Senior Design Engineer- Air Systems

Caterpillar Inc.; Lafayette (IN); On-site; USD 98,000 - 146,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Health benefits

Incentive bonus

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. in Lafayette, IN is seeking a Design Engineer for Engine Air Systems development, focusing on diesel, gas and alternative fuels. You will design intake and exhaust, crankcase ventilation, heat shields and air valves, collaborating with engine platform teams, suppliers, and global partners to deliver robust solutions.

This role emphasizes NP I / CPI component design, validation, and supporting field issues, with relocation assistance available and travel limited to about 10%.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Agricultural Engineering or a related field.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Experience with engine component design is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Create and support detailed engine air system designs across intake, exhaust, ventilation and valves.
• Coordinate with engine platform teams, purchasing, and manufacturing for prototype materials.
• Validate designs through on-engine fit-ups, field validation, and issue resolution.
• Review project results with management through design reviews and stakeholder updates.

Skills

Analytical Thinking

Effective Communications

Managing Multiple Priorities

Technical Excellence

Computer-Aided Design & Engineering

Product Design and Development

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Agricultural Engineering or similar

Tools

Teamcenter

ProE

Pro-Cable

CREO

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

About LPSD

The Large Power Systems Division (LPSD) is part of Caterpillar’s Power & Energy segment. Through this global organization, Caterpillar designs and manufacture large (greater than 18 liters) diesel and natural gas engines, powertrains and key engine systems. LPSD products and solutions support customers across power generation, industrial, marine, oil & gas, rail, services and Cat® machine applications worldwide.

Job Summary

The Large Power Systems Division (LPSD) with design center in Lafayette, IN has an opening for a Design Engineer for Engine Air Systems development with focus on diesel, gas and alternative fuels. Engine air systems include intake and exhaust, crankcase ventilation, heat shields and air valve components. As part of the Air system design team, this role will be responsible for the following: NPI / CPI air systems component design across LPSD engines, supplier CPPD, component and system validation, maintenance support, and platform collaboration. In this role, you will have the opportunity to direct and contribute to the concept, development, and design of complex components, subsystems, and processes while strengthening your analytical skills and mastery of engineering concepts. You will partner with and provide technical guidance to global teams. You will contribute to the planning and delivery of projects, continually learning and stay abreast of innovative technology, collaborating with team members, and broaden your professional network. This position will close on 11/04/2026 at 11:59pm ET.

What You Will Do

• Creation and support of detailed design, distribution of requirements and deadlines to offsite engineering detailers, collaboration with engine platform teams, purchasing, and manufacturing, procurement of prototype material, verification of functionality with on-engine fit-ups, support of field validation activities, and resolution of warranty and field issues
• NPI / CPI component designs for intake and exhaust, crankcase ventilation, heat shields and air valves
• Review project results with the management team through stakeholder updates and design reviews
• Markets served include Electric Power Generation, Oil & Gas, Marine, Mining Equipment, Loco, and Industrial engine applications
• Minimal travel (less than 10%) is required to ensure successful validation, debugging, and issue tracking of new designs.

Degree Requirement

Bachelors’ degree required in Mechanical or Agricultural Engineering or similar

What 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

Working 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

Working 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

Working 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 and Development

Working knowledge of product features; ability to design, build, and develop a new product, technology, or service from concept through to production.

Top Candidates Will Also Have

• Previous experience with engine component design
• Must be self-motivated with a good sense of urgency when handling assigned tasks
• Experience with Teamcenter, ProE, Pro-Cable, and CREO (ProE Schematic) software
• Ability to communicate technical information effectively and lead concept design reviews
• Experience with improving product designs based on the results from FEA, validation tests, FMEA, field failures, and other findings
• Good interpersonal, teamwork and collaboration skills to develop a cooperative working relationship with others inside and outside of the department
• Proven ability to perform complex assignments, prioritize workload, and manage multiple projects simultaneously

Additional Information

• This position is in Lafayette, IN
• Relocation assistance is available for this position
• This position may require up to 10% travel

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

$97,530.00 - $146,290.00

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

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.