Senior Design Engineer- Air Systems

Caterpillar Inc.•Lafayette, IN

2d•$97,530 - $146,290•Onsite

About The Position

Caterpillar’s Large Power Systems Division (LPSD), part of its Power & Energy segment, designs and manufactures large diesel and natural gas engines, powertrains, and engine systems for customers worldwide. Based in Lafayette, Indiana, this role focuses on developing engine air systems for diesel, gas, and alternative-fuel engines. Air systems include intake and exhaust, crankcase ventilation, heat shields, and air valve components. As part of the Air Systems design team, the engineer will contribute to and direct concepts, development, and detailed design of components, subsystems, and processes. The work includes new product introduction (NPI) and continuous product improvement (CPI) designs across LPSD engines, supplier collaboration, component and system validation, maintenance support, and platform collaboration. The engineer will work with global teams and partners in engineering, purchasing, and manufacturing, and will contribute to project planning and delivery. The position requires less than 10% travel for validation, debugging, and issue tracking. Relocation assistance is available. The posting closes November 4, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, or a similar field.
Knowledge of analytical techniques and tools, including identifying root causes and developing alternative solutions.
Working knowledge of effective communication concepts and techniques.
Working knowledge of self-management practices and the ability to prioritize multiple concurrent objectives, projects, groups, or activities.
Working knowledge of technology and application methods, and ability to develop solutions to significant technical challenges.
Knowledge of computer-aided design and engineering tools and techniques for producing, analyzing, simulating, and testing product design drafts.
Working knowledge of product features and ability to design, build, and develop products, technologies, or services from concept through production.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience with engine component design.
Self-motivation and a strong sense of urgency when handling assigned tasks.
Experience with Teamcenter, ProE, Pro-Cable, and CREO (ProE Schematic) software.
Ability to communicate technical information effectively and lead concept design reviews.
Experience improving product designs based on FEA, validation tests, FMEA, field failures, and other findings.
Interpersonal, teamwork, and collaboration skills to develop cooperative working relationships inside and outside the department.
Proven ability to perform complex assignments, prioritize workload, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Responsibilities

Create and support detailed designs, distribute requirements and deadlines to offsite engineering detailers, and collaborate with engine platform teams, purchasing, and manufacturing.
Procure prototype material and verify functionality through on-engine fit-ups.
Support field validation activities and resolve warranty and field issues.
Design NPI/CPI components for intake and exhaust, crankcase ventilation, heat shields, and air valves.
Review project results with management through stakeholder updates and design reviews.
Support applications serving electric power generation, oil and gas, marine, mining equipment, locomotive, and industrial engine markets.
Travel as needed, up to 10%, for validation, debugging, and issue tracking of new designs.