Engineering Specialist – Design

Career Area:EngineeringJob 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.Your Impact Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.When you join Caterpillar, you are 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.It’s More Than a Job, it’s a Career - YouTubeThis Engineering Specialist – Design role provides deep technical leadership in supplier, factory, and internal development process quality for Heavy Structures on Rigid Frame Truck (RFT) products. In this role, you will lead supplier and factory quality improvement initiatives while driving key internal process enhancements to strengthen the robustness of RFT Heavy Structures.  Your work directly influences machine physical availability, supplier and factory delivered quality, and long‑term product durability for Resource Industries customers. 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 componentsDriving 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 technologiesData Driven Process Improvement - You own the data analytics tools that identify process gaps and demonstrate measurable progress in our quality journeyCross‑Functional Influence - You collaborate with Design, Analysis, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, and Procurement teams to align quality requirements and deliver expected resultsWhat you will do: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 recurrenceLead Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) process conformance and Built-In Quality (BIQ) performance for RFT Heavy StructuresExpand adoption of Welding Digital Thread and Digital Weld Instructions across the supply baseTravel to supplier sites, manufacturing facilities, and customer locations, both domestically and internationallyPrioritize workload and create delegation plans to improve time, cost, and quality metricsCommunicate progress & results to internal partners, suppliers, team members, and the broader functional communityBalance time across NPI, CPI, maintenance, process improvement, and personal developmentParticipate in team design reviews and identify opportunities to share deep technical expertise and mentor othersDegree 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 manufacturabilityDemonstrated experience in executing APQP from start to finishDeep understanding of End-to-End Built-In Quality (E2E BIQ) processesProficiency in designing fabricated structuresAbility to engage appropriate subject matter experts to effectively resolve technical issuesExperience with Caterpillar processes such as NPI and CPIManaging Multiple Priorities:Ability to effectively prioritize tasks to meet deadlines and achieve organizational goalsSkill in balancing competing demands and managing time efficientlyAdaptability to changing priorities while managing multiple projects simultaneouslyStrong organizational skills with attention to detailEffective Communications:Experience with collaboration tools and processes such as APQP and CPPDAbility and willingness to collaborate with international teams across multiple time zonesTop Candidates will also have:Previous supply chain experienceProficiency in CREO or other CAD toolsFamiliarity with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) tools Experience with Rigid Frame TrucksStrong knowledge of Caterpillar components and systemsExperience developing PowerBI dashboardsExperience executing all phases of a new product development programProven ability to lead or direct the work of others to achieve design objectivesHands-on experience in machinery, heavy equipment, or manufacturing environmentsAdditional Information:Primary work location: Tucson AZ OR Decatur, IL (on site full time at a Caterpillar facility)Domestic relocation assistance: AvailableTravel requirements: Up to 20%Sponsorship: Visa sponsorship, international assignments, and payroll transfers are not availablePosting date: 6/22/2026 - 7/6/2026  Summary Pay Range:$128,470.00 - $192,710.00Compensation 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 vi