as part of a global team (valvetrain, heads, blocks, housings).
• Design and promote new components and sub-processes.
• Evaluate product design for reliability, durability and cost.
• Apply NPI: conduct FMEAs, plan validation, perform validation.
• Evaluate new products, processes, or systems including supplier changes.
• Deliver projects on time and within cost for NTI, NPI, CPI, NSI.
• Communicate results to customers, suppliers, and teams.
• Lead supplier collaboration and CPPD.

Skills

3D modeling

Engine design

Leadership

Analytical thinking

APQP experience

FMEAs experience

Global collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

3D CAD 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.

Job Posting Dates: 8/4/26 - 8/18/26

As a Component Design Engineer - Large Engine, you will have the opportunity to concept, develop, and design complex components and systems while strengthening your analytical skills and mastery of engineering concepts. You will partner with and provide technical guidance to global teams. You will contribute to the development of diesel, natural gas, and alternative fuel reciprocating engines serving a variety of customers across the world. You will contribute to the planning and delivery of projects, continually learn and stay abreast of innovative technology, mentor and coach team members, and broaden your professional network. You will work with engineers, agency employees, manufacturing, global purchasing and suppliers to design / release / validate core engine components in support of current and future programs/projects.

What you will do:

• Design of core engine components as a part of a global team that could include valvetrain, rotating components, heads, blocks, and housings.
• Design and promote new components and sub processes
• Technical evaluation of product design, reliability, durability, validation cost, product cost and meeting program requirements
• Apply New Product Implementation (NPI) processes to conduct FMEAs (Failure Mode Effects Analysis), formulate validation plans, and complete the validation activities
• Evaluate new products, processes, or systems including supplier change requests
• Complete projects on time and at cost in support of NTI (New Technology Introduction), NPI, CPI (Continuous Product Improvement) and NSI (New Supplier Introduction) programs
• Communicate results to customers, suppliers, team members, and other business units
• Leadership of supplier collaboration and CPPD (Continuous Product & Process Development)

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in an accredited Engineering curriculum OR Relevant Experience

What you will have:

Analytical Thinking: Extensive 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: Extensive 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: Extensive 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: Extensive Knowledge of a given technology and various application methods; ability to develop and provide solutions to significant technical challenges.

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

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

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

Top Candidates will also have:

• Heavy duty reciprocating engine design or development experience
• Emphasis on initiative, honesty and accountability in leading small teams
• Experience working collaboratively with process partners in manufacturing, logistics, purchasing, test & development and other engineering groups
• Ability to manage multiple critical projects and prioritize your work
• Basic understanding of numerical simulation, inputs and results interpretation
• Working knowledge of Caterpillar Engineering systems
• Experience with APQP, CPPD, FMEAs and the design team's role in releasing quality components
• Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to develop product concepts
• Experience with 3D modeling software used in engineering design and visualization
• Application knowledge of large mining trucks, marine engines, locomotives, petroleum engines and electric power generation

Additional Information:

• Location of this position is in Lafayette, IN or Mossville, IL.
• Relocation assistance is available for this position.
• This position m