Design Engineer

Caterpillar Inc.; Pontiac (IL); On-site; USD 98,000 - 146,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

Paid time off plan

401(k) savings plans

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Career Development

Incentive bonus

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. is seeking an engineer for the Large Power Systems Division to design and test high-pressure fuel systems and injector performance for new engine applications. The role combines hands-on design, testing on benches, and collaboration with manufacturing, quality, purchasing, and service teams.

The position focuses on advancing product design with thorough analysis, design decisions, and ensuring durability and reliability through rigorous testing and cross-functional coordination.

Qualifications

• Direct, hands-on involvement in the design and testing of engine or fuel system components.
• Proficiency in Creo modeling, intermediate-level Excel, and Minitab for data analysis and design tasks.

Responsibilities

• Assignments are project oriented and incorporate knowledge of current technology as well as an understanding of the entire design process.
• Takes responsibility for the design concept and design layout using the manual or computer graphics system. Performs design calculations and participates in design decisions. Along with the supporting technical team, provides technical leadership to Manufacturing, Quality, Purchasing, Marketing, Sales, Service and other areas.
• Conduct hands‑on testing using test benches to measure performance, verify design functionality, identify failures, calibrate components, and validate durability over time.
• Works with considerable latitude in coordinating and providing design expertise. Refines and improves product designs by conducting investigations and developing solutions. Receives exposure to complex design processes. Consults with engineers to determine work objectives and the means to achieve them.
• Requires familiarity with the stages of production release and approval, and rejection of design deviations and change requests. Provides technical leadership for Designers, Layout Drafters, Drafting Technicians and purchased drafting support. Maintains close communication with Assemblers and Test Engineers during product buildup and testing.
• Enhances the integrity of the product in the worldwide marketplace by ensuring superior performance, durability, reliability, quality, and serviceability.
• Adheres to established standards, policies, and practices relating to quality, cost reduction, safety, ergonomics, etc.

Skills

Direct hands-on design testing

Creo modeling

Excel

Minitab

Education

Bachelor's degree in an accredited Engineering curriculum

Tools

Creo modeling

Excel

Minitab

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

Role Definition

This position is within Caterpillar’s Large Power Systems Division and is part of the team that develops advanced high-pressure fuel systems. You will join a diverse team developing injector design and performance for new engine applications. This role requires a hands‑on presence and offers experience in testing, detailed design, structural and hydraulic analysis, and mechatronics control strategy development.

What You Will Do

• Assignments are project oriented and incorporate knowledge of current technology as well as an understanding of the entire design process.
• Takes responsibility for the design concept and design layout using the manual or computer graphics system. Performs design calculations and participates in design decisions. Along with the supporting technical team, provides technical leadership to Manufacturing, Quality, Purchasing, Marketing, Sales, Service and other areas.
• Conduct hands‑on testing using test benches to measure performance, verify design functionality, identify failures, calibrate components, and validate durability over time.
• Works with considerable latitude in coordinating and providing design expertise. Refines and improves product designs by conducting investigations and developing solutions. Receives exposure to complex design processes. Consults with engineers to determine work objectives and the means to achieve them.
• Requires familiarity with the stages of production release and approval, and rejection of design deviations and change requests. Provides technical leadership for Designers, Layout Drafters, Drafting Technicians and purchased drafting support. Maintains close communication with Assemblers and Test Engineers during product buildup and testing.
• Enhances the integrity of the product in the worldwide marketplace by ensuring superior performance, durability, reliability, quality, and serviceability.
• Adheres to established standards, policies, and practices relating to quality, cost reduction, safety, ergonomics, etc.

Degree Requirement

Bachelor’s degree in an accredited Engineering curriculum.

What Skills You Have

Direct, hands‑on involvement in the design and testing of engine or fuel system components.

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.

• Seeks discrepancies and inconsistencies in available information; explains variances.
• Organizes and prioritizes the sequence of steps to be taken to remedy the situation.
• Identifies many possible causes for a problem based on prior experience and current research.
• Quantifies the costs, benefits, risks and chances for success before recommending a course of action.
• Approaches a complex problem by breaking it down into its component parts.
• Chooses among a diverse set of analytical tools according to the nature of the situation.

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.

• Delivers helpful feedback that focuses on behaviors without offending the recipient.
• Listens to feedback without defensiveness and uses it for own communication effectiveness.
• Makes oral presentations and writes reports needed for own work.
• Looks for and considers non‑verbal cues from individuals and groups.

Managing Multiple Priorities

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.

• Recognizes changing demands and priorities; validates changes with management.
• Obtains information about how current assignments contribute to organizational goals.
• Completes current work according to assigned priorities.
• Responds to day‑to‑day operational priorities while still making progress on project work.
• Performs at least 2-3 concurrent activities without reducing productivity.

Technical Excellence

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

• Effectively performs the technical job aspects, continuously building knowledge and keeping up‑to‑date on technical and procedural job components.
• Applies technical operating and project standards based on achieving excellence in delivered products, technologies and services.
• Applies current procedures and technologies to help resolve technical issues in one's general area of technical competence.
• Helps others solve technical or procedural problems or issues.

Product Design and Development

Knowledge of product features; ability to design, build, and develop a new product, technology, or service from concept through to production.

• Communicates with professionals to understand various requirements of product design.
• Tests and evaluates alternative means of production being considered for use.
• Uses automated tools to design or modify the design of a product.
• Assists in building a complex prototype of product.

Top Candidates May Also Have

• Demonstrated ability to work independently with a strong drive for results.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills in team‑oriented environments.
• Proficiency in Creo modeling, intermediate‑level Excel, and Minitab for data analysis and design tasks.

Additional Information

• This position requires the selected candidate to work on‑site five days a week in the Pontiac, IL facility.
• Domestic relocation assistance is available for this position.
• Visa sponsorship is NOT provided.

Summary Pay Range

$97,530.00 - $146,290.00

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

October 6, 2026 - October 20, 2026

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.