Senior Design Engineer - Light Fabrications

Senior Design Engineer – Light Fabrications

Location:

Decatur, IL – Mossville, IL (AC)

Domestic Relocation:
Available

Travel:
Up to 10% travel

Visa sponsorship:
Not available

This is a design position on the Load & Haul Light Fabrications team that supports Large Wheel Loaders (LWL). New product design and design improvements to current products are in scope for all major light fabrications subsystems (e.g., access systems, hoods, fenders, platforms, fuel tanks, guards, enclosures). The design work includes complex fabricated steel structures/weldments, bolted assemblies and some non‑metallic components.

As a member of our team, you will need a growth mindset, promote continuous improvement, and help build a defect‑free culture. We have a fabulous team that does some of the most exciting work at Caterpillar, and we can’t wait to have you join us!

• Create concepts and designs to solve complex engineering projects.
• Utilize CREO to create highly integrated designs within machine platforms.
• Lead new product designs following our defined New Product Introduction (NPI) process.
• Resolve current production issues from suppliers, factory, or the field.
• Lead requirements management process, DFMEAs and DVP&R (design verification plan & report).
• Support or lead design review meetings.
• Support Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) and Concurrent Product and Process Development (CPPD) activities to ensure components meet time, cost, and quality requirements within budget.
• Collaborate with other engineering team members, purchasing, suppliers, and product group partners.

• Bachelor's degree in an accredited Engineering or Engineering Technology program.
• Progressive engineering and product development experience.
• Proficiency in Creo or other 3‑D design tools.

• Experience designing welded steel structures.
• Demonstrated ability to work well in a collaborative environment and communicate effectively across cross‑functional teams.
• Executed all phases of a new product development program.
• Experience collaborating with suppliers to optimize designs for manufacturability.
• Experience directing the work of other design and detailing resources to achieve design goals.
• Personal experience performing component‑level FEA (Creo Simulate preferred).
• Personal experience executing APQP from start to finish.
• Hands‑on experience in machinery, heavy equipment, manufacturing processes, welding, etc.

• Analytical Thinking – systematically evaluate information, identify patterns, break down complex problems, and apply appropriate tools to develop effective solutions.
• Effective Communication – convey ideas clearly and persuasively across various audiences and levels, demonstrate empathy, focus, and adaptability.
• Managing Multiple Priorities – handle diverse tasks simultaneously, adapt to shifting demands, resolve conflicts, and maintain progress.
• Product Design & Development – create, refine, and manage products or services using innovative techniques, validate concepts, build prototypes, and establish standards that enhance efficiency.

Annual salary range: $110,520 – $165,840. Additional compensation and benefits vary based on market, individual experience and performance.

• Medical, dental, vision
• Paid time off (vacation, holidays, volunteer)
• 401(k) savings plan
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Health Lifestyle Programs
• Employee Assistance Program
• Voluntary benefits and employee discounts
• Career Development opportunities
• Incentive bonus
• Disability benefits, life insurance, parental and adoption leave
• Tuition reimbursement

Work onsite five days a week. Relocation is available. Visa sponsorship is not available.

Any offer of employment is conditioned upon 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.