Senior Industrial Designer - HMI Design

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.

Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.

Cat Digital is the digital and technology arm of Caterpillar Inc., leveraging the latest technologies to build industry leading digital solutions for our customers and dealers. With over 1.5 million connected assets worldwide, our teams use data, technology, advanced analytics, telematics, and AI capabilities to help our customers build a better, more sustainable world.

Job Summary:

Human Machine Interface (HMI) Designer

The HMI Designer is primarily responsible for the layout of operator environments and component HMI design (such as for joysticks, keypads, and other physical interfaces). They will aid in the development and design of component layouts, features, controls, and sightlines prior to and within new product development, focusing primarily but not exclusively on the machine operator in the cab.

The HMI Designer will utilize their knowledge of human and technology interactions, best design practices, and evaluation tools to optimize preferred solutions for safety, function, comfort, accessibility, and ease-of-use. They must recognize where quick and succinct guidance is appropriate and where a longer study is needed and prioritize based on the needs of the program but always advocating for the user. They will work closely with other industrial designers, surface modelers, engineers, program managers, user experience practitioners, expert operators, and management.

What You Will Do:

• Capture and develop operator-centric requirements that can lead to processes, tools, and design solutions

• Analyze user goals, sensory inputs, workflows, and tasks to identify key user requirements, gaps, and opportunities

• Collaborate with engineering, design, research, management, and suppliers to develop concepts, mockups, and final design solutions

• Identify immediate validation needs and coordinate hands-on assessments in and around the machines

• Benchmark industry for emerging design and HMI trends

• Identify root problems and unmet user needs

• Incorporate the Visual Brand Language into component design

• Participate in broader machine design activities as needed

What You Will Have:

Customer Focus: Knowledge of the values and practices that align customer needs and satisfaction as primary considerations in all business decisions and ability to leverage that information in creating customized customer solutions.
Global Perspective: Knowledge of issues, opportunities, and challenges for conducting business in the international marketplace; ability to apply global perspectives appropriately in a wide range of situations.
Creativity: Knowledge of the approaches, tools, and techniques for promoting creative, original thinking and ability to apply it to a variety of business situations.
Strategic Thinking: Knowledge of the importance of "big picture" thinking and planning; ability to apply organizational acumen and competitiveness to identify and maintain focus on key success factors for the organization.
Vendor/Supplier Management: Knowledge of external provider management processes and ability to effectively manage the business relationship with external providers (e.g. vendors, service providers, contractors, consultants and suppliers).
Product Design and Development: Knowledge of product features; ability to design, build, and develop a new product, technology, or service from concept through to production.
 

Considerations For Top Candidates:

• Professional experience working in an Industrial Design role preferably within construction, automotive, industrial, consumer products or related field

• B.S. or comparable experience in Industrial Design, Automotive Design, or similar

• Must have held a role with significant experience with HMI / usability research and HMI design (physical interfaces)

• Able to produce results independently as well as collaboratively in a team environment

• Outstanding communication, organization, time management, and interpersonal skills

• Sket