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Senior Design Engineer - Mechanical Components

Caterpillar · Mossville, IL · $112,710–$169,060 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 component failure you investigated. How did you find the root cause?

What they are checking: Their failure analysis skill and whether they fix causes rather than symptoms.

Tell me about a time you had to defend a design decision to people who disagreed.

What they are checking: Whether they argue with data and stay open to changing their mind.

How do you mentor junior engineers on your team?

What they are checking: Whether a senior engineer helps others grow in a team building new technology.

What would you do

How do you work with suppliers early in design to avoid problems later?

What they are checking: Whether they involve suppliers early to reduce cost and manufacturability issues.

A design review shows your part is overweight and over budget. What do you do?

What they are checking: Their ability to optimize a design under real constraints without losing reliability.

About the work

Walk me through how you'd design a gear or shaft for a heavy-duty electrified drivetrain.

What they are checking: Their depth on mechanical component design for high torque and long life in IDES products.

How do you approach fatigue analysis for a component that sees variable loads?

What they are checking: Whether they understand duty cycles, stress analysis and fatigue life prediction.

What changes in mechanical design when you move from a diesel drivetrain to an electric one?

What they are checking: Their awareness of higher speeds, different torque profiles and new integration needs in electrification.

How do you use GD&T and tolerance stack-ups to make sure parts fit and work in production?

What they are checking: Whether they design for manufacturing with proper tolerancing, not just nominal geometry.

What CAD and analysis tools do you use, and how do you validate simulation results?

What they are checking: Their technical toolkit and whether they check simulations against tests.

Practice this interview out loud.

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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 Caterpillar’s Low Voltage Motor and Generator Team is responsible for designing the motors and generators that power electric drivetrains across Caterpillar machines. As the shift toward electrification accelerates, the team is expanding its portfolio to include a comprehensive range of electric components. In the position of Senior Design Engineer, you will spearhead the development of next-generation motor and generator components, while also enhancing the performance, cost-effectiveness, and durability of existing products. What You Will Do • Lead the mechanical design and development of motor and generator components and assemblies, balancing performance, durability, cost, manufacturability, and serviceability. • Apply mechanical design principles including component design, materials selection, thermal-mechanical interfaces, tolerances, and design for manufacturing to develop robust electric machine hardware. • Collaborate with system, electrical, machine, manufacturing, and validation teams to translate product requirements into detailed mechanical component and assembly requirements. • Lead design analysis and product risk management activities, including FMEA, to identify potential failure modes, develop mitigation strategies, and define verification requirements. • Drive comprehensive design reviews throughout the product lifecycle using engineering analysis, simulation, prototype builds, physical testing, and cross-functional input to mature designs and resolve technical issues. • Collaborate with manufacturing, suppliers, supply chain, quality, and other engineering teams to successfully implement new designs, manufacturing processes, and product changes. • Partner with simulation and validation teams to develop and execute test plans that demonstrate structural integrity, durability, thermal performance, and mechanical robustness while meeting project timing, cost, and quality objectives. What You Will Have • Degree Requirement: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related engineering discipline. • Analytical Thinking: Extensive 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: Extensive 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. • Managing Multiple Priorities: Extensive Knowledge of effective self-management practices; ability to manage multiple concurrent objectives, projects, groups, or activities, making effective judgments as to prioritizing and time allocation. • Technical Excellence: Extensive Knowledge of a given technology and various application methods; ability to develop and provide solutions to significant technical challenges. • Computer-Aided Design & Engineering: Extensive Knowledge of tools and techniques of specialized graphics programs; ability to produce, analyze, simulate and test product design drafts. • Product Design - MFG: Extensive Knowledge of processes, approaches, tools and techniques of product design; ability to convert customer and market requirements into product design. • Product Design and Development: Extensive Knowledge of product features; ability to design, build, and develop a new product, technology, or service from concept through to production. Additional Information • This position is located in Mossville, IL 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: $112,710.00 - $169,060.00 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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