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.

Caterpillar’s EMD division is hiring for Design Engineer in Peoria, IL!

Role Summary: In this role you'll lead the charge in creating high-performance, durable medium work tools that meet the toughest demands in the field. You'll collaborate with a dynamic network of experts across disciplines and organizations, bringing your ideas to life through cutting-edge simulations, AI-powered tools, and real-world validation — driving efficiency and innovation across the entire product development lifecycle.

What You’ll Do (Job Duties)

• Take ownership of the structural design for buckets, couplers and other work tools, both current models and future innovations through our New Product Introduction (NPI) process.
• Drive performance and reliability by leading virtual product development (VPD) simulations that validate and refine your designs at the machine and system level.
• Lead cost projects through collaboration across multiple functional areas to identify the lowest cost solution.
• Bring ideas to life by planning and executing prototype builds, coordinating testing, and analyzing performance data to ensure real-world success.
• Translating vision into reality by developing functional requirements and turning them into detailed, actionable design specifications.
• Influence key decisions by contributing to make-versus-buy analyses and collaborating across worldwide manufacturing teams to ensure the best outcomes.
• Shape the future by leveraging AI tools to drive efficiency improvements in Work Tools product development to guide the next generation MWL Work Tool products

What You Have (Core Skills)

• Degree Requirement: Bachelor's degree in engineering or related fields.
• 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.
• Computer-Aided Design & Engineering: Knowledge of tools and techniques of specialized graphics programs; ability to produce, analyze, simulate and test product design drafts.
• Product Design - MFG: Knowledge of processes, approaches, tools and techniques of product design; ability to convert customer and market requirements into product design.
• 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

• A strong track record of delivering results in complex product development environments
• Deep expertise in fabricated structures, including design, analysis, and manufacturing processes
• Proficiency in simulation tools for welded structures, data interpretation, and engineering release systems
• Strong project management and technical leadership skills, with the ability to thrive in fast-paced, dynamic settings

Additional Details

• Work location: Peoria, IL
• Domestic relocation assistance is available for this role
• Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this role.
• Travel: up to 5% domestic and international
• This position requires 5 days per week in the office (M-F)

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

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:

November 9, 2026 - November 23, 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.

Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.