Caterpillar Inc. · 21 hours ago
Senior Industrial Designer - Heavy Equipment
Clayton, NC
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
$113K/yr - $169K/yrCaterpillar Inc. is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, and they are seeking a Senior Industrial Designer to execute production-ready design solutions for heavy equipment platforms. The role involves leading industrial design development, collaborating with engineering teams, and ensuring designs meet quality and performance expectations.
ConstructionMachinery ManufacturingManufacturingMechanical Engineering
No H1B
Responsibilities
Lead industrial design development for heavy equipment exterior and operator environment components
Create production-feasible design solutions that align with engineering, packaging, and performance constraints
Develop and communicate design intent through sketching, CAD, renderings, and prototype reviews
Translate conceptual design into production-ready Class-A or production surface solutions
Maintain design integrity throughout development and manufacturing release
Execute detailed design solutions including panel and enclosure development, cab interior components, operator interfaces, product architecture, and surface detailing
Design for structural durability, harsh environments, operator safety, and regulatory compliance
Ensure serviceability and maintenance accessibility
Collaborate with engineering teams to integrate mechanical packaging and system requirements
Participate in packaging reviews, layout studies, and interference resolution
Support prototype validation, field testing feedback, and iterative refinement
Ensure designs meet Caterpillar quality, durability, and performance expectations
Apply strong knowledge of sheet metal fabrication, structural weldments, cast and forged components, plastics, and multi-material assemblies
Design components using DFMA principles with focus on cost optimization and assembly efficiency
Collaborate with suppliers and manufacturing teams during development and launch phases
Understand coatings, paint processes, and finishing requirements
Execute Caterpillar Visual Brand Language consistently across product platforms
Maintain alignment with brand standards while adapting to platform-specific constraints
Support development of design standards, component strategies, and product family consistency
Work closely with internal business partners, engineering teams, and program leadership
Present design concepts, trade-offs, and solutions clearly to stakeholders
Gather customer and operator feedback and integrate insights into design solutions
Support design reviews, milestone gates, and product release documentation
Influence design direction through strong communication and technical credibility
Manage multiple design projects simultaneously across global development programs
Deliver high-quality work within defined timelines and program milestones
Provide proactive communication regarding risks, challenges, and status updates
Support program planning and scheduling from design perspective
Identify usability, packaging, or integration challenges early in development
Provide practical, manufacturable design solutions
Balance brand expression, product function, and engineering realities
Contribute to improvement of design workflows and best practices
Support knowledge sharing across global design teams
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Industrial Design or related field
Industrial design experience
Proven experience executing designs through production release
Experience working on complex mechanical or industrial products
Experience working in cross-functional product development teams
Exceptional sketching and visual communication abilities
Experience designing heavy equipment, automotive, agricultural, or powersports products
Experience working within defined brand language systems
Experience supporting global product platforms
Experience mentoring junior designers
Familiarity with operator-focused ergonomic design
Experience working directly with manufacturing facilities or suppliers
Understanding of CMF development and strategy
Familiarity with human factors or usability testing
Strong understanding of proportion, form development, and surface quality
Ability to quickly generate and iterate design concepts
Strong presentation and design storytelling skills
Proficiency in Autodesk Alias and/or PTC Creo
Experience developing production-ready surfaces and CAD models
Ability to communicate design intent through CAD and visualization tools
Strong knowledge of sheet metal design, welded assemblies, plastic part design, and structural components
Understanding of tolerance stack-up, fit and finish development, serviceability, and durability requirements
Familiarity with DFMA best practices
Strong time management and organizational skills
Excellent cross-functional collaboration abilities
Ability to manage ambiguity and complex design challenges
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Self-directed with strong accountability and ownership mindset
Preferred
Experience with rendering and visualization software preferred
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
Company
Caterpillar Inc.
For 100 years, we’ve been helping customers build a better, more sustainable world.
Founded in 1925
10001+ employees
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$3.51BKey Investors
US Department of EnergyAdvanced Propulsion Centre UK
2025-08-28Post Ipo Debt· $3.5B
2024-10-31Grant· $5.04M
2019-06-23Grant
Leadership Team
George Moubayed
Chief Sustainability and Strategy Officer / Senior Vice President Enterprise Strategy Division
E
Eric Sporre
Vice President & Global Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
Recent News
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