Design Engineer

Caterpillar Inc.; Mossville (IL); On-site; USD 89,000 - 134,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

Paid time off

401(k) plan

HSA & FSA

Career development

Incentive bonus

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. in Mossville, IL is seeking a Cooling Component Design Engineer to lead the design, development, and validation of cooling systems for Caterpillar machinery.

You will collaborate with cross-functional teams through concept, prototype, and production phases to ensure robust validation and performance. This role emphasizes NTI component development, FMEA leadership, and durable, validated design criteria.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an accredited Engineering or Materials Science curriculum.
• Relevant professional experience within design, development, and/or validation.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and validation of cooling components and systems.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams through concept, prototype and production phases.
• Lead new cooling component NTI development and stay abreast of innovative technology.
• Lead and support technical resolution of issues related to cooling components and systems.
• Lead component and System FMEA and develop validation criteria.

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 Engineering or Materials Science

Tools

Creo modeling

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.

Job Summary

We currently have an opening for a cooling component Design Engineer within the Machine and Electrification Thermal Systems team. This Design Engineer will lead the design, development, and validation of cooling components and systems for Caterpillar machinery. This role partners closely with cross-functional engineering teams throughout concept, prototype, and production phases to ensure robust system performance and quality. The engineer will drive innovation through NTI cooling component development, resolve technical issues for both NPI and CPI programs, and guide teams through FMEA, durability testing, and the creation of strong validation criteria. Success in this position requires strong analytical thinking, technical excellence, effective communication, and the ability to manage multiple priorities. Experience with cooling systems, component design, Creo modeling, and Caterpillar NPI/APQP processes is highly beneficial.

What You Will Do

• Will be accountable for leading design of cooling components and systems for Caterpillar machine or stationary electrification applications.
• Engage with other component and system design teams through design concept/ prototype and production phases to ensure robust validation plans are created and implemented.
• Lead new cooling component NTI (TRL0 -TRL4) and stay abreast of innovative technology in cooling space.
• Lead and support technical resolution of issues related to Cooling components and systems (NPI and CPI)
• Lead component and System FMEA in collaboration with design engineers and system leads
• Investigate and develop accelerated component durability test methods.
• Demonstrate effective leadership through:
  • Providing technical guidance to component teams and resolving NPI and CPI issues with urgency.
  • Clearly communicating technical risks and mitigation tasks with management.
  • Updating robust validation procedures in design guides.
  • Creating validation Pass / Fail criteria for machine cooling product components and systems

Education And Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in an accredited Engineering or Materials Science curriculum.
• Relevant professional experience within design, development, and/or validation.

Skills You Will Have

• Analytical Thinking: 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: Working knowledge and 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: 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: Working knowledge of a given technology and various application methods; ability to develop and provide solutions to significant technical challenges.
• Computer‑Aided Design & Engineering: Working knowledge of tools and techniques of specialized graphics programs; ability to produce, analyze, simulate and test product design drafts.
• Product Design - MFG: 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: Working knowledge of product features; ability to design, build, and develop a new product, technology, or service from concept through to production.

Top Candidates Will Have

• Industry experience
• Extensive component design and modeling experience.
• Prior experience with diesel machine cooling components, system design focused is preferred.
• Prior experience with design and development of machine mounted cooling components.
• Experience reviewing and interpreting simulation/VPD results.
• Ability to Research new materials and competitive products. Organizing, coordinating, and executing the building, testing, and analysis of prototypes.
• Prior experience assisting supply specialists and buyers with supplier development and supplier performance.
• Experience overseeing the efforts of drafting and testing specialists.
• Experience developing and documenting functional requirements and translating into detail design documents, participating in buy‑build analysis for product components, and participating in and supporting proposal preparation, cost estimates, and technical reports.
• Extensive experience with Creo modeling, light fabrication design, print development and releasing procedures.
• Strong knowledge of Caterpillar NPI program requirements and APQP project execution.

Additional Information

• This position is located in Mossville, IL.
• This position may require 10-15% travel.
• Domestic relocation assistance is available for this position.
• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Summary Pay Range

$89,210.00 - $133,810.00

Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, 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

Posting Dates

September 16, 2026 - September 23, 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.