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.

Design Engineer – Light Fabrications

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!
What you will do may include, but not limited to:

• 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.
• Support requirements management process, DFMEAs and DVP&R (design verification plan & report).
• Support 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.

What you need to have:

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

Top Candidates will also have:

• Previous experience designing welded steel structures.
• Demonstrated ability to work well in collaborative environment and to communicate effectively in cross functional teams.
• Experience collaborating with suppliers to optimize designs for manufacturability.
• Personal experience performing component level FEA (Creo Simulate preferred).
• 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.

Summary Pay Range:

$97,530.00 - $146,290.00

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. This employer is not currently hiring foreign national applicants that require or will require sponsorship tied to a specific employer, such as, H, L, TN, F, J, E, O. As a global company, Caterpillar offers many job opportunities outside of the U.S which can be found through our employment website at www.caterpillar.com/careers.

Posting Dates:

March 12, 2026 - March 26, 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.

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