Sr. Associate Design Engineer

About the role

Career Area: Engineering

About the role

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.

Caterpillar's Building Construction Products division in Sanford, NC is hiring a Senior Associate Design Engineer in the Compact Track Loaders (CTL) and Skid Steer Loader (SSL) Undercarriage and Drive Systems Team. In this role, you will be a member of the team responsible for the track roller frame, rolling components, axles, tires and tracks for New Product Introduction (NPI) and Continuous Product Improvement (CPI) programs.

Other responsibilities include component design and validation, project management, performance analysis, and cost evaluation. This role will be working closely with external suppliers, product support, internal engineering, Product Life Cycle and Global Strategic Sourcing teams. You will be part of a global team including some partners in Brazil, India and Mexico.

What You'll Do (Job Duties)

• New product design and development including project planning, part design, systems integration, procurement of test bed and prototype iron, field follow of pilot machines, and production implementation.
• Provide technical support to the manufacturing teams at BCP facilities worldwide.
• Resolve and support investigation of CPI issues.
• Interface with suppliers to improve quality while developing effective working relationships.
• Collaborate with internal process partners on technical, commercial, and program issues.
• Support cost reduction efforts with emphasis on value adjusted cost effectiveness.

What You Have (Core Skills)

• Degree Requirement: Bachelor's degree in engineering or related fields.
• Information Capture: Knowledge of the methods, channels and processes to obtain needed information; ability to identify, capture and document relevant business information in an auditable, organized, understandable and easily retrievable manner.
• Standard Operating Procedures: Knowledge of established standard operating procedures (SOP); ability to design, implement and evaluate standard operating procedures affecting daily and strategic business operations in order to increase operational efficiency.
• Analytical Thinking: Knowledge of techniques and tools that promote effective analysis; ability to determine the root cause of organizational problems and create alternative solutions that resolve these problems.
• Effective Communications: Understanding of effective communication concepts, tools and techniques; ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through the application of appropriate communication behaviors.
• Design for Manufacturability (DFM): Knowledge of design for manufacturability guidelines, methodologies, and use cases; ability to use this knowledge to optimize product designs and manufacturing operations.
• Engineering - MFG: Knowledge of processes, techniques and methods of engineering in a manufacturing environment; ability to design and implement materials, structures, machines, devices, systems and processes that safely realize a desired objective or invention.
• Product Testing: Knowledge of product testing approaches, techniques and tools; ability to design, plan and execute testing strategies and tactics to ensure product quality at all stages of manufacturing.
• Troubleshooting Technical Problems: Knowledge of troubleshooting approaches, tools and techniques; ability to anticipate, detect and resolve technical problems in a manufacturing or product development environment.

Top Candidates Will Also Have

• Proficiency with Creo and engineering drawings, including experience using Teamcenter Engineering to release product designs
• Highly organized and able to manage multiple tasks
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work flexibly across time zones with cross functional, multi-cultural teams
• Hands-on experience in Product Development
• Experience with heavy and/or light fabrications
• Experience with mobile machinery design and operation
• CPPD, APQP, PCM, and design releasing experience

Additional Details

• Work location: NC-Sanford-5008 Womack Operations
• Domestic relocation assistance IS available for this role
• Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this role.
• Travel: 5 to 10% domestic and international
• This position requires 5 days per week in the office (M-F)

Summary Pay Range

$89,210.00 - $133,810.00

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: November 5, 2026 - November 19, 2026
• Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.
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