Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - Drivetrain & Powertrain Systems

Caterpillar Inc.•East Peoria, IL

2d•$112,710 - $169,060•Onsite

About The Position

The Drivetrain Platform Team within Caterpillar's Integrated Drivetrain Energy Solutions Division (IDES) is seeking a highly motivated Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to lead the design and development of advanced transmissions, axles, driveline systems, and powertrain components from concept through production. This opportunity is ideal for engineers with experience in automotive, aerospace, industrial equipment, robotics, automation, off-highway vehicles, agricultural equipment, defense systems, or other complex mechanical systems operating under demanding conditions. In this role, you'll take ownership of critical drivetrain systems, collaborate with global engineering teams, and help shape the next generation of high-performance machinery.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
5+ years of experience designing and developing mechanical systems
Experience working on systems operating under significant mechanical loads
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Ability to communicate technical concepts effectively across cross-functional teams
Powertrain, drivetrain, transmission, gearbox, axle, or propulsion systems
Gears, bearings, shafts, rotating equipment, and mechanical power transmission
Structural, load-bearing, or heavy-duty mechanical systems
Automotive, aerospace, defense, industrial equipment, off-highway, agricultural, or robotics applications
Product development and engineering processes from concept through production
Root cause analysis and corrective action implementation
Collaboration with manufacturing, suppliers, and global engineering teams
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 entire 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