Design Engineer - Drivetrain & Powertrain Systems
About The Position
The Drivetrain Platform Team within Caterpillar's Integrated Drivetrain Energy Solutions Division is seeking a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to lead design and development of advanced transmissions, axles, driveline systems, and powertrain components from concept through production. The role involves ownership of critical drivetrain systems, collaboration with global engineering teams, and contributing to the next generation of high-performance machinery. Relevant backgrounds may include automotive, aerospace, industrial equipment, robotics, automation, off-highway vehicles, agricultural equipment, defense systems, or other complex mechanical systems operating under demanding conditions. The position is onsite five days a week in East Peoria, Illinois (Building KK), and may require less than 10% travel. Domestic relocation assistance is available; visa sponsorship is not available. The posting closes at 11:59 p.m. on October 26, 2026. The salary range is $97,530 to $146,290. Employment offers are conditioned on successful completion of a drug screen.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
- At least 5 years of experience designing and developing mechanical systems.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to communicate technical concepts effectively across cross-functional teams.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with systems operating under significant mechanical loads.
- Experience with powertrain, drivetrain, transmission, gearbox, axle, or propulsion systems.
- Experience with gears, bearings, shafts, rotating equipment, and mechanical power transmission.
- Experience with structural, load-bearing, or heavy-duty mechanical systems.
- Experience in automotive, aerospace, defense, industrial equipment, off-highway, agricultural, or robotics applications.
- Experience with product development and engineering processes from concept through production.
- Experience with root cause analysis and corrective action implementation.
- Experience collaborating with manufacturing, suppliers, and global engineering teams.
- Experience with CAD-based design and engineering analysis tools.
Responsibilities
- Design, develop, validate, and release transmissions, axles, driveline systems, and mechanical powertrain components.
- Lead engineering decisions throughout the product development lifecycle, from concept through production.
- Partner with controls, software, systems, manufacturing, and supplier teams to deliver integrated solutions.
- Develop and execute product validation plans and analyze performance test data.
- Participate in DFMEA, PFMEA, root cause analysis, and structured problem-solving activities.
- Support manufacturing implementation and resolve design, quality, and production challenges.
- Apply engineering analysis methods to evaluate component durability, performance, reliability, and manufacturability.
- Communicate technical recommendations and project progress to global stakeholders.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision benefits.
- Paid time off, including vacation, holidays, and volunteer time.
- 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.
- Domestic relocation assistance.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
