Career Area

Engineering

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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, Actual 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 Please frequently check the email associated with your application, including the junk/spam folder, as this is the primary correspondence method. If you wish to know the status of your application – please use the candidate log-in on our career website as it will reflect any updates to your status.

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.

Posting Dates

julio 31, 2026 - agosto 7, 2026

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply

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📌 Associate Design Engineer (Santa Catarina)
🏢 Caterpillar
📍 Santa Catarina