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Design Engineering Specialist - Large Advanced Technology Motors and Generators

Caterpillar · Mossville, IL · $128,470–$192,710 a year · Full time

Posted Oct 5, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a motor or generator design problem you solved that others had struggled with.

What they are checking: Their specialist-level problem solving on advanced machine technology.

Tell me about a time a test result didn't match your design predictions. What did you do?

What they are checking: Whether they dig into gaps between model and reality and learn from them.

How do you share specialist knowledge with engineers who are newer to large electric machines?

What they are checking: Whether they help build the team's capability as IDES grows its electrification expertise.

What would you do

How do you balance performance targets against cost and manufacturability on a new design?

What they are checking: Whether they think like a product engineer who must deliver at scale, not just optimize performance.

You're working with inverter and controls teams in IDES. How do you make sure the motor and drive work well together?

What they are checking: Their systems thinking across the ePowertrain, since motor performance depends on the drive.

About the work

Walk me through the main design tradeoffs in a large electric motor or generator for heavy-duty use.

What they are checking: Their depth on electromagnetic, thermal and mechanical tradeoffs in large rotating machines.

How do you approach thermal management in a high-power motor or generator?

What they are checking: Whether they understand heat paths, cooling methods and insulation life in large machines.

What tools do you use for electromagnetic and structural analysis, and how do you check your results?

What they are checking: Their simulation skills with FEA tools and whether they validate models against test data.

How would you design a machine to survive vibration, shock and dirt in mining or construction equipment?

What they are checking: Whether they design for Caterpillar's harsh operating environments, not lab conditions.

What do you think are the biggest technical challenges in electrifying large equipment right now?

What they are checking: Their awareness of the industry and whether they think strategically about advanced technology.

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The full job description

As published by Caterpillar.

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. About IDES: Caterpillar’s Integrated Drivetrain Energy Solutions (IDES) Division will focus on delivering advanced electrified power train, zero-emissions products/technologies, and the solutions and services associated with these technologies. Focus areas include batteries, fuel cells, motors, inverters, micro grid controllers, charging, energy storage systems, lifecycle solutions/services and integration of components for ePowertrain solutions across industries. We are looking for top talent to build and scale the next generation of technologies, products and services to help our customers build a better—more sustainable—world. We need self-motivated, intelligent and team-oriented individuals to make our plans a reality. Individuals with high emotional intelligence, humility and openness to discovery will thrive in the teams we are building. Job Summary: The Advanced Motor Technology team is seeking a Design Engineering Specialist to provide technical leadership for Caterpillar's Large Advanced Technology Motor and Generator technology portfolio. This position will serve as a recognized subject matter expert responsible for advancing electric machine technology from concept development through product integration while supporting Caterpillar's growing electrification strategy. The successful candidate will lead complex technology development programs, guide motor architecture decisions, and collaborate across engineering, manufacturing, validation, supply chain, and product teams to deliver best-in-class electric machine solutions. What You Will Do: • Serve as the technical lead for large Advanced Technology motor and generator technology development. • Establish technical direction for motor architecture, electromagnetic performance, durability, thermal management, manufacturability, and validation activities. • Lead New Technology Introduction (NTI) initiatives focused on advancing electric machine capability and readiness. • Develop and execute technology maturation plans supporting future product applications. • Drive technical problem solving for complex design, validation, manufacturing, and field performance challenges. • Collaborate with product groups to translate machine-level requirements into electric machine solutions. • Partner with manufacturing teams to develop scalable and cost-effective production strategies. • Influence technical decisions across multiple organizations through engineering expertise and leadership. • Mentor and coach engineers while strengthening organizational capability in advanced motor technologies. • Support transition of advanced technologies from research and innovation activities into new product development programs. What Skills You Will Have • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related engineering discipline. • Troubleshooting Technical Problems: Extensive experience and knowledge of troubleshooting approaches, tools and techniques; ability to anticipate, detect and resolve technical problems in a manufacturing or product development environment. Proven ability to resolve complex engineering challenges through structured investigation, analysis, and implementation. • Product Development Life Cycle - MFG: Extensive experience and knowledge of the methodology and associated phases, activities and deliverables of product development life cycle in manufacturing organizations; ability to bring new or enhanced products to the marketplace. Experience leading technical projects from concept through production implementation while managing technical risk and tradeoff decisions. • Project Management: Extensive experience and knowledge of effective project management strategies and tactics; ability to plan, organize, monitor, and control projects, ensuring efficient utilization of technical and administrative resources to achieve project objectives. Ability to work effectively across engineering, validation, manufacturing, supply chain, purchasing, and product organizations. • Effective Communications: Extensive experience and 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. • Demonstrated expertise in electric machine design, analysis, development, and validation. • Ability to influence technical direction, align stakeholders, drive engineering decisions, and provide mentorship across teams. What Will Set You Apart: • Advanced degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field. • Deep expertise in Advanced Technology motor design. • Experience with electromagnetic design and simulation tools. • Experience with traction motors, mining equipment electrification systems, or heavy-duty off-highway applications. • Knowledge of motor manufacturing processes, rotor design, magnet retention systems, insulation systems, and durability validation. • Experience transitioning technologies from NTI to NPI programs. • Experience developing technical roadmaps and influencing technology strategy. • Demonstrated success mentoring and developing engineers within a technical organization. Additional Information: • This position is located in Mossville, IL or Noblesville, IN and requires 5-day a week on-site availability • Domestic relocation is available • Visa Sponsorship is not available • 20% or less travel is expected Summary Pay Range: $128,470.00 - $192,710.00 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: October 5, 2026 - October 19, 2026 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? 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