Senior Design Engineer - Light Fabrications

Senior Design Engineer – Light Fabrications

Career Area: Engineering

Location: Decatur, IL - Mossville, IL (AC)

Domestic Relocation: Available

Travel: Up to 10% travel

Visa sponsorship: NOT available

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

As a member of our team, you will need to have 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 for you to join the team!

• 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/Lead design review meetings.
• Support Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) process and Concurrent Product and Process Development (CPPD) activity to ensure components are developed to meet time, cost, and quality requirements within budget.
• Collaborate with other engineering team members, purchasing, suppliers, and product group partners.

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

• Previous experience designing welded steel structures.
• Demonstrated ability to work well in collaborative environment and to communicate effectively in 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 in executing APQP from beginning to end.
• Hands‑on experience (e.g. machinery, heavy equipment, manufacturing processes, welding, etc.)

What Skills you will have:

Analytical Thinking: The ability to systematically evaluate information, identify patterns and inconsistencies, break down complex problems, and apply appropriate tools to develop effective solutions based on evidence and logic.

Effective Communication: The skill of conveying ideas clearly and persuasively across various audiences and levels, while demonstrating empathy, focus, and adaptability in both written and verbal formats.

Managing Multiple Priorities: The capacity to handle diverse tasks simultaneously, adapt to shifting demands, resolve conflicts, and maintain progress by effectively organizing, re‑prioritizing, and collaborating with others.

Product Design & Development: The expertise in creating, refining, and managing products or services by applying innovative techniques, validating concepts, building prototypes, and establishing standards that enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

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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.

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…