Sr.R&D Engineer (MWL Sound)

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. Caterpillar’s Earthmoving division is hiring Sr. R&D Engineer in Peoria, IL! The MWL Sound & NVH Technical Lead is responsible for leading the development, validation, and continuous improvement of machine sound and noise-vibration-harshness (NVH) performance across the Medium Wheel Loader product line. This position provides technical leadership for sound-related product development activities, facilitates a robust sound monitoring process at the production sites, supports new product introduction programs, and works closely with machine, component, controls, manufacturing, supplier, test, and simulation teams to deliver sound performance that meets customer expectations and regulatory requirements. What You’ll Do (Job Duties) Technical Leadership •Serve as the MWL technical lead for machine sound and NVH performance. •Develop and maintain the Sound/NVH MGPP for MWL, including sound performance targets for current and future MWL platforms. •Provide technical direction for sound-related design decisions across machine systems and components. •Maintain an ongoing sound monitoring process at the production sites. •Ensure proper sound certification is achieved for all new products and ongoing renewals. •Lead root cause investigations and resolution of sound and vibration issues identified during development, validation, production, and field operation. •Support technical reviews and provide recommendations to engineering leadership. •Represent MWL in the global Caterpillar Sound Community. Product Development •Support sound and NVH requirements throughout the product development lifecycle. •Partner with machine, engine, drivetrain, hydraulics, cooling, structural, controls, and cab teams to achieve sound performance objectives. •Evaluate design alternatives and recommend solutions balancing performance, cost, durability, manufacturability, and customer value. •Participate in NPI programs and major machine development initiatives. Testing and Validatio n •Collaborate with partner teams (ex. ICD Global Sound & Cooling) to develop and execute sound and NVH test plans. •Work with partner teams to determine annual budget needs to support MWL sound development and validation work. •Analyze test and simulation data, communicate findings, and make recommendations to stakeholders. •Lead troubleshooting activities related to machine sound concerns. •Support validation planning and sign-off activities for new products and major product updates. •Assist in development of sound measurement procedures, standards, and best practices. Customer and Product Support •Support investigation and resolution of customer sound-related concerns. •Collaborate with Product Support, GCI, and field teams on high-impact issues. •Participate in customer visits and product evaluations as required. •Utilize customer feedback to identify future improvement opportunities. What You Have (Core Skills) •Bachelor's degree in Engineering from an accredited institution. • Analytical Thinking: 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: 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. • Troubleshooting Technical Problems: Knowledge of troubleshooting approaches, tools and techniques; ability to anticipate, detect and resolve technical problems in a manufacturing or product development environment. • Project Management: Knowledge of effective project management strategies and tactics; ability to plan, organize, monitor, and control projects, ensuring efficient utilization of technical and administrative resources to achieve project objectives. • Product Testing: Knowledge of product testing approaches, techniques and tools; ability to design, plan and execute testing strategies and tactics to ensure product quality at all stages of manufacturing. Top Candidates Will Also Have •Experience in sound, vibration, acoustics, structural dynamics, or machine performance engineering. •Experience with data acquisition systems and sound measurement equipment. •Experience supporting off-highway equipment development. •Knowledge of regulatory and customer sound requirements. •Experience leading technical projects or mentoring engineers. Additional Details •Work location: Peoria, IL •Domestic relocation assistance IS available for this role •Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this role. •Travel: 10% •This position requires 5 days per week in the office (M-F) 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: September 28, 2026 - October 12, 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? Join our Talent Community .