Design Standard Technician

Caterpillar Inc.; Rapid City (SD); On-site; USD 40,000 - 59,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision

Paid time off

401(k)

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Career Development

Incentive bonus

Disability benefits

Life Insurance

Parental leave

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. in Rapid City, SD is seeking a mechanical drafter to prepare detailed working diagrams and 3D models for manufacturing. You will work closely with engineers and customers to capture project scopes, timelines, and technical requirements, ensuring accurate drawings and release documentation.

You will grow technical capabilities through hands-on work, collaboration, and exposure to new CAD technologies in a fast-paced, in-office team setting at Caterpillar Engineering Design Center.

Qualifications

• Mechanical background in automotives or machinery.
• Experience with Creo and SolidWorks.
• Ability to read blueprints.
• Strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Work with customers to define project scopes and timelines.
• Use Creo to create or modify 3D models and drawings.
• Assist engineers in troubleshooting designs.
• Maintain engineering release and change documentation.
• Interface with internal and external customers and suppliers.

Skills

Effective communications

Teamwork

Computer-Aided Design & Engineering

Initiative

Tools

Creo

SolidWorks

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.

Role Summary

The main function of a mechanical drafter is to prepare detailed working diagrams of machinery and mechanical devices, including dimensions, fastening methods, and other engineering information. Your designs will be important in successfully producing a quality product on the factory floor. You will grow your technical capabilities through hands-on work, collaboration, and exposure to new technologies.

What You’ll Do (Job Duties)

• Works directly with customers to determine project scopes and timelines, and ensures projects are delivered on time at the highest quality level.
• Utilize Creo software to create or modify 3D models and engineering drawings for use in manufacturing.
• Assists engineers in troubleshooting designs and drawings.
• Maintains engineering release and change documentation.
• Interface with internal and external customers and suppliers.

What You Have (Core Skills)

• 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.
• Teamwork: Knowledge of the necessity and value of teamwork; experience with; ability to work cooperatively towards shared goals and being supportive of others at all levels.
• Computer-Aided Design & Engineering: Knowledge of tools and techniques of specialized graphics programs; ability to produce, analyze, simulate and test product design drafts.
• Initiative: Being proactive and committing to action on self-identified job responsibilities and challenges; ability to seek out work and the drive to accomplish goals.

Top Candidates Will Also Have

• A mechanical background in automotives or machinery.
• Practical experience utilizing software such as Creo, and SolidWorks.
• Familiarity with reading blueprints.
• Strong communication skills.

Additional Details

• Work location: Rapid City, SD - Caterpillar Engineering Design Center.
• Domestic relocation assistance IS NOT available for this role.
• Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this role.
• This position requires 5 days per week in the office (M-F).

What You Will Get

Working with a Fortune 100 leader, you can build your career on a global scale and take advantage of development opportunities with emerging technologies. We've created an inclusive environment for you to explore your passions, make an impact and do the work that really matters. Join Us.

About Caterpillar

Caterpillar Inc. is the world's leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. For nearly 100 years, we've been helping customers build a better, more sustainable world and are committed to and contributing to a reduced-carbon future. Our innovative products and services, backed by our global dealer network, provide exceptional value that helps customers succeed.

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

$28.70 - $43.10

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.

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Posting Dates

October 22, 2026 - October 29, 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.