Senior Design Engineer

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.

About Large Power Systems Division (LPSD):

We design and manufacture the most comprehensive lineup of large diesel and natural gas engines in the industry, as well as engine components and powertrains.

Job Summary
As a Senior Design Engineer , you will lead the development of complex engine systems and components for the GCM34 gas engine including Balance of Plant (BOP) in close collaboration with overall medium speed engine family M20-M46. You will drive technical decisions throughout the product development lifecycle, partnering with global cross-functional teams to transform ideas into robust, manufacturable products while advancing innovation, product quality, and long-term platform performance. The senior role aligns with the same overall product development mission but carries greater ownership of technical direction, system-level decisions, and complex engineering challenges.

What You Will Do:

• Lead the design and development of complex engine systems, components, and integrated product solutions from concept through production implementation.

• Establish technical approaches and design strategies that satisfy customer, regulatory, manufacturing, performance, and reliability requirements.

• Drive concept development activities, evaluating multiple design alternatives and recommending optimal solutions.

• Lead engineering analyses, simulations, validation programs, and technical reviews to ensure robust product performance and durability.

• Provide technical leadership and guidance to engineers, project teams, suppliers, and external engineering partners.

• Coordinate cross-functional development activities with manufacturing, quality, performance, controls, supply chain, and product support organizations.

• Supporting the worldwide dealer and O&M teams with all technical questions about engines and connected systems and their interfaces with each other.

• Analyze product, validation, and field performance data to identify trends and drive product enhancements.

• Lead resolution of complex technical challenges through structured problem-solving and risk-based decision-making.

• Influence system architecture decisions, component integration strategies, and long-term product development roadmaps.

• Drive product release activities, engineering changes, and design governance processes while ensuring compliance with quality and engineering standards.

• Identify opportunities to improve engineering efficiency through the use of new technologies, digital tools, data analytics, and AI-enabled engineering solutions.

• Mentor and develop less experienced engineers while fostering technical excellence and innovation across the team.

• Lead initiatives that improve product quality, reliability, manufacturability, and customer value throughout the product lifecycle.

Degree Requirement

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.

What You Will Have

• Analytical Thinking: Extensive experience and 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 knowledge and 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.

Additional Requirements

• Experience leading the design and development of mechanical systems, components, or products.

• Experience independently driving product development activities from concept through validation and release.

• Experience evaluating complex technical challenges and developing robust engineering solutions.

• Experience coordinating technical activities across multiple engineering disciplines and stakeholder groups.

• Demonstrated ability to manage technical risk, design tradeoffs, and engineering decision making throughout the product lifecycle.

What Will Put You Ahead

• Advanced knowledge of medium-speed engine design, development, integration, and performance optimization.

• Experience leading the development of complex engine systems, power generation products, or large industrial equipment.

• Advanced experience with system integration, validation strategies, and product performance optimization.

• Experience leading technical reviews, design decisions, and cross-functional development initiatives.

• Experience mentoring engineers or providing technical leadership within engineering teams.

• Experience using data analytics to drive engineering decisions, product improvements, or design optimization.

• Knowledge of both mechanical and electrical system interactions within complex products.

• Experience working within global engineering organizations and collaborating across multiple regions.

• Experience evaluating and implementing emerging engineering technologies, digital tools, or AI-enabled engineering solutions.

• Experience influencing product strategy, technical roadmaps, or architecture decisions.

Additional Information

• This position requires the candidate to work a 5-day-a-week schedule in the office.

• International travel up to 5% is possible.

• Relocation is available for this position.

• Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this position.

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.

About Caterpillar

Caterpillar Inc. is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. For 100 years, we have been helping customers build a better, more sustainable world and are committed and contributing to a reduced-carbon future. Our innovative products and services, backed by our global dealer network, provide exceptional value that helps customers succeed.

Summary Pay Range:

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

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.

Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.