Senior Design Engineer

Caterpillar•Lafayette, IN

1d•$112,710 - $169,060•Onsite

About The Position

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. About Large Power Systems Division (LPSD): We design and manufacture the most comprehensive lineup of large diesel and natural gas engines in the industry, as well as engine components and powertrains. Job Summary As a Senior Design Engineer, you will lead the development of complex engine systems and components for the GCM34 gas engine including Balance of Plant (BOP) in close collaboration with overall medium speed engine family M20-M46. You will drive technical decisions throughout the product development lifecycle, partnering with global cross-functional teams to transform ideas into robust, manufacturable products while advancing innovation, product quality, and long-term platform performance. The senior role aligns with the same overall product development mission but carries greater ownership of technical direction, system-level decisions, and complex engineering challenges.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
Analytical Thinking: Extensive experience and 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.
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.
Managing Multiple Priorities: Working knowledge of effective self-management practices; ability to manage multiple concurrent objectives, projects, groups, or activities, making effective judgments as to prioritizing and time allocation.
Technical Excellence: Working knowledge of a given technology and various application methods; ability to develop and provide solutions to significant technical challenges.
Experience leading the design and development of mechanical systems, components, or products.
Experience independently driving product development activities from concept through validation and release.
Experience evaluating complex technical challenges and developing robust engineering solutions.
Experience coordinating technical activities across multiple engineering disciplines and stakeholder groups.
Demonstrated ability to manage technical risk, design tradeoffs, and engineering decision making throughout the product lifecycle.

Nice To Haves

Advanced knowledge of medium-speed engine design, development, integration, and performance optimization.
Experience leading the development of complex engine systems, power generation products, or large industrial equipment.
Advanced experience with system integration, validation strategies, and product performance optimization.
Experience leading technical reviews, design decisions, and cross-functional development initiatives.
Experience mentoring engineers or providing technical leadership within engineering teams.
Experience using data analytics to drive engineering decisions, product improvements, or design optimization.
Knowledge of both mechanical and electrical system interactions within complex products.
Experience working within global engineering organizations and collaborating across multiple regions.
Experience evaluating and implementing emerging engineering technologies, digital tools, or AI-enabled engineering solutions.
Experience influencing product strategy, technical roadmaps, or architecture decisions.

Responsibilities

Lead the design and development of complex engine systems, components, and integrated product solutions from concept through production implementation.
Establish technical approaches and design strategies that satisfy customer, regulatory, manufacturing, performance, and reliability requirements.
Drive concept development activities, evaluating multiple design alternatives and recommending optimal solutions.
Lead engineering analyses, simulations, validation programs, and technical reviews to ensure robust product performance and durability.
Provide technical leadership and guidance to engineers, project teams, suppliers, and external engineering partners.
Coordinate cross-functional development activities with manufacturing, quality, performance, controls, supply chain, and product support organizations.
Supporting the worldwide dealer and O&M teams with all technical questions about engines and connected systems and their interfaces with each other.
Analyze product, validation, and field performance data to identify trends and drive product enhancements.
Lead resolution of complex technical challenges through structured problem-solving and risk-based decision-making.
Influence system architecture decisions, component integration strategies, and long-term product development roadmaps.
Drive product release activities, engineering changes, and design governance processes while ensuring compliance with quality and engineering standards.
Identify opportunities to improve engineering efficiency through the use of new technologies, digital tools, data analytics, and AI-enabled engineering solutions.
Mentor and develop less experienced engineers while fostering technical excellence and innovation across the team.
Lead initiatives that improve product quality, reliability, manufacturability, and customer value throughout the product lifecycle.