Project Leader Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Illinois

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.

As a Hydraulic Systems Engineering Project Team Lead, you will serve as a technical leader and project coordinator, driving complex engineering projects from concept to completion. This role emphasizes product design and development, cross-functional collaboration, and influencing stakeholders, without direct people management responsibilities. You will ensure hydraulic system solutions, including hardware and controls, meet performance, quality, durability, and business objectives for our Earthmoving Products, working on critical hydro-mechanical and electro-hydraulic steering, braking, implement, fan, and hystat systems.

What you will do:

• Serve as a leader in organization-wide initiatives that require working with cross-functional teams.
• Develop design concepts through an optimization process, utilizing virtual product development (VPD) tools, component lab and/or on-machine validation testing.
• Mentor and coach global team of system, controls, virtual product development (VPD) and component engineers.
• Strong collaboration with supply chain teams and suppliers through potential Development Agreements and Program Descriptions.
• Current Product Improvements through feedback from our customers, dealers and product support teams.
• Collaborate with machine product groups on NPI & NTI programs as well as working with other machine system teams.
• Identify and work with other Caterpillar subject matter experts on aspects of design and development.

What you will have:

• Degree Requirement: Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical or Mechatronics preferred).
• Product Design and Development: Knowledge of product features; ability to design, build, and develop a new product or technology from concept through to production. Demonstrated experience in mechanical & electrical systems and components with special emphasis on hydraulic systems.
• Influencing Through Expertise: Knowledge of effective influencing tactics and strategies; ability to use these to deepen own expertise and impact or challenge decisions within and outside own organization.
• 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.
• Team Management: Knowledge of effective team building techniques; ability to form and manage effective teams.
• 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.

Top Candidates will have:

• Advanced engineering degree with emphasis on hydraulic systems or hydraulic components
• Significant engineering experience (>10yrs) in the design or validation of hydraulic components (pump, motor, valves, and cylinders) and fluid power for mobile equipment
• Solid background in simulation and analytical methods for hydraulic system performance
• Solid track record working within and leading global, cross functional teams for hydraulic component and system development.
• Business Acumen
• Experience using AI and generating engineering improvements with it.

Additional Information:

• This role will be located in Peoria, IL
• This role does offer domestic relocation.
• VISA sponsorship is available for this role.
• This role could expect up to 10% travel domestic and international.
• This position requires working onsite five days a week.

Summary Pay Range:

$128,470.00 - $192,710.00

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 available for eligible applicants.

Posting Dates:

April 13, 2026 - May 25, 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.