Design Engineering Specialist

Caterpillar Inc.; Peoria (IL); On-site; USD 128,000 - 193,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

401(k) savings plan

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Paid time off

Relocation assistance

Tuition Reimbursement

Incentive bonus

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. in Peoria, IL is seeking an engineering leader to drive structural analysis for heavy and light structures.

You will mentor design engineers, champion MWL initiatives, and develop validated analytical models to predict performance under static, dynamic, fatigue, and thermal loads. You will coordinate tests, correlate with field data, and guide product development through robust simulation methods and innovation in engineering practice, while collaborating across teams and

Qualifications

• Engineering, CS or Materials Science degree required
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving proficiency
• Decision-making capabilities with informed judgment
• Project management skills to plan, monitor and control projects
• CAD/Engineering knowledge for design drafts and simulations
• Understanding of product development life cycle in manufacturing
• Troubleshooting abilities in a development environment

Responsibilities

• Lead structural analysis and validation of components, systems, and assemblies using FEA and other methods to meet durability, reliability, and performance requirements.
• Develop and execute a roadmap to advance MWL VPD capabilities, accelerating design validation and reducing physical testing.
• Provide technical leadership to build advanced simulation capabilities within MWL through coaching and mentoring engineers.
• Champion MWL interests to influence initiatives across heavy and light structures communities.
• Develop, correlate, and maintain analytical models to predict structural behavior under static, dynamic, fatigue, vibration, and thermal loading.
• Interpret test data and field performance to validate predictions and support root-cause investigations.

Skills

Analytical Thinking

Decision Making & Critical Thinking

Project Management

CAD/Engineering

Product Development Life Cycle - MFG

Troubleshooting

Engineering Leadership

Education

Engineering, Computer Science or Materials Science degree

Tools

Finite Element Analysis (FEA)

MWL VPD tooling

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 Summary

In this role you will lead regarding structural analysis supporting Heavy and Light Structures, implement new technologies, mentor and coach Design Engineers.

What You’ll Do (Job Duties)

• Lead structural analysis and validation of components, systems, and assemblies using finite element analysis (FEA) and other analytical methods to ensure product durability, reliability, and performance requirements are met.
• Develop and execute a roadmap to advance MWL Virtual Product Development (VPD) capabilities, accelerating design validation, reducing physical test dependency, and improving product quality and speed-to-market across Heavy and Light Structures.
• Provide technical leadership to build advanced simulation capabilities within MWL team through coaching and mentoring engineers.
• Champion MWL interests EMD and enterprise heavy and light structures communities to influence and accelerate key initiatives.
• Develop, correlate, and maintain analytical models to predict structural behavior under static, dynamic, fatigue, vibration, and thermal loading conditions, supporting both new product development and current product improvements.
• Interpret test data and field performance information to validate analytical predictions, troubleshoot structural concerns, and support root‑cause investigations for quality and durability issues.

What You Have (Core Skills)

• Degree Requirement: Requires a degree in an accredited Engineering, Computer Science or Materials Science Curriculum.
• 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.
• 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.
• Project Management: Knowledge of effective project management strategies and tactics; ability to plan, organize, monitor, and control projects, ensuring efficient utilization of technical and administrative resources to achieve project objectives.
• Computer‑Aided Design & Engineering: Knowledge of tools and techniques of specialized graphics programs; ability to produce, analyze, simulate and test product design drafts.
• Product Development Life Cycle - MFG: Knowledge of the methodology and associated phases, activities and deliverables of product development life cycle in manufacturing organizations; ability to bring new or enhanced products to the marketplace.
• Troubleshooting Technical Problems: Knowledge of troubleshooting approaches, tools and techniques; ability to anticipate, detect and resolve technical problems in a product development environment.

Top Candidates Will Also Have

• Advanced Structural Analysis: Expertise in FEA and structural mechanics, including nonlinear, dynamic, fatigue, buckling, vibration, and thermal‑stress analysis.
• Model Validation and Engineering Judgment: Ability to develop accurate load cases, correlate models with test and field data, recognize simulation limitations, and assess technical risk.
• Materials, Joining, and Manufacturability: Strong knowledge of metals, weldments, bolted joints, castings, forgings, and manufacturing effects on structural durability and performance.
• Design Optimization and Problem Solving: Proven ability to investigate failures, determine root causes, and optimize designs for strength, weight, cost, durability, and manufacturability.
• Technical Leadership and Innovation: Ability to lead technical reviews, mentor engineers, improve simulation methods and standards, and use automation or data‑analysis tools to strengthen organizational capability.

Additional Details

• Work location: Peoria, IL
• Domestic relocation assistance IS available for this role
• Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this role.
• Travel: 25% domestic and international
• This position requires 5 days per week in the office (M-F)

Summary Pay Range

$128,470.00 - $192,710.00

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

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 22, 2026 - November 8, 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.