Senior Design Engineer

Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation; East Peoria (IL); On-site; USD 113,000 - 169,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

401(k) savings plan

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Paid time off

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. seeks an experienced engineer to own complex mechanical systems from concept through production in East Peoria, IL. You will work with a team of engineers across transmissions, axles, and driveline systems, taking ownership from concept to reality.

This role targets candidates with 5+ years designing mechanical systems, and who can perform root-cause analysis, collaborate across functions, and use CAD tools to deliver robust solutions in a demanding industrial setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, or Agricultural Engineering.
• 5+ years designing mechanical systems with load-bearing experience.
• Experience with cross-functional teams in design, manufacturing, and suppliers.
• Proficiency with CAD tools and engineering analysis methods.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, validate, and implement components and systems for transmissions, axles, and driveline systems.
• Own engineering decisions across the full product lifecycle.
• Collaborate with controls and software teams.
• Work with global engineering, manufacturing, and purchasing teams.
• Participate in DFMEA/PFMEA and structured problem-solving.
• Analyze test data and support system validation.
• Support manufacturing and resolve design issues.
• Communicate technical progress across global teams.

Skills

Analytical Thinking

Effective Communications

Technical Excellence

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, or Agricultural Engineering

Tools

CAD tools

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.

Hear about the Caterpillar Experience for yourself

Role Definition

The Drivetrain Platform team in Large Power Systems Division is looking to hire an experienced engineer that wants to take ownership of complex mechanical systems from concept through production.

This role is ideal for engineers coming from automotive, aerospace, robotics/automation, or industrial equipment backgrounds who are ready to apply their experience to large-scale, high-impact machines operating in demanding real-world environments. This role will be located in East Peoria, IL where you will join a team of highly motivated engineers that thrive on solving technical challenges and taking ownership of sophisticated projects.

Come shape the future of high-performance machinery in a role where your ideas and expertise move from concept to reality!

What you will do

• Design, develop, validate, and implement components and systems for transmissions, axles, and driveline systems
• Own engineering decisions across the full product lifecycle
• Collaborate with controls and software teams
• Work with global engineering, manufacturing, and purchasing teams
• Participate in DFMEA/PFMEA and structured problem-solving
• Analyze test data and support system validation
• Support manufacturing and resolve design issues
• Communicate technical progress across global teams

Degree Requirement

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, or Agricultural Engineering from an accredited curriculum.

What skills you must have

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

Top candidates must also have

• 5+ years of designing mechanical systems
• Demonstrated experience designing mechanical systems operating under load, such as:
  • Powertrain or driveline systems
  • Structural or load-bearing systems
  • Rotating components (gears, bearings, shafts)
  • Electro-mechanical or automated systems
• Knowledge of product design and development processes from concept through production
• Ability to perform root cause analysis and implement effective engineering solutions
• Experience working in a cross-functional environment with design, manufacturing, and supplier teams
• Proficiency with CAD tools and engineering analysis methods

Additional Information

• This position will close at 11:59 p.m. on 10/15/2026.
• This position will be located onsite 5 days a week in East Peoria, IL (Building KK).
• Relocation assistance (domestic) is available for this position.
• Sponsorship is NOT available.
• This position may require less than 10% travel

Summary Pay Range:

$112,710.00 - $169,060.00

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 1, 2026 - October 15, 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.