Senior Design Engineering Specialist

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. This Senior Design Engineering Specialist role serves as a technical authority in supplier, factory, and internal development process quality for Heavy Structures on Rigid Frame Truck (RFT) products. In this role, you will provide strategic technical leadership across quality, manufacturing, and engineering organizations while leading supplier and factory quality improvement initiatives that strengthen the robustness of RFT Heavy Structures. You will be responsible for influencing technical direction, mentoring engineering teams, and driving enterprise-wide process improvements that deliver measurable business and customer value. Your work directly influences machine physical availability, supplier and factory delivered quality, and long-term product durability for Resource Industries customers. It’s More Than a Job, it’s a Career - YouTube Why this role Is Impactful: Quality Leadership Across Rigid Frame Truck Heavy Structures - You set the standard for supplier and factory quality, ensuring robust processes and consistent execution across all RFT Heavy Structures components Driving Modern Manufacturing Transformation – You introduce innovative processes such as Welding Digital Thread (WDT) and Digital Weld Instruction (DWI) usage to external suppliers and internal fabrication partners, while continuously identifying opportunities to leverage emerging technologies Data Driven Process Improvement - You own the data analytics tools that identify process gaps and demonstrate measurable progress in our quality journey Cross‑Functional Influence - You collaborate with Design, Analysis, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, and Procurement teams to align quality requirements and deliver expected results What you will do: Proven ability to provide technical leadership, influence cross-functional teams, and drive strategic quality improvements without direct authority Experience mentoring engineers and serving as a subject matter expert for complex manufacturing and quality challenges Lead collaboration with Purchase Finished (PF) suppliers to proactively improve fabrication performance using advanced design and analysis tools not typically available to Supplier Development (e.g., WDT, welding distortion analysis, casting solidification analysis) Resolve PF component challenges and critical internal factory issues by leading the execution of required quality gates and implementing improvements to prevent recurrence Lead Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) process conformance and Built-In Quality (BIQ) performance for RFT Heavy Structures Expand adoption of Welding Digital Thread and Digital Weld Instructions across the supply base Travel to supplier sites, manufacturing facilities, and customer locations, both domestically and internationally Prioritize workload and create delegation plans to improve time, cost, and quality metrics Communicate progress & results to internal partners, suppliers, team members, and the broader functional community Balance time across NPI, CPI, maintenance, process improvement, and personal development Participate in team design reviews and identify opportunities to share deep technical expertise and mentor others Degree Requirement : Bachelor’s Degree in an accredited Engineering program What Skills you will have: Product Design and Development : Experience collaborating with Cat manufacturers or suppliers to optimize designs for manufacturability Demonstrated experience in executing APQP from start to finish Deep understanding of End-to-End Built-In Quality (E2E BIQ) processes Proficiency in designing fabricated structures Ability to engage appropriate subject matter experts to effectively resolve technical issues Experience with Caterpillar processes such as NPI and CPI Project Management: Demonstrated ability to lead multiple complex, cross-functional initiatives involving engineering, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and supplier stakeholders. Provides technical leadership and drives alignment across teams to achieve project objectives, quality targets, and business outcomes. Monitors project risks, critical milestones, and key performance metrics to ensure successful execution and timely delivery. Champions continuous improvement by identifying and implementing innovative processes, tools, and best practices that enhance quality, manufacturability, and operational performance. Managing Multiple Priorities : Ability to effectively prioritize tasks to meet deadlines and achieve organizational goals Skill in balancing competing demands and managing time efficiently Adaptability to changing priorities while managing multiple projects simultaneously Strong organizational skills with attention to detail Effective Communications : Experience with collaboration tools and processes such as APQP and CPPD Ability and willingness to collaborate with international teams across multiple time zones Top Candidates will also have: Previous supply chain experience Proficiency in CREO or other CAD tools Familiarity with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) tools Experience with Rigid Frame Trucks Strong knowledge of Caterpillar components and systems Experience developing PowerBI dashboards Experience executing all phases of a new product development program Proven ability to lead or direct the work of others to achieve design objectives Hands-on experience in machinery, heavy equipment, or manufacturing environments Additional Information: Primary work location: Tucson AZ OR Decatur, IL (on site full time at a Caterpillar facility) Domestic relocation assistance: Available Travel requirements: Up to 20% Sponsorship: Visa sponsorship, international assignments, and payroll transfers are not available Posting Date: 8/12/2026 - 8/15/2026 Summary Pay Range: $147,760.00 - $221,640.00 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 This position requires working onsite five days a week. Relocation is available for this position. Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position. Posting Dates: 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. 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