Senior Design Engineering Specialist

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

Paid time off plan

401(k) savings plans

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Career Development

Incentive bonus

Tuition Reimbursement

Disability benefits, Life Insurance

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. in Peoria, IL is seeking a Senior Design Engineering Specialist to lead the Medium Wheel Loader Operator Station development. You will drive UX, lead NPI programs, and collaborate globally with suppliers and design centers.

The role emphasizes APQP/DFOS quality methods, cross-functional leadership, and strong project management. It requires on-site work five days a week and domestic relocation assistance is available.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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 Built-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.

Skills

Analytical Thinking & Problem Solving

Project Management

NPI Experience

Quality & Continuous Improvement

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Communication & Influence

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

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.

Caterpillar’s Earth Moving division is hiring for Sr. Design Engineering Specialist in Peoria, IL.

Role Summary:

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:

• 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.

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.

About the Culture

There’s more to work at Caterpillar than just the work itself. We hire smart, friendly people and it shows in our culture. We hold ourselves to high standards and make sure our values of integrity, excellence, teamwork, commitment and sustainability come to life in the way we work. We make sure our employees feel continuously challenged while also supported. We provide professional growth opportunities, including leadership programs. We celebrate the diversity of our team, while also working together as one Caterpillar. Our culture, like everything at our company, is made possible by each employee’s contribution. Person by person, we create the environment we work in, and we are proud of the Caterpillar we’ve built.