Senior Design Engineer - Hydraulic Systems

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.

The Building Construction Products division (BCP) at Caterpillar is a global organization responsible for the design, manufacture and support of Caterpillar's line of small, versatile construction equipment and Work Tools (attachments). At our Clayton Machine Design Center (CMDC) located in Clayton, NC, our teams of engineers and technicians provide value to our global customers, both internally and externally, by helping design, develop, understand, optimize, test, validate, and support Caterpillar hydraulic systems for our market leading machines such as Backhoe Loaders, Hydraulic Excavators, Small Bulldozers and Skid Steer Loaders. If you are a self-driven engineer eager to accelerate your career in hydraulic component and systems development, we have a great opportunity for you as a Senior Design Engineer – Hydraulic Systems!

As an engineer on the Building Construction Products Hydraulics Team, you will build your network through interfacing with suppliers and collaborating with other Caterpillar team members to provide hydraulic solutions for all the BCP product families. You will develop your expertise in all the different types of hydraulic components used on Cat® machines. You will have significant opportunity to assist in solving complex technical problems while growing and demonstrating your analytical skills and mastery of engineering concepts.

What You Will Do:

• Lead innovation by developing new hydraulic systems and component solutions that power Caterpillar’s industry-leading machines.
• Drive creative problem-solving through original approaches to engineering design, cost optimization, and performance improvement.
• Collaborate with global partners by working closely with hydraulic component suppliers to understand cutting-edge design and manufacturing processes.
• Own the design process by overseeing the detailing and release of engineering drawings for the components and systems you develop.
• Explore emerging technologies and bring fresh ideas to enhance product performance and reliability.
• Get hands-on experience operating and evaluating the hydraulic performance of the machines you help design.
• Champion quality and continuous improvement, ensuring every solution meets the highest standards.
• Expand your expertise in Caterpillar products, technologies, and systems while building a strong professional network across the organization.

What You Have (Basic Qualifications):

• Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree in engineering OR equivalent experience in mobile hydraulics design. Relevant engineering experience in mobile hydraulics or service experience with off-highway construction or industrial hydraulic systems.
• Technical Expertise: Proven ability in product design and development, with a strong foundation in engineering principles and technical excellence.
• Effective Communication: Exceptional communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to influence and work effectively across diverse teams and with suppliers.
• Managing Multiple Priorities: Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Top Candidates Will Have:

• Deep expertise in mobile hydraulic systems, including design, development, and troubleshooting for off-highway or industrial applications.
• Proven track record of innovation and problem-solving, delivering high-quality engineering solutions.
• Self-starter with a proactive mindset, able to take initiative, work independently, and drive projects forward with minimal supervision.

Additional Info:

• Office Model: This position requires the employee to work a 5-day-a-week schedule in the office.
• Travel: 10% domestic and international travel is expected.
• Relocation: Domestic relocation will be available to those who qualify.
• ISE: Not available.
• Visa Sponsorship: Not available.

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

This position requires working onsite five days a week. Relocation is available for this position. Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position. This employer is not currently hiring foreign national applicants that require or will require sponsorship tied to a specific employer, such as, H, L, TN, F, J, E, O. As a global company, Caterpillar offers many job opportunities outside of the U.S which can be found through our employment website at www.caterpillar.com/careers.

Posting Dates:

September 29, 2025 - October 12, 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.

Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.