Career Area:

Engineering

Job Description:

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.

Senior Design Engineer – Hydraulics

Locations: Decatur, IL or Mossville, IL (AC)
Travel: Up to 15%
Relocation Assistance: Available to Decatur, IL only
Visa Sponsorship: Not Available

Function: Engineering
Industry: Heavy Equipment Manufacturing

Drive Innovation in Mining Technology

Caterpillar is looking for a Senior Design Engineering performing Hydraulic Installation work on a high-impact team supporting our Large Wheel Loader and Wheel Tractor Scraper product lines within the Load and Haul Division. This is more than a job—it's a chance to shape the future of hydraulic systems in heavy equipment that operate in the toughest environments on the planet.

As a Senior Design Engineer, you’ll be designing and integrating cutting-edge hydraulic systems. You’ll be placing pumps, motors, valves, and cylinders, and designing the network of hoses, tubes, and sheet metal that brings these machines to life, and mentoring less experienced team members.

Why This Role?

• Full Lifecycle Ownership: From concept to production, you’ll steer the design journey.
• Cross-Functional Impact: Collaborate with manufacturing, suppliers, and purchasing to optimize performance, quality, and cost.
• Professional Growth: Expand your engineering expertise while making a tangible impact in the mining industry.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead innovation in hydraulic installation for mining and construction equipment.
• Mentor and inspire less experienced team members to deliver high-performance, durable, and serviceable systems.
• Collaborate across the value chain to drive New Product Introduction, Continuous Product Improvement, and Cost Reduction.
• Shape the future by improving tools, processes, and design standards across the enterprise.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Engineering or Computer Science from an accredited institution.

Skills That Set You Apart

• Technical Excellence: Experienced in hydraulic and/or engine installation (or a related design field) with a background in construction, mining, or agricultural equipment. Skilled across multiple engineering functions; Creo experience is a plus. Strong knowledge in hydraulic systems design, mentoring engineers, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Project Management: Experienced in planning, estimating, and managing complex projects. Able to identify risks, develop contingency plans, and maintain clear communication with stakeholders. Capable of conducting regular reviews and implementing effective control mechanisms to ensure project success.
• Requirements Analysis: Experienced in documenting and modeling functional requirements. Proficient in using advanced tools for prototyping and ensuring traceability. Able to lead quality reviews and guide teams through thorough requirements analysis.
• Troubleshooting Technical Problems: Capable of resolving high-impact equipment and system issues using advanced diagnostics. Experienced in evaluating business impact, monitoring performance trends, and mentoring others in complex, multi-vendor environments.
• Product Design and Development: Demonstrated ability to develop standards and introduce innovative techniques to streamline product development. Skilled in managing diverse product lines, leading proof-of-concept initiatives, and designing functional prototypes to validate new concepts.

Summary Pay Range:

$110,520.00 - $165,840.00

Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar. 

Benefits:

Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of benefits.

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits*

• Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)*

• 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

       

* These benefits also apply to part-time employees

Posting Dates:

November 4, 2025 - November 18, 2025

Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.     

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities.  Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.

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