Senior Hydraulics Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

Paid time off plan

401(k) retirement plans

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. is seeking an experienced Senior Hydraulics Engineer in Peoria, IL. The role leads hydraulic design for components used on earthmoving equipment, collaborating with global teams and suppliers to deliver durable, cost-effective solutions.

The role focuses on development from concept to production, ensuring performance and serviceability while meeting cost and delivery targets. Travel up to 15% may be required; onsite work five days per week in Peoria.

Qualifications

• Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills to determine root causes and develop solutions.
• Strong communication skills to convey technical concepts across teams.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and timelines in a cross-functional environment.
• Solid technical foundation to address hydraulic design challenges and product development.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with suppliers to develop and validate new hydraulic components and solutions for NPI programs.
• Evaluate new products and technologies to improve design, cost, and performance.
• Provide engineering expertise to support CPI and field issue resolution.
• Support APQP activities to ensure components meet time, cost, and quality requirements.
• Manage project timelines from concept design to production, including prototyping and testing.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Effective communication

Managing multiple priorities

Technical excellence

Product design & development

Hydraulic systems knowledge

Mobile machinery experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Mechatronic 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

Job Description

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:

The Earthmoving Hydraulic team is currently seeking an experienced Senior Hydraulics Engineer located in Peoria, IL. The team has design control for hydraulic components used on Medium Wheel Loaders, Medium Tractors & Loaders and Motor Grader Products. The candidate selected will collaborate with global cross functional teams including suppliers to lead the development of hydraulic components from concept to production ensuring products provide superior performance, durability, quality, and serviceability while meeting cost and delivery targets for the products and development programs.

What You’ll Do (Job Duties)

• Collaborate with suppliers to develop and validate new hydraulic components and solutions to promote system solutions for New Product Introduction (NPI) programs.


• Evaluate new products, system and technology offerings to improve design, cost, and performance.


• Provide technical engineering expertise to support Continuous Product Improvement (CPI) and field issue resolution.


• Support Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) process activities to ensure components are developed to meet time, cost, and quality requirements.


• Manage project timelines with a broad range of activities from concept design, FMEA assessment, prototype development, Virtual Product Development (VPD), pilot production, lab testing, machine validation, issue resolution, and assurance of supply initiatives.


• Communicate progress & results with cross functional teams including system, validation, product group, procurement and suppliers.


• Collaborate within the Cat global hydraulic community to drive common solutions set across the enterprise and leverage lessons learned.


• Mentoring junior engineers in the team and manage multiple priorities in the team.

What You Have (Core Skills)

• 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.


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


• Product Design and Development: 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

• Hydraulic skills and experience in mobile machinery on components and/or system.


• Hydraulic component and/or system development experience, such as Valve, Pump and Motor for components used in brake, transmission, fan, steering or implement systems.


• Mobile or Agriculture equipment application experience.

Educational Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Engineering (Mechanical or Mechatronic Engineering), with demonstrated capability in relevant technical and professional functions.

Additional Details

• Work location: Peoria,IL


• Domestic relocation assistance IS available for this role


• Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this role.


• Travel: Upto 15% domestic and international


• This position requires 5 days per week in the office (M-F)

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

• 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 18, 2026 - September 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.