Senior Mechanical Engineer - New Product Development

Komatsu; Peoria (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401k

Vacation time off

Assistance programs

Disability benefits

Life insurance

Learning & development

Job summary

Komatsu's Vehicle Development Group is seeking a Design Engineer with a Reliability Focus to design and develop mechanical components for electric drive mining trucks, owning CAD models, drawings, and production releases.

You will apply reliability data and field performance insights to define design requirements, guide decisions, and establish methods to track reliability over 1–3 years, collaborating with reliability, quality, and data teams across the product lifecycle.

Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical Engineering or related field; MS preferred.
• 5+ years of mechanical design engineering experience, preferably in heavy equipment/mining/industrial machinery.
• Strong experience with 3D CAD modeling and engineering drawing release.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze data to inform engineering decisions.
• Working knowledge of reliability concepts such as failure modes and lifecycle performance.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience with reliability, warranty, or field performance datasets.
• Comfort processing large datasets using Excel, Power BI, Python, or similar.
• Familiarity with DFMEA, root cause analysis, basic reliability metrics.
• Experience applying Crow-AMSAA reliability growth model during development testing.
• Exposure to mining or construction equipment field environments.
• Professional Engineer (P.E.) or CRE certification is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components and systems from concept through production release, meeting performance, reliability, manufacturability, and cost targets.
• Create, modify, and maintain 3D CAD models and detailed engineering drawings according to Komatsu standards.
• Own designs through the full development cycle, including concept selection, detailed design, validation, production release, and post-release support.
• Evaluate loads, interfaces, materials, tolerances, and environmental conditions to ensure robust designs for mining applications.
• Present and defend design concepts, trade studies, and recommendations to peers and leadership.
• Analyze reliability data to identify trends, failure modes, and systemic design risks.
• Translate reliability insights into actionable design requirements and guidelines.
• Partner with reliability, quality, and data teams to process and interpret large datasets.
• Support design risk activities such as DFMEAs, design reviews, and risk assessments.
• Define metrics and dashboards to track reliability over 1–3 year horizons.

Skills

3D CAD modeling

Engineering drawing release

Data analysis

Reliability concepts

Communication

Reliability data handling

Crow-AMSAA

Mining/Construction exposure

DFMEA

Python

Education

BS in Mechanical Engineering

MS preferred

PE/CRE certification a plus

Tools

Excel

Power BI

Python

Job description

Job Overview

As a Design Engineer with a Reliability Focus within Komatsu's Vehicle Development Group, you will be responsible for the mechanical design and development of components and systems for electric drive mining trucks, while also applying reliability insights to improve product robustness over time.

This role is first and foremost a design engineering position, with full ownership of CAD models, drawings, and production releases. In addition, the role leverages reliability data, field performance information, and analytical skills to help define design requirements, guide design decisions, and establish methods to track reliability performance over the product lifecycle (1, 2, and 3+ years).

Key Job Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components and systems from concept through production release, meeting performance, reliability, manufacturability, and cost targets.
• Create, modify, and maintain 3D CAD models and detailed engineering drawings in accordance with Komatsu standards and best practices.
• Own designs through the full development cycle, including concept selection, detailed design, validation, production release, and post-release support.
• Evaluate loads, interfaces, materials, tolerances, and environmental conditions to ensure designs are robust and fit for real-world mining applications.
• Present and defend design concepts, trade studies, and recommendations to peers, stakeholders, and leadership.
• Analyze existing reliability, warranty, and field performance data to identify trends, recurring failure modes, and systemic design risks.
• Translate reliability insights into clear, actionable design requirements and design guidelines for new developments.
• Partner with reliability, quality, and data teams to process and interpret large datasets related to component and system performance.
• Support design risk identification activities such as DFMEAs, design reviews, and risk assessments, with emphasis on learning from historical data.
• Help define metrics, dashboards, and methods to track reliability performance over time horizons such as 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year service life.

Qualifications / Requirements

• BS in Mechanical Engineering or related field (MS preferred).
• 5+ years of experience in mechanical design engineering, preferably in heavy equipment, mining, construction, or industrial machinery.
• Strong experience with 3D CAD modeling and engineering drawing release.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze data and use objective evidence to inform engineering decisions.
• Working knowledge of reliability concepts such as failure modes, lifecycle performance, and design margins.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience working with reliability, warranty, or field performance datasets.
• Comfort processing and interpreting large datasets using tools such as Excel, Power BI, Python, or similar.
• Familiarity with DFMEA, root cause analysis, basic reliability metrics.
• Experience applying Crow-AMSAA reliability growth model during development testing.
• Exposure to mining or construction equipment field environments.
• Professional Engineer (P.E.) or Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE) certification is a plus.

Hiring Range

At Komatsu, your base pay is one part of your total compensation package. This role pays $110,000 - $135,000. The actual offer will consider a wide range of factors, including experience and location.

Company Benefits

• Health benefits: Medical, dental, vision, HSA, wellness programs, etc.
• 401k and/or employee savings programs
• Employee time off (vacation and designated holidays)
• Employee and family assistance programs
• Disability benefits
• Life insurance
• Employee learning and development programs

Diversity & Inclusion Commitment

At Komatsu, we come from diverse backgrounds, with unique perspectives, experiences and contributions. We believe that our people are part of our shared purpose. Connected by our core values of ambition, perseverance, collaboration and authenticity, we are committed to continually advancing in our support of diversity and inclusion. United, we are on a journey towards a sustainable future that creates value together.

Company Information

Komatsu develops and supplies technologies, equipment and services for the construction, mining, forklift, industrial and forestry markets. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Komatsu employs more than 64,000 people worldwide, operating in more than 140 countries. For more than a century, the company has been creating value for its customers through manufacturing and technology innovation, partnering with others to empower a sustainable future where people, business and the planet thrive together. Since the company's founding in 1921, Komatsu has been committed to supporting individuals and communities through job training, skills development and giving back. As a Komatsu employee, you will be encouraged to grow alongside our global company, contributing to a more sustainable future for all. If you are looking for a company that values your talent and potential, join Komatsu to be a part of something big and help advance modern society.

EEO Statement

Komatsu is an Equal Opportunity Workplace and an Affimative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.