Senior Design Engineering Specialist

Caterpillar Inc.; Peoria (IL); On-site; USD 148,000 - 222,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

401(k) savings plans

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Career Development

Incentive bonus

Parental leave

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. is seeking a Sr. Design Engineering Specialist in Peoria, IL.

You will provide technical leadership for the Medium Wheel Loader Operator Station, guiding development, innovation, analysis, and implementation across global partners and suppliers. Expect collaboration across components, centers, and facilities to ensure successful execution. The role emphasizes leading UX-centered workspace layouts, supporting NPI programs, and driving continuous improvement in product and process

Qualifications

• Analytical thinking to identify root causes and trade-offs.
• Project management to plan, prioritize, and track deliverables.
• Experience supporting product development, design reviews, validation, and launches (NPI).
• Knowledge of APQP, DFOS, CPI, BIQ and quality planning methods.
• Ability to collaborate with suppliers, manufacturing, and global teams.
• Strong communication to align stakeholders and influence decisions.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of operator station systems and workspace layouts.
• Champion UX improvements for operator station design.
• Support New Product Introduction programs and ongoing production initiatives.
• Assist with current production, maintenance, CPI, and DFOS activities.
• Collaborate globally with design centers and suppliers to meet targets.
• Lead cross-functional teams in CPPD and cost-reduction efforts.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Project management

NPI experience

Quality & CI

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

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

Role Summary

Caterpillar’s Earth Moving division is hiring for Sr. Design Engineering Specialist in Peoria, IL. Technical Lead for the Medium Wheel Loader Operator Station. This position will provide leadership that supports in-depth development, innovation, analysis, and implementation of the Medium Wheel Loader Operator Station. Will collaborate with component partners and work globally with suppliers and facilities to ensure successful execution.

What You’ll Do (Job Duties)

• Medium Wheel Loader Cab Architect – lead development of the operator station systems and components strategies
• Lead development of operator station workspace layouts that provide industry leading User Experience (UX)
• Lead team to support New Product Introduction (NPI) programs initiatives
• Lead team supporting Current Production and Maintenance
• Lead team supporting Continuous Product Improvement (CPI) and Bulit-In-Quality (BIQ) initiatives
• Champion Team supporting Advance Product Quality and Planning (APQP)and Defect Free Operating System (DFOS) activities
• Lead team collaborating with partners with execution of continuous product and process (CPPD)
• Global collaboration with China Design Center in support of GC Operator Stations
• Lead team supporting low-cost provider (LCP) deliverables

What You Have (Core Skills)

• Analytical Thinking & Problem Solving – Ability to identify root causes, evaluate trade-offs, and develop practical engineering solutions.
• Project Management – Ability to plan work, manage priorities, track deliverables, and support program timing.
• New Product Introduction (NPI) Experience – Experience supporting product development programs, design reviews, validation, and launch readiness.
• Quality & Continuous Improvement – Knowledge of APQP, DFOS, CPI, BIQ, and structured quality planning methods.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration – Ability to work effectively with suppliers, manufacturing, product groups, global design centers, and facility teams.
• Communication & Influence – Ability to communicate technical information clearly, align stakeholders, and influence decisions.

Top Candidates Will Also Have

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related fields.
• Technical and functional understanding of machine systems and components
• Strong organizational and project management skills, including analytical and problem solving
• Excellent interpersonal communication, conflict resolution, and leadership skills to work in cross-functional problem-solving teams and cross-organizational project teams
• Strong initiative and a self-starter (Player/Coach Mentality)
• Ability to technically author in a clear and concise manner

Desired Qualifications

• Technical and functional understanding of machine operator station systems and components

Additional Details

• Work location: Peoria, IL
• Domestic relocation assistance IS available for this role
• Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this role.
• Travel: up to 25% domestic and international
• This position requires 5 days per week in the office (M-F)

Summary Pay Range

$147,760.00 - $221,640.00

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

August 28, 2026 - September 11, 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.