Senior Associate Engineer — Electric Power

Caterpillar•Griffin, GA

4d•$87,480 - $131,280•Onsite

About The Position

Join Caterpillar’s fast-growing Electric Power Division, where you’ll play a hands-on role in designing and delivering mechanical systems that power critical applications such as data centers. As a Senior Associate Engineer, you’ll use 3D modeling tools to develop robust system and component designs, translate functional requirements into detailed engineering solutions, and collaborate closely with manufacturing teams and suppliers. This role offers exposure across the full design lifecycle, from concept and prototyping through validation, while contributing to innovative, real-world products in a highly collaborative engineering environment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline, or equivalent practical experience in genset packaging
Analytical Thinking: Working knowledge of techniques and tools that promote effective analysis; ability to determine the root cause of organizational problems and create alternative solutions that resolve these problems. Approaches a situation or problem by defining the problem or issue and determining its significance. Makes a systematic comparison of two or more alternative solutions. Uses flow charts, Pareto charts, fish diagrams, etc. to disclose meaningful data patterns. Identifies the major forces, events and people impacting and impacted by the situation at hand. Uses logic and intuition to make inferences about the meaning of the data and arrive at conclusions.
Effective Communications: Working knowledge and understanding of effective communication concepts, tools and techniques; ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through the application of appropriate communication behaviors. Delivers helpful feedback that focuses on behaviors without offending the recipient. Listens to feedback without defensiveness and uses it for own communication effectiveness. Makes oral presentations and writes reports needed for own work. Avoids technical jargon when inappropriate. Looks for and considers non-verbal cues from individuals and groups.
Design for Manufacturability (DFM): Working knowledge of design for manufacturability guidelines, methodologies, and use cases; ability to use this knowledge to optimize product designs and manufacturing operations. Analyzes the implementation challenges of DFM methodologies and shares them with their supervisors. Documents each stage of the design process for audit and review purposes. Follows standard guidelines and best practices while carrying out DFM procedures. Implements DFM methodologies to standardize product designs, simplify operations, and reduce costs for certain types of manufacturing processes. Utilizes basic DFM tools and technologies to implement DFM methodologies.
Engineering - MFG: Working knowledge of processes, techniques and methods of engineering in a manufacturing environment; ability to design and implement materials, structures, machines, devices, systems and processes that safely realize a desired objective or invention. Assists in problem resolution, drafting and writing specifications for engineering practices. Works with basic, routine components of the engineering discipline in manufacturing. Performs basic installation, maintenance and repairs for a specific engineering function. Follows relevant standards, policies and practices in engineering operations. Reports unusual engineering issues and considerations regarding manufacturing operations to senior staff.
Product Testing: Working knowledge of product testing approaches, techniques and tools; ability to design, plan and execute testing strategies and tactics to ensure product quality at all stages of manufacturing. Documents test process and results; prepares and analyzes defect-tracking reports. Summarizes features of a specific product-testing process and associated procedures. Tests components for compliance with functional requirements and established conventions. Discusses and compares usability, safety and integration testing. Develops product-testing procedures; participates in selecting testing environment and tools.
Troubleshooting Technical Problems: Working knowledge of troubleshooting approaches, tools and techniques; ability to anticipate, detect and resolve technical problems in a manufacturing or product development environment. Documents common hardware, software and communications problems and likely resolutions. Troubleshoots typical technical problems in a specific area. Works with vendor-specific diagnostic guides, tools and utilities to discover application problems. Adheres to standard troubleshooting procedures to ensure effectiveness of resolutions. Participates in setting evaluation standards and criterion for troubleshooting.
Proven experience in product design and development, from concept through implementation
Strong skills in root cause analysis and problem-solving
Demonstrated mechanical aptitude with hands-on engineering capability
Ability to read, interpret, and apply engineering drawings and technical specifications
Practical, applied design engineering experience (beyond theoretical knowledge)

Nice To Haves

Prior exposure to manufacturing-driven or production-based design environments
Ability to construct and lead Design Failure Mode and Effects Analyses (DFMEAs)
Experience with generator sets (gensets) or genset enclosures
Experience collaborating closely with suppliers during the design process
Familiarity with product lifecycle support beyond initial design (manufacturing support, design improvements, continuous improvement)

Responsibilities

Utilize 3D modeling software to develop top-down system and component designs, ensuring system interactions are controlled and manufacturable
Review and interpret customer, dealer, and business requirements; translate them into functional and detailed engineering designs
Support product design and development activities across the full lifecycle, from concept and prototyping through validation and production release
Select materials and components to meet system performance, cost, and manufacturing requirements
Organize and support the design, build, testing, and analysis of prototypes
Prepare and maintain engineering documentation, including functional requirements, design details, and technical reports
Collaborate with manufacturing teams to ensure design acceptance, manufacturing readiness, and buildability
Identify, analyze, and resolve design and manufacturing issues using root cause analysis
Collaborate with suppliers to support component and system design execution and issue resolution
Participate in design reviews and support DFMEAs for system and component validation (leading DFMEAs preferred but not required)
Support proposal development, cost estimates, and technical inputs as needed
Contribute to continuous improvement efforts, including adoption of new tools, technologies, and engineering processes
Collaborate cross-functionally with marketing, purchasing, manufacturing, sales, and other stakeholders to deliver solutions that meet customer and dealer needs
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by leadership