Component Design Engineer – Large Engine

Caterpillar Inc.; Lafayette (IN); On-site; USD 113,000 - 169,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

401(k) savings plans

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Career Development

Incentive bonus

Parental leave

Job summary

The Caterpillar Lafayette, IN site is seeking a Component Design Engineer – Large Engine Valvetrain to design core engine components within a global valvetrain team. You will collaborate with engineers, suppliers and production to release and validate parts for diesel, natural gas, and alternative fuel engines.

You will apply NPI processes, perform FMEAs, evaluate designs for reliability and cost, and mentor teammates while supporting NTI, NPI, CPI and NSI programs. Onsite with travel up to 20%.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent engineering experience is required.
• Strong analytical thinking to identify root causes and solutions.
• Excellent communication skills for cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Design of core engine components as part of a global valvetrain team.
• Design and promote new components and sub processes.
• Technical evaluation of product design, reliability, durability, validation cost and meeting program requirements.
• Apply NPI processes to conduct FMEAs, plan validation and complete validation activities.
• Evaluate new products, processes or systems including supplier change requests.
• Complete projects on time and at cost in NTI, NPI, CPI and NSI programs.
• Communicate results to customers, suppliers, team members and other business units.
• Lead supplier collaboration and CPPD activities.

Skills

Analytical Thinking

Effective Communications

Managing Multiple Priorities

Technical Excellence

Computer-Aided Design & Engineering

Product Design - MFG

Product Design and Development

Education

Bachelor’s degree in an accredited Engineering curriculum OR Relevant Experience

Tools

3D modeling software

Caterpillar Engineering systems

Job description

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.

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.

As a Component Design Engineer – Large Engine Valvetrain 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 valvetrain team


• 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, or 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 may require up to 20% travel. (Domestic and International)


• Sponsorship is NOT available for this position.

• 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

November 6, 2026 - November 19, 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.

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.

EEO/AA Employer. All qualified individuals - Including minorities, females, veterans and individuals with disabilities - are encouraged to apply.

This Job Description is intended as a general guide to the job duties for this position and is intended for the purpose of establishing the specific salary grade. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as an exhaustive summary of all responsibilities, duties and effort required of employees assigned to this job. At the discretion of management, this description may be changed at any time to address the evolving needs of the organization. It is expressly not intended to be a comprehensive list of “essential job functions” as that term is defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

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.