Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - Drivetrain & Powertrain Systems

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.

Hear about the Caterpillar Experience for yourself

Are you an experienced Mechanical Engineer, Powertrain Engineer, Drivetrain Engineer, Product Development Engineer, or Systems Engineer looking to work on large-scale machines that impact industries around the world?

The Drivetrain Platform Team within Caterpillar's Integrated Drivetrain Energy Solutions Division (IDES) is seeking a highly motivated Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to lead the design and development of advanced transmissions, axles, driveline systems, and powertrain components from concept through production.

This opportunity is ideal for engineers with experience in automotive, aerospace, industrial equipment, robotics, automation, off-highway vehicles, agricultural equipment, defense systems, or other complex mechanical systems operating under demanding conditions. In this role, you'll take ownership of critical drivetrain systems, collaborate with global engineering teams, and help shape the next generation of high-performance machinery.

• Design, develop, validate, and release transmissions, axles, driveline systems, and mechanical powertrain components
• Lead engineering decisions throughout the entire product development lifecycle
  , from concept through production
• Partner with controls, software, systems, manufacturing, and supplier teams to deliver integrated solutions
• Develop and execute product validation plans and analyze performance test data
• Participate in DFMEA, PFMEA, root cause analysis, and structured problem-solving activities
• Support manufacturing implementation and resolve design, quality, and production challenges
• Apply engineering analysis methods to evaluate component durability, performance, reliability, and manufacturability
• Communicate technical recommendations and project progress to global stakeholders

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.

Top candidates will have

• 5+ years of experience designing and developing mechanical systems
• Experience working on systems operating under significant mechanical loads
  
  Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to communicate technical concepts effectively across cross-functional teams
• Powertrain, drivetrain, transmission, gearbox, axle, or propulsion systems
• Gears, bearings, shafts, rotating equipment, and mechanical power transmission
• Structural, load-bearing, or heavy-duty mechanical systems
• Automotive, aerospace, defense, industrial equipment, off-highway, agricultural, or robotics applications
• Product development and engineering processes from concept through production
• Root cause analysis and corrective action implementation
• Collaboration with manufacturing, suppliers, and global engineering teams
• CAD-based design and engineering analysis tools

• Mechanical Design Engineering
• Product Development
• Powertrain Systems
• Drivetrain Engineering
• Design Validation
• System Integration
• Engineering Analysis
• DFMEA/PFMEA
• Root Cause Analysis
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Technical Leadership
• Problem Solving

• Work on world-class machines that operate in some of the toughest environments on earth
• Own critical components and systems with direct production impact
• Collaborate with global engineering experts and industry leaders
• Influence future drivetrain and powertrain technologies
• See your ideas evolve from concept to production

• This position will close at 11:59 p.m. on 10/15/2026.
• This position will be located onsite 5 days a week in East Peoria, IL (Building KK).
• Relocation assistance (domestic) is available for this position.
• Sponsorship is NOT available.
• This position may require less than 10% travel

Final details

Summary Pay Range:

$ - $

Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge,…