Design Engineer

About the Role

Caterpillar’s Building Construction Products (BCP) Division, located in Clayton, North Carolina, is the design headquarters for Mini-Hydraulic Excavator (MHE) machines. The MHE Hydraulics System Team is seeking a motivated Design Engineer to deliver industry-leading hydraulic systems through design, development, validation, optimization, and product support activities. As a Design Engineer, you will take ownership of increasingly complex engineering challenges, contribute to key hydraulic system development activities, and build technical expertise in mobile hydraulics and machine performance. You will partner with global teams, provide technical guidance, and help shape machine performance attributes such as controllability, productivity, efficiency, and operator experience.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop hydraulic systems and component solutions for mini-excavator applications, translating functional requirements into detailed engineering designs and documentation.
• Create hydraulic schematics, perform engineering analyses, and support system performance optimization related to productivity, efficiency, reliability, and cost.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute prototype builds, laboratory testing, and machine validation activities; analyze results and recommend design improvements.
• Develop test plans and validation procedures to verify hydraulic system performance, durability, quality, and compliance with product requirements.
• Investigate and resolve hydraulic system issues encountered during product development, manufacturing, and field operation using structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Collaborate with suppliers and cross-functional teams to support component development, design reviews, supplier performance improvement, and cost-reduction initiatives.
• Research emerging technologies, competitive products, and innovative engineering solutions to improve machine performance and enhance future product offerings.
• Promote a culture of quality and continuous improvement while effectively managing priorities and completing engineering assignments on schedule.

Skills

• Analytical Thinking: Ability to diagnose hydraulic system performance issues, evaluate test data, identify root causes, and develop effective engineering solutions.
• Effective Communications: Ability to clearly communicate technical concepts, design decisions, and test results while collaborating with cross-functional teams, suppliers, and manufacturing partners.
• Managing Multiple Priorities: Ability to balance design, testing, validation, and issue-resolution activities across multiple projects while meeting commitments and deadlines.
• Technical Excellence: Ability to apply hydraulic engineering knowledge to develop reliable, cost-effective solutions that meet machine performance and quality objectives.
• Computer-Aided Design & Engineering: Ability to use CAD and engineering tools to create, analyze, and maintain hydraulic system designs, schematics, and product documentation.
• Product Design and Development: Ability to support the development of hydraulic systems from concept and design through validation, production, and continuous product improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in an accredited Engineering curriculum.
• Experience designing, analyzing, or validating hydraulic or other complex systems for construction, agricultural, mining, or other off-highway equipment applications.
• Experience planning and executing laboratory, bench, or machine-level testing, including data collection, analysis, and reporting.
• Experience collaborating with suppliers and cross-functional teams on component development, issue resolution, or quality improvement initiatives.

Additional Details

Work location: Clayton Machine Design Center (CMDC). Domestic relocation assistance is available for this role. Visa sponsorship is not available. Travel: Up to 10% domestic and international. This position requires five days per week in the office (Monday–Friday).

Pay

Summary pay range: $97,530.00 – $146,290.00. Compensation and benefits may vary depending on job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance, and experience.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits (subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines).
• 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.