Lead Design Engineer — Complex Engine Systems

Caterpillar Brazil; Lafayette (IN); On-site; USD 113,000 - 169,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

401(k) retirement plan

Relocation assistance

Discount programs

Career development

Job summary

Caterpillar in Lafayette, IN is hiring a Senior Design Engineer to lead the development of complex engine systems and components for large power platforms. You will collaborate with global teams to turn concepts into robust, manufacturable products while advancing performance, quality, and reliability.

The role requires a Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering and hands-on experience with mechanical systems design, system integration, and product validation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering is required.
• Experience leading design of mechanical systems.
• Ability to drive development from concept through validation.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of complex engine systems, components, and integrated product solutions from concept through production implementation.
• Establish technical approaches and design strategies that satisfy customer, regulatory, manufacturing, performance, and reliability requirements.
• Drive concept development activities, evaluating multiple design alternatives and recommending optimal solutions.
• Lead engineering analyses, simulations, validation programs, and technical reviews to ensure robust product performance and durability.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance to engineers, project teams, suppliers, and external engineering partners.
• Coordinate cross-functional development activities with manufacturing, quality, performance, controls, supply chain, and product support organizations.
• Support worldwide dealer and O&M teams with technical questions about engines and connected systems and their interfaces.
• Analyze product, validation, and field performance data to identify trends and drive product enhancements.
• Lead resolution of complex technical challenges through structured problem-solving and risk-based decision-making.
• Influence system architecture decisions, component integration strategies, and long-term product development roadmaps.
• Drive product release activities, engineering changes, and design governance processes while ensuring compliance with quality and engineering standards.
• Identify opportunities to improve engineering efficiency through the use of new technologies, digital tools, data analytics, and AI-enabled engineering solutions.
• Mentor and develop less experienced engineers while fostering technical excellence and innovation across the team.
• Lead initiatives that improve product quality, reliability, manufacturability, and customer value throughout the product lifecycle.

Skills

Analytical Thinking

Effective Communications

Managing Multiple Priorities

Technical Excellence

Engine design experience

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Caterpillar in Lafayette, IN is hiring a Senior Design Engineer to lead the development of complex engine systems and components for large power platforms. You will collaborate with global teams to turn concepts into robust, manufacturable products while advancing performance, quality, and reliability.

The role requires a Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering and hands-on experience with mechanical systems design, system integration, and product validation.