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 plans

Paid time off (vacation/holidays)

Job summary

Caterpillar's EMD division seeks a Design Engineering Specialist in Peoria, IL to lead structural analysis for heavy and light structures, mentor engineers, and drive new simulation capabilities. You will validate models, correlate with test data, and support product development with a focus on durability and performance.

The role requires a degree in engineering or related field, strong analytical and decision-making skills, and the ability to work in a dynamic team environment.

Qualifications

• Degree required in an accredited Engineering, Computer Science, or Materials Science program.
• Strong analytical thinking with root-cause problem-solving.
• Ability to make sound decisions using informed judgment.
• Knowledge of project management strategies and resource planning.
• Proficiency with CAD/engineering tools to design, analyze, simulate and test drafts.
• Understanding of product development life cycle in manufacturing contexts.
• Ability to troubleshoot technical problems in a product development environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead structural analysis and validation of components, systems, and assemblies using FEA and other methods to meet durability and performance requirements.
• Develop a roadmap to advance MWL VPD capabilities, reducing physical testing reliance.
• Provide technical leadership to build advanced simulation capabilities within MWL through mentoring engineers.
• Champion MWL interests within EMD and enterprise heavy and light structures communities.
• Develop, correlate, and maintain analytical models to predict structural behavior under various loading conditions.
• Interpret test data to validate predictions and support root-cause investigations.

Skills

Analytical Thinking

Decision Making

Project Management

CAD & Engineering

PDLC - Manufacturing

Troubleshooting

Education

Engineering, Computer Science, or Materials Science degree

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.

Caterpillar’s EMD division is hiring for Design Engineering Specialist in Peoria, IL!

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

• 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

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.

There’s more to work at Caterpillar than just the work itself. We hire smart, friendly people and it shows in our culture. We hold ourselves to high standards and make sure our values of integrity, excellence, teamwork, commitment and sustainability come to life in the way we work. We make sure our employees feel continuously challenged while also supported. We provide professional growth opportunities, including leadership programs. We celebrate the diversity of our team, while also working together as one Caterpillar. Our culture, like everything at our company, is made possible by each employee’s contribution. Person by person, we create the environment we work in, and we are proud of the Caterpillar we’ve built.