Design Engineering Specialist

Career Area: Engineering Job Description: Track‑Type Tractor Drivetrain Engineering Specialist LPSD Integrated Drivetrain – TTT Platform Designs, develops, validates, and implements drivetrain components, subsystems, and technologies for Medium and Large Track‑Type Tractors. Provides technical leadership across design, validation, manufacturing, and supply chain to ensure product performance, quality, and supply continuity. What you will do Develop design parameters, performance characteristics, and technical specifications for drivetrain components and systems that meet customer requirements and improve safety, quality, velocity, and cost Lead the evolution of technical designs, validation strategies, and implementation plans across NTI, NPI, CPI, and Assurance of Supply workstreams Guide supplier technical readiness, including capability assessments, PPAP reviews, APQP deliverables, and deviation management Drive structured problem‑solving for factory, field, and supplier issues using data‑driven analysis, statistical methods, and traceable documentation Monitor, evaluate, and integrate new technologies, materials, and manufacturing processes to identify product or process improvement opportunities Support prototype builds, material selection, process optimization, and reliability testing; lead failure analysis and corrective action development Ensure data provenance, traceability, and reviewer‑ready documentation for all technical decisions, capability studies, and supplier submissions Coordinate engineering tasks with design, validation, manufacturing, supply chain, purchasing, and global teams Provide technical leadership to buyers, supply specialists, and suppliers to improve performance, reduce risk, and maintain supply continuity Support cost estimates, understand cost drivers, and incorporate cost‑impact considerations into design and supplier decisions Develop and maintain functional requirements, detailed design documentation, and release packages in Teamcenter and PRWB Degree Requirement Bachelor’s degree in an accredited Engineering or Materials Science curriculum. What you must have (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. Decision Making and Critical Thinking : Knowledge of the decision‑making process and associated tools and techniques; ability to accurately analyze situations and reach productive decisions based on informed judgment. 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. Project Management : Knowledge of effective project management strategies and tactics; ability to plan, organize, monitor, and control projects, ensuring efficient utilization of technical and administrative resources to achieve project objectives. Computer‑Aided Design & Engineering : Knowledge of tools and techniques of specialized graphics programs; ability to produce, analyze, simulate and test product design drafts. Product Development Life Cycle ‑ MFG : Knowledge of the methodology and associated phases, activities and deliverables of product development life cycle in manufacturing organizations; ability to bring new or enhanced products to the marketplace. Product Testing : Knowledge of product testing approaches, techniques and tools; ability to design, plan and execute testing strategies and tactics to ensure product quality at all stages of manufacturing. Troubleshooting Technical Problems : Knowledge of troubleshooting approaches, tools and techniques; ability to anticipate, detect and resolve technical problems in a manufacturing or product development environment. Top Candidates will also have Drivetrain component or system design experience, ideally with heavy‑equipment or TTT applications Strong supplier‑facing capability, including PPAP, APQP, capability studies, and deviation management • Proficiency with Creo, Teamcenter, PRWB, and Caterpillar BOM structures, or equivalent CAD/PLM systems Cross‑functional leadership experience, driving alignment across design, validation, manufacturing, supply chain, purchasing, and global teams Ability to manage supplier technical deliverables with clear expectations, data provenance, and reviewer‑ready documentation Understanding of manufacturing engineering and assembly processes, including how design decisions affect build sequence, tooling, rework, and throughput Awareness of facility operations, such as material flow, takt time, constraints, and the operational impact of engineering changes Experience resolving factory and field issues, including collaboration with Service Engineering to translate field learnings into corrective actions CPI and field‑issue closure discipline, with the ability to drive root‑cause analysis, corrective actions, and cross‑functional alignment Systems thinking, with the ability to understand interactions across components, subsystems, and manufacturing processes Ability to make risk‑based decisions, balancing speed, quality, and risk across NPI, CPI, and supplier‑related workstreams Strong analytical and statistical skills, including capability interpretation and evidence‑based decision making Clear, concise communication, producing accurate technical documentation and effectively engaging suppliers, factories, and leadership NPI process rigor, including validation planning, gate deliverables, supplier readiness, and disciplined change control Implementation discipline, with a track record of driving tasks to closure and maintaining accountability Additional Information This position will close on 6/11/2026 at 11:59 pm. This position will be located onsite 5 days a week in East Peoria, IL (Building KK). Relocation assistance (domestic) is available for this position. Sponsorship is NOT available. This position may require less than 10% travel. Summary Pay Range: $128,470.00 - $192,710.00 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 Posting Dates: May 28, 2026 - June 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr