Development & Research Engineering Specialist

Career Area:

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 Development & Research Engineering Specialist plays a critical role in researching, designing, and developing new or enhanced products, components, systems, or technologies that support Caterpillar’s strategic objectives. This position integrates engineering principles with hands‑on prototype development to bring innovative solutions from concept to validation. The specialist conducts product testing, analyzes performance data, and implements modifications to meet technical specifications and regulatory requirements. In addition to technical development, the role provides engineering guidance and support to cross‑functional partners, including marketing, sales, suppliers, and internal teams, throughout the product development lifecycle. The position requires strong analytical thinking, problem‑solving capabilities, and the ability to evaluate technical feasibility while ensuring adherence to quality and compliance standards.

What You Will Do:

• Own design control for hose products (hydraulic, fuel, coolant, etc.) used across Caterpillar machines and engines, collaborating closely with product groups to develop new designs and resolve performance or quality issues.
• Research, design, develop, test, and validate new or enhanced hose products, to meet program objectives, technical specifications, and performance requirements.
• Create, maintain, and update specifications and engineering standards for Caterpillar hose and coupling products.
• Integrate components and materials while ensuring alignment with engineering standards, global regulatory requirements, and Caterpillar quality expectations.
• Support hose manufacturing operations by addressing performance, quality, and manufacturability considerations.
• Provide technical and application support for hose and coupling products to machine and engine facilities, suppliers, dealers, and internal cross‑functional teams including procurement, marketing, and sales.
• Partner with procurement on sourcing strategy, supplier development, quality initiatives, and value analysis/value engineering efforts.
• Serve as the compliance lead for the hose and coupling product group, ensuring global regulatory compliance across products.
• Develop and maintain deep knowledge of industry trends, competitor offerings, and hydraulic hose standards to support continuous improvement and innovation throughout the product lifecycle.

Education requirement:

Candidates should hold a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related Engineering field.

What skills you will have:

Analytical Thinking: Experience breaking down complex product problems, comparing alternative solutions, and using analytical tools (such as flow charts, Pareto charts, or fishbone diagrams) to identify root causes and patterns. This includes the ability to analyze hose performance data, evaluate material behavior under pressure, and assess durability or failure modes in hydraulic applications.

Decision Making and Critical Thinking: Ability to gather and organize relevant data, assess risks and benefits, and apply structured critical‑thinking techniques to reach sound decisions. Candidates should be comfortable evaluating hose design trade‑offs, material compatibility, pressure requirements, and system‑integration considerations when selecting or validating hydraulic hose solutions.

Effective Communications: Demonstrated ability to clearly transmit and interpret technical information, present testing outcomes, and collaborate with engineering, suppliers, and manufacturing teams. This includes communicating hydraulic‑hose performance issues, design updates, material considerations, or routing recommendations in a clear and actionable manner.

Top candidates will also have:

• Prior knowledge of hydraulic systems, hydraulic hose routings, or hose construction
• Knowledge of Caterpillar engineering systems
• Experience with regulatory compliance of materials and components
• Knowledge of non-metallics and experience evaluating alternative raw materials to maintain performance