Senior Design Engineer

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

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. in Lafayette, IN is seeking a Cylinder Pack Design Engineer to own cylinder pack development for diesel and alternative fuel engines.

You will collaborate with a global team of engineers, suppliers, and production facilities to advance design from concept through validation, production, and post‑production support across the lifecycle. This role emphasizes analytical thinking, strong communication, and the ability to manage cross‑functional projects, with responsibilities

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or Materials Science.
• Experience with engine testing, calibration, simulation, or controls development.

Responsibilities

• Engage with suppliers on design to meet performance and cost goals.
• Collaborate with engine platform teams on NPIs, NTI, CPI, and NSI projects.
• Direct and/or conduct analytical simulations and evaluate results.
• Apply product development skills from concept to production.
• Execute maintenance activities and cost-robustness projects.
• Communicate results to customers, suppliers, and cross-functional teams.
• Lead cross-functional project teams including purchasing and operations.
• Gather input from experts to formulate project decisions and outputs.

Skills

Analytical Thinking

Effective Communications

Managing Multiple Priorities

Technical Excellence

Computer-Aided Design

Product Design - MFG

Product Design and Development

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering / CS / Materials Science

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

As a Cylinder Pack Design Engineer, you will be responsible for core engine components and systems, directing and contributing to their development and design while strengthening your analytical skills and understanding engineering concepts. You will have design ownership for cylinder pack development including pistons, rings, and liners within Large Power Systems Division. You will contribute to the development of diesel, natural gas, and alternative fuel reciprocating engines serving a variety of customers across the world. You will partner with a global team of engineers, suppliers, and production facilities to develop products throughout their lifecycle through the phases of concepting, design, validation, production, and post-production support. You will contribute to the planning and delivery of projects, continually learn, and stay abreast of innovative technology, and broaden your professional network.

What You Will Do

• Engage with suppliers on concurrent product and process design to achieve our performance, quality, production delivery, and financial objectives.
• Work with the engine platform teams to achieve their goals and keep them abreast of progress and developments in NPI, NTI, CPI, and NSI projects.
• Direct and/or conduct analytical simulation work, providing boundary conditions, load inputs, and evaluation of results.
• Apply product development skills - conceptual design, development of products process, data analysis & extraction, failure investigation, and requirements management.
• Execute maintenance activities such as factory and customer problem resolution, cost reduction and robustness improvement projects.
• Communicate results to customers, suppliers, team members, and other business units.
• Function as a critical member of a project team including cross-functional roles in purchasing and operations.
• Gather input from a team of technical experts in developing component designs.
• Gather input from a broad team to formulate decisions and develop the output for the project. Key areas of responsibility are: plan and manage the job/project; manage the business/financial aspects of the job or project; provide a supportive work environment for the team; mentor, coach, and develop others; and manage one’s own development.
• Direct and/or conduct analytical simulation work, providing boundary conditions, load inputs, and evaluation of results.

Education And Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in an accredited Engineering, Computer Science, or Materials Science curriculum
• Experience with engine testing, calibration, simulation, or controls development

Skills You Will Have

• Analytical Thinking: Extensive 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: Extensive 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.
• Managing Multiple Priorities: Extensive knowledge of effective self-management practices; ability to manage multiple concurrent objectives, projects, groups, or activities, making effective judgments as to prioritizing and time allocation.
• Technical Excellence: Extensive knowledge of a given technology and various application methods; ability to develop and provide solutions to significant technical challenges.
• Computer-Aided Design & Engineering: Extensive knowledge of tools and techniques of specialized graphics programs; ability to produce, analyze, simulate and test product design drafts.
• Product Design - MFG: Extenive knowledge of processes, approaches, tools and techniques of product design; ability to convert customer and market requirements into product design.
• Product Design and Development: Extensive knowledge of product features; ability to design, build, and develop a new product, technology, or service from concept through to production.

Top Candidates Will Have

• Recognized team player with excellent communication, interpersonal and collaboration skills.
• Strong desire to learn and grow technical skills.
• Cylinder pack, engine components design background
• Materials experience or understanding (fatigue life, tribology, wear, etc.)
• Validation testing definition experience using FMEA and DVP&R methods.
• Engine performance and component testing experience
• Engine platform and customer application understanding
• APQP, PPAP and design release experience
• Strong communication skills – Oral and written coming together to develop and deliver technical presentations.
• Technical knowledge - experience with engine testing, calibration, simulation, or controls development
• Engine system or component design and design for manufacturing experience
• Self-starter with strong technical leadership skills
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret structural, dynamic, and metallurgical analysis.
• Emphasis on initiative and leading collaborative

Additional Information

• This position is located in Lafayette, IN.
• Domestic relocation assistance is available for this position.
• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

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

Posting Dates

August 17, 2026 - August 28, 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.