Associate Design Engineer

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.

Job Summary The Associate Designer Engineer is responsible for the design, development, validation, and continuous improvement of production tooling, fixtures, jigs, lifting devices, gauges, assembly equipment, and manufacturing aids used in industrial operations. The role ensures that tooling solutions are safe, reliable, cost-effective, ergonomically sound, and capable of supporting quality and productivity objectives. The Associate Designer Engineer works closely with Manufacturing Engineering, Product Design, Operations, Quality, Maintenance, Suppliers, and EHS teams to develop tooling that improves manufacturing performance while meeting applicable engineering standards and safety requirements.

Responsibilities

Tooling Design and Development

• Design manufacturing tools, fixtures, jigs, gauges, and work holding devices.
• Develop assembly and welding fixtures for production processes.
• Design lifting and material handling tools for manufacturing applications.
• Create 3D models and detailed engineering drawings.
• Ensure designs meet functional, safety, ergonomic, and quality requirements.
• Support tooling projects from concept through implementation.

Manufacturing Process Support

• Collaborate with manufacturing teams to understand process requirements.
• Analyze production challenges and develop tooling solutions.
• Improve workflow efficiency through innovative tooling designs.
• Reduce process variation and operator dependency.
• Support launch activities for new products and production lines.

Structural and Mechanical Validation

• Perform engineering calculations related to: Load capacity, Structural integrity, Weld strength, Fastener sizing, Factor of Safety (FoS), Deflection analysis, Center of gravity evaluation.
• Validate lifting devices and special tooling.
• Perform finite element analysis (FEA) when required.
• Ensure designs meet required safety factors and operational conditions.

Safety and Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure tooling complies with applicable standards such as: ASME BTH-1, ASME B30 Series, OSHA, ISO Standards, ANSI Standards, Caterpillar Engineering Standards.
• Incorporate safety features into tooling designs.
• Conduct risk assessments and hazard evaluations.
• Support EHS and compliance audits.

Tool Validation and Testing

• Develop tooling validation plans.
• Support prototype builds and testing activities.
• Verify tooling functionality and performance.
• Investigate and resolve tooling-related issues.
• Implement improvements based on test results and operator feedback.

Documentation and Engineering Control

• Generate manufacturing drawings and design packages.
• Maintain tooling Bills of Materials (BOMs).
• Prepare engineering calculations and technical reports.
• Manage engineering change requests (ECRs) and change notices (ECNs).
• Maintain tooling design records and revision control.

Continuous Improvement

• Drive tooling standardization initiatives.
• Reduce tooling cost and lead time.
• Improve manufacturability and maintainability of tooling.
• Support Lean Manufacturing and Kaizen activities.
• Identify opportunities for automation and process optimization.

Degree Requirement Bachelor's degree in, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or related.

Intermediate or advanced English-speaking level is required.

Skills the candidate must have

• 3D Software: Design manufacturing tooling, fixtures, jigs, gauges, and manufacturing devices.
• Create 3D CAD models and detailed engineering drawings.
• Interpret and apply GD&T principles.
• Utilize CAD software such as Creo, NX, SolidWorks, or CATIA.
• Technical Excellence: Develop tooling solutions from concept through implementation.
• Apply mechanical engineering principles to tooling design.
• Incorporate safety, quality, manufacturability, and ergonomic requirements.
• Support continuous improvement and tooling standardization initiatives.
• Analytical Thinking: Analyze manufacturing problems and identify tooling solutions.
• Conduct root cause analysis for tooling and production issues.
• Improve workflow efficiency and reduce process variation.
• Evaluate alternative design concepts and recommend improvements.

Additional Information

This position is to work in Santa Catarina, Nuevo Leon. (On-Site)

Work schedule is set to Monday to Friday, 6:30am-2:30pm. Saturday 6:30am-12:30pm.

This position requires 25% or less travel (domestic and international).

Relocation bonus is not available.

Final details

The Caterpillar Code of Conduct states that we will select, and place employees based on their qualifications for the job to be performed, without regard to race, religion, national origin, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age or disability.

In this company we do not request pregnancy tests, nor HIV tests as requirements for employment entry, permanence or promotion.

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.

There's more to work at Caterpillar than just the work itself. We hire smart, friendly people and it shows in our culture. We hold ourselves to high standards and make sure our values of integrity, excellence, teamwork, commitment and sustainability come to life in the way we work. We make sure our employees feel continuously challenged while also supported. We provide professional growth opportunities, including leadership programs. We celebrate the diversity of our team, while also working together as one Caterpillar. Our culture, like everything at our company, is made possible by each employee’s contribution. Person by person, we create the environment we work in, and we are proud of the Caterpillar we’ve built.