Senior Design Engineer

Caterpillar

Confirmed live yesterday High trust

Quick summary

Work type
On-site
Location
East Peoria, IL
Salary
$112,710–$169,060 / yr
Posted
3 days ago
Freshness
Confirmed live yesterday
Closes
Oct 15, 2026

Market check

Salary context

Below market

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $182k
This role $141k
$101k most similar roles pay here $226k

This role pays less than 81% of similar roles. Most pay $150,000–$214,000 — the shaded band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $141k versus about $182k for comparable roles.

Based on 240 similar postings.

Employer

About Caterpillar

Caterpillar Inc. is the world''s largest manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines, and diesel-electric locomotives. Industry: Heavy Equipment & Manufacturing

Caterpillar currently has 140 open roles on FindRole.

Listed pay typically runs $121,389–$183,140 across 131 roles with salary data.

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View all roles at Caterpillar

At a glance

TL;DR · Senior Design Engineer

As a Senior Design Engineer on the Drivetrain Platform team within the Large Power Systems Division, you will take ownership of complex mechanical systems from concept through production. You will design, develop, validate, and implement components for transmissions, axles, and driveline systems while collaborating with controls, software, manufacturing, and purchasing teams. Your daily work involves participating in DFMEA/PFMEA, performing structured problem-solving, analyzing test data, and resolving design issues to support manufacturing. The role requires expertise in designing mechanical systems operating under load, including rotating components like gears, bearings, and shafts, as well as electro-mechanical or automated systems. To succeed, you must possess technical excellence, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills. You will utilize CAD tools and engineering analysis methods to solve challenges for high-performance machinery operating in demanding real-world environments.

What you'll do

  • Design, develop, validate, and implement components for transmissions, axles, and driveline systems.
  • Own engineering decisions across the entire product lifecycle from concept through production.
  • Participate in DFMEA/PFMEA and structured problem-solving to ensure system reliability.
  • Analyze test data to support the validation of complex mechanical systems.
  • Resolve design issues and provide technical support to manufacturing teams.
  • Communicate technical progress and requirements across global engineering, manufacturing, and purchasing teams.

What we're looking for

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, or Agricultural Engineering from an accredited curriculum.
  • 5+ years of experience designing mechanical systems.
  • Experience designing mechanical systems operating under load, such as powertrain, driveline, structural, rotating, or electro-mechanical systems.
  • Knowledge of product design and development processes from concept through production.
  • Proficiency with CAD tools and engineering analysis methods.
  • Ability to perform root cause analysis and implement effective engineering solutions.
  • Experience working in cross-functional environments with design, manufacturing, and supplier teams.
  • Strong analytical thinking and communication skills to resolve technical challenges and collaborate with global teams.

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