Design Engineer - Structures

  • Caterpillar
  • Peoria, Illinois
  • Part Time

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.

Join the Team That Builds the Backbone of Caterpillars Medium Wheel Loaders!

Are you ready to shape the future of heavy equipment design? Caterpillars Medium Wheel Loader (MWL) Engineering team is seeking a Design Engineer - Structures to lead the development of robust, high-performance structural systems. In this role, youll collaborate with cross-functional teamsboth internal and externalto design, develop, and maintain the structural integrity of our MWL platforms.

Your primary focus will be on crafting innovative front frame designs for the 980982 model series, ensuring they meet both technical excellence and financial targets. Youll also play a key role in system-level simulations to validate and optimize your designs.

What youll do:

  • Own design control for the existing 980 and 982 MWL front frame systems, as well as new designs developed through the New Product Introduction (NPI) process.

  • Support machine and system-level virtual product development (VPD) simulations to validate and optimize structural designs.

  • Research and evaluate new materials and competitive products to drive innovation.

  • Organize, coordinate, and execute prototype builds, testing, and performance analysis.

  • Develop and document functional requirements, translating them into detailed design specifications.

  • Contribute to make-versus-buy decisions for product components through analysis and collaboration.

  • Participate in proposal development, cost estimation, and preparation of technical reports.

What youll have

  • Accredited Engineering Degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Agricultural, Chemical, Materials Science, or a related discipline.

  • Advanced Analytical Thinking : Proven ability to identify root causes of complex problems and develop effective, innovative solutions.

  • Strong Communication Skills : Able to collaborate across diverse teams and functional areas, sharing ideas and learning effectively.

  • Commitment to Technical Excellence : Demonstrated success in developing and implementing solutions to significant engineering challenges.

  • Product Design for Manufacturing Expertise : Extensive experience translating requirements into manufacturable designs using tools such as Creo, Creo Simulate (or similar), and systems modeling software like Dynasty.

Top Candidates will also have:

  • Advanced Engineering Degree or equivalent experience in product development.

  • Extensive Product Development Experience , with a strong track record of delivering results.

  • Computer-Aided Design & Engineering: Deep experience using Creo and Creo Simulate.

  • Expertise in Fabricated Structures : Solid understanding of design, analysis, and manufacturing processes for fabricated components.

  • Simulation and Data Analysis Proficiency : Familiarity with welded structure simulation tools, measured data interpretation, and engineering release systems.

  • Project Management Skills : Ability to manage multiple projects of varying complexity simultaneously.

  • Adaptability : Comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with shifting priorities.

  • Technical Leadership : Strong leadership capabilities and a passion for learning new tools, technologies, and processes.

  • Business Acumen : Understanding of how engineering decisions impact broader business objectives.

Additional Information:

  • Location: Peoria, IL

  • Office Model: This position requires working in the office 5 days per week.

  • This position may require domestic and international travel.

Summary Pay Range:

$95,640.00 - $143,520.00

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

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:

July 7, 2025 - July 18, 2025

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.

Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community .

Job ID: 484288961
Originally Posted on: 7/7/2025

Want to find more Construction opportunities?

Check out the 174,178 verified Construction jobs on iHireConstruction