Senior Design Engineer - Hydraulics

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.

Senior Design Engineer - Hydraulics

Location : Tucson, AZ - Decatur, IL

Travel : This position may require up to 15% travel (occasional international travel) to support activities at manufacturing and / or customer sites.

Domestic Relocation Assistance : Available

Visa Sponsorship : Not Available

This role is for a Senior Design Engineer on the Rigid Frame Trucks Hydraulic Installation team focused on Large Mining Trucks. Hydraulic Installation comprises the placement and retention of hydraulic components (pumps, motors, valves, cylinders, etc.) and designing connections between these components to create a fully functional hydraulic system.

As a Senior Design Engineer at Caterpillar, you will have an opportunity to direct and participate in the design and development of new product concepts and complex engineering projects for release to production in a manner to ensure products provide superior performance, durability, quality, and serviceability.

The candidate will be required to have thorough hydraulic integration expertise on construction or mining equipment, provide technical expertise and mentoring of less experienced team members, coordinate with the manager to adjust resource levels to fit the workload, and collaborate with value chain partners to develop goals regarding NPI, CPI, and Cost Reduction for the hydraulic installation team.

The ability to diagnose and troubleshoot hydraulic systems and 6 Sigma experience are desirable proficiencies.

Why This Role Stands Out :

End-to-end ownership : From concept to production, be involved in every stage of the design lifecycle.

Cross-functional collaboration : Partner with manufacturing, suppliers, and purchasing to optimize performance, quality, and cost.

Growth & impact : Strengthen your design, analytical, and engineering skills while contributing to high-impact mining applications.

What you will do :

Issue Resolution -Quickly identify root cause of failures and suggest robust solutions.

Product Development - Use the standard product development engineering processes to consistently deliver a product that meets time, cost, and quality commitments and enables upstream and downstream users to meet their program commitments efficiently and effectively.

Conceptual Design - Think, manipulate, and communicate in virtual or theoretical terms, which results in optimized designs.

Cost-Value Management - Apply business fundamentals in making engineering decisions to drive value for the customer and Caterpillar.

Collaboration with Value Chain Partners - Develop goals regarding Continuous Product Improvement, New Product Introduction, and Cost Reduction for the hydraulic installation team.

Top Candidates Will have :

Off Highway truck or mining industry application knowledge.

Extensive experience in hydraulic installation and / or engine installation product design and development.

Experience directing project staffing; motivating and developing team members in a high paced environment.

Degree Requirement : Requires a degree in an accredited Engineering or Computer Science curriculum.

What Skills You Will Have :

Technical Excellence : Experience in mechanical design. Knowledge of hydraulic systems and schematics (Creo Schematic) is a plus. Experience in manufacturing and mining environments is desirable.

Computer-Aided Design & Engineering : Proficiency in designing hoses, tubes, and installations using CAD tools - especially Creo Parametric - will distinguish you from other candidates. Experience with Vis View is desirable to help perform virtual checks and interpreted analysis results for electrical integration designs.

Product Design - MFG : Understands large equipment assembly and hydraulic component integration. Experienced with hose and tube manufacturing and cost factors. Guides product development and ensures functional design. Reviews customer feedback to improve performance.

Analytical Thinking : Skilled in evaluating risks, costs, and success factors to solve complex problems. Uses the right tools and research to identify root causes and drive effective solutions.

Effective Communications : Strong communication and collaboration skills. Experience directing and reviewing work of other engineers is highly desired. Ability to work with global team members.

Managing Multiple Priorities : Ability to handle multiple tasks and adapt to shifting priorities. Resolves conflicts and maintains delivery timelines.

Product Design and Development : Experience in creating standards to improve product efficiency. Develops prototypes and validates concepts. Solves complex design challenges and advises on solutions.

Summary Pay Range :

$110,520.00 - $165,840.00

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

Posting Dates :

October 31, 2025 - November 13, 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. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.

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