Senior Design Engineering Specialist

We are seeking an Engineering Specialist – Design to lead supplier, factory, and internal development process quality for Heavy Structures on Rigid Frame Truck (RFT) products.

• Quality Leadership Across Rigid Frame Truck Heavy Structures – Set the standard for supplier and factory quality, ensuring robust processes and consistent execution across all RFT Heavy Structures components.
• Driving Modern Manufacturing Transformation – Introduce innovative processes such as Welding Digital Thread (WDT) and Digital Weld Instruction (DWI) to external suppliers and internal fabrication partners, continually exploring emerging technologies.
• Data Driven Process Improvement – Own the data analytics tools that identify process gaps and demonstrate measurable progress in quality.
• Cross‑Functional Influence – Collaborate with Design, Analysis, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, and Procurement teams to align quality requirements and deliver expected results.

• Collaborate with Purchase Finished (PF) suppliers to improve fabrication performance using advanced design and analysis tools (WDT, welding distortion analysis, casting solidification analysis).
• Resolve PF component challenges and critical internal factory issues by enforcing quality gates and implementing preventive improvements.
• Lead Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) process conformance and Built‑In Quality (BIQ) performance for RFT Heavy Structures.
• Expand adoption of Welding Digital Thread and Digital Weld Instructions across the supply base.
• Travel to supplier sites, manufacturing facilities, and customer locations, both domestically and internationally.
• Prioritize workloads and create delegation plans to improve time, cost, and quality metrics.
• Communicate progress and results to internal partners, suppliers, team members, and the broader functional community.
• Balance time across NPI, CPI, maintenance, process improvement, and personal development.
• Participate in team design reviews and share deep technical expertise to mentor others.

• Bachelor’s Degree in an accredited Engineering program.
• Experience collaborating with manufacturers or suppliers to optimize designs for manufacturability.
• Demonstrated experience executing APQP from start to finish.
• Deep understanding of End‑to‑End Built‑In Quality (E2E BIQ) processes.
• Experience with Caterpillar processes such as NPI and CPI.

• Proficiency in designing fabricated structures and engaging subject matter experts to resolve technical issues.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, balance competing demands, and manage time efficiently.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Experience with collaboration tools and processes such as APQP and CPPD.
• Willingness to collaborate with international teams across multiple time zones.

• Previous supply chain experience.
• Proficiency in CREO or other CAD tools.
• Familiarity with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) tools.
• Experience with Rigid Frame Trucks.
• Strong knowledge of Caterpillar components and systems.
• Experience developing PowerBI dashboards.
• Experience executing all phases of a new product development program.
• Proven ability to lead or direct the work of others to achieve design objectives.
• Hands‑on experience in machinery, heavy equipment, or manufacturing environments.

• Primary work location:
  Tucson, AZ or Decatur, IL (on‑site full time at a Caterpillar facility).
• Domestic relocation assistance available.
• Travel requirements:
  Up to 20%.
• Visa sponsorship, international assignments, and payroll transfers are not available.
• Position requires working onsite five days a week.

Salary range: $ – $, subject to individual factors.

• 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.

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.