Description

The Rigid Frame Trucks Heavy Structures team designs frames for Off‑Highway (770‑777 series) and Large Mining (785‑798 series) trucks, providing exposure to design, analysis, testing, manufacturing, and supplier collaboration. The selected engineer will develop and continuously improve quality, cost, and features of the equipment.

Key responsibilities include designing heavy structures using CREO, performing virtual analysis for robustness, cost, and weight optimization, and allocating time for new‑product introduction (NPI), continuous‑process improvement (CPI), maintenance, process improvement, and personal development.

The role supports Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) and Concurrent Product and Process Development (CPPD) activities, prioritizes workload, creates delegation plans, and communicates progress and results to customers, suppliers, team members, and the functional community.

Effective communication involves using collaboration tools and processes such as APQP and CPPD and working with international teams across time zones.

• Design heavy‑structure frames for Off‑Highway and Large Mining trucks using CREO.
• Perform virtual analysis to ensure robustness while optimizing cost and weight.
• Support NPI, CPI, maintenance, process improvement, and personal development activities.
• Execute APQP and CPPD processes to meet time, cost, and quality goals.
• Prioritize workload, create delegation plans, and improve time, cost, and quality metrics.
• Communicate progress and results to customers, suppliers, team members, and functional groups.
• Travel domestically and internationally to suppliers, manufacturing sites, and customers.
• Utilize CAD tools (CREO or equivalent) and finite element analysis software (e.g., Creo Simulate).
• Manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain strong organizational detail.
• Collaborate with international teams using APQP, CPPD, and other collaboration tools.
• Mentor and share technical expertise with colleagues.

Requirements

The Senior Engineer – Heavy Structures Design position is located in Decatur, IL, requires five days a week on‑site work, and may involve up to 15 % travel. Relocation assistance is available, but visa sponsorship is not offered.

Travel is required to suppliers, manufacturing facilities, and customers both domestically and internationally.

A bachelor's degree in an accredited engineering program is required.

Required skills include proficiency in CREO or other CAD tools, familiarity with finite element analysis tools such as Creo Simulate, ability to engage subject‑matter resources to resolve technical issues, and experience with Caterpillar processes like NPI and CPI.

Candidates must effectively prioritize multiple tasks, balance competing demands, adapt to changing priorities, and demonstrate strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Preferred qualifications include prior experience designing fabrications, knowledge of Caterpillar components and systems, proficiency in CAE tools, execution of full product development programs, collaboration with manufacturers or suppliers to optimize manufacturability, directing design resources, hands‑on experience with heavy equipment, and experience executing APQP from start to finish.

• Preferred: experience designing fabrications and optimizing designs for manufacturability.
• Preferred: knowledge of Caterpillar components and systems and proficiency in CAE tools.
• Preferred: full product development cycle execution and directing design resources.
• Preferred: hands‑on experience with heavy equipment and end‑to‑end APQP execution.

Benefits

The salary range is $112,710 – $169,060, and the role includes a comprehensive benefits package. This position requires on‑site work five days a week, offers relocation assistance, and is not open to visa‑sponsored applicants. Employment is contingent on a drug screen, and Caterpillar is an equal‑opportunity employer that values diversity, integrity, excellence, teamwork, commitment, and sustainability.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Paid time off (vacation, holidays, volunteer days).
• 401(k) savings plan.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).
• Health lifestyle programs and employee assistance program.
• Voluntary benefits and employee discounts.
• Career development opportunities and incentive bonus.
• Disability and life insurance coverage.
• Parental, adoption, and tuition reimbursement benefits.

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance