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 LEC (Lafayette Engine Center)

The Lafayette Engine Center (LEC) manufactures the Cat 3500, Cat 3600 and C175 engines helping Caterpillar become the world’s leading manufacturer of off-highway diesel and natural gas engines.

The units built at LEC power mining trucks carrying ore to be processed, tugboats guiding ships to harbor, drill rigs tapping oil and gas reserves and generators bringing electricity to communities, hospitals and data centers

Job Summary:

The Large Power Systems Division is currently seeking a Design Engineer to join the G3500 Engine Platform team, located in Lafayette, IN. In this role, you will provide critical support for NPI, CPI, factory support, and cost reduction initiatives for LPSD G3500 electric power engines. You will collaborate closely with the engine application teams, performance teams, and component teams to define program requirements and develop effective solutions. This position will close on 11/10/2026 at 11:59pm ET.

What you will do:

• New Technology Introduction (NTI) or New Product Introduction (NPI) Engineering leadership support

• Managing Continuous Product Improvement (CPI) projects using Six Sigma DMAIC principles for - defining root cause, solution implementation and validation

• Ensure program functional requirements and cost targets are met

• Product price list configuration support

• Complete bill of material configuration management

• Lead engine hardware design direction by guiding L3 systems engineers

• Conducting DFMEA’s to drive validation requirements on product changes

• Conducting design reviews with a cross functional audience

• Production factory build support

• APQP / CTS management / VDRA resolution

• ARC files / Product Structure management

• Supporting customer service and marketing inquiries

• Working with component support team, validation team, factory operations, application and installation and customer service teams as needed to ensure robust product solutions

Degree Requirement: 

Bachelor’s degree related to Engineering or Engineering Technology

What you have:

Analytical Thinking: Level Working Knowledge

• 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: Level Working Knowledge

• 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: Level Working Knowledge

• 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: Level Working Knowledge

• Knowledge of a given technology and various application methods; ability to develop and provide solutions to significant technical challenges

Computer-Aided Design & Engineering: Level Working Knowledge

• Knowledge of tools and techniques of specialized graphics programs; ability to produce, analyze, simulate and test product design drafts

Top Candidates will have: 

• Knowledge of large gas and/or diesel engine operation

• Software programs used frequently include, but not limited to: Creo, Team Center, and Microsoft Office

• Knowledge of Caterpillar programs and processes (NPI, CPI, NTI, NSI)

Additional Information:

• This position is based in Lafayette, IN

• Relocation assistance is available for this position.

• Sponsorship is NOT approved for this position.

• This position may require up to 10% travel.

• This position requires a 5 day in office presence

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. #LI

Summary Pay Range:

$89,210.00 - $133,810.00

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:

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:

November 5, 2026 - November 10, 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.

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