Mechanical Design Engineer

Career Area:

Job Description:

Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.

When you join Caterpillar yourejoining 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 dontjust 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.

Mechanical Design Engineer

Locations: Decatur IL Champaign IL - Mossville IL (AC)
Travel: Up to 15%
Relocation Assistance: Available
Visa Sponsorship: Not Available

Job Summary

Caterpillar is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer to support L4 system design for LWL/CWD Large Structures driving innovative mechanical solutions aligned to L6 downselected system QVC requirements. This role focuses on mechanical design engineering excellence including structural weldments thicksection components manufacturability and automationready designs.

You will collaborate across CPPD (Concurrent Product and Process Development) teams translating functional and performance requirements into robust mechanical designs that meet cost quality durability and manufacturing objectives. This role plays a critical part in shaping nextgeneration Caterpillar products through handson mechanical design leadership from concept through production.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform mechanical design engineering for Large Structures (QVC) supporting LWL/WDC NPI and CPI programs with strong emphasis on Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA).
• Develop and document mechanical functional requirements translating L6 system requirements into detailed L4 mechanical designs models and drawings.
• Design and optimize structural weldments thickplate and thickwall cast components (25 mm) balancing strength weight durability and cost.
• Apply mechanical engineering fundamentals (statics dynamics fatigue load paths material behavior) to largescale structures including buckets work tools linkages frames bodies liners pins bearings and joints.
• Lead mechanical layout tolerance and GD&T definition including fixturing concepts for finished weldments and machined components.
• Collaborate with manufacturing partners to enable robotic welding BTS (laser/plasma/gas cutting) CNC machining and paint automation improving supply chain efficiency.
• Participate in Go See Act workshops pilot builds and preproduction validation activities supporting mechanical issue resolution and continuous improvement.
• Support PMObased project plans providing mechanical design status risk assessments and setbased design recommendations.

Required Skills

• Mechanical Design Engineering: Demonstrated experience designing mechanical systems and large structural components from concept through production.
• CAD & Modeling: Proficient in CREO for mechanical modeling assemblies and detailed drawings.
• Structural Design Knowledge: Experience with weldments castings thick plates wear materials and structural load paths.
• Manufacturing Integration: Working knowledge of robotic welding BTS cutting processes CNC machining and automationfocused design.
• Requirements Analysis: Experience performing L4 design based on L6 system requirements including trade studies and design validation.
• Project Execution: Ability to plan organize and execute mechanical design work within structured project frameworks.
• Problem Solving: Strong troubleshooting skills for resolving mechanical and manufacturing issues in production environments.

Preferred Skills

• FEA & Simulation: Working knowledge of finite element analysis for static and dynamic structural validation.
• Advanced Mechanical Systems: Experience with fatigue impact loading abrasion and wear mechanisms in heavy equipment applications.
• Aftermarket & Service Considerations: Understanding of serviceability and lifecycle performance for large mechanical structures.
• CrossFunctional Influence: Ability to influence design decisions through technical expertise across engineering manufacturing and supply chain teams.

Summary Pay Range:

Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors job level market locationjob-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

Posting Dates:

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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