UX_UI Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX/UI Designer Company: Caterpillar Inc. Location: Mossville, Illinois, United States Job Type: Full-Time Category: User Experience & Interface Design / Product Design Date Posted: January 6, 2026 Experience Level: Mid-Level (approx. 2-5 years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and develop intuitive user interfaces (UI) and exceptional user experiences (UX) for embedded systems and industrial equipment, specifically for machine displays.
• Analyze and document business requirements to translate them into functional and engaging UI/UX solutions that meet operational needs.
• Conduct rigorous UX quality assurance, including usability audits and compliance checks, to ensure a high standard of user interaction and efficiency.
• Continuously support and enhance existing machine display interfaces, focusing on performance, usability, and user satisfaction.
• Facilitate design thinking workshops and activities to foster innovation and improve machine display workflows and operator interactions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically focused on the design and implementation of user interfaces for industrial machinery, demanding a blend of creative design skills and an understanding of operational environments. The emphasis on "embedded systems" and "machine displays" suggests a need for designers who can work within technical constraints and deliver practical, efficient solutions for heavy equipment operators.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• User Interface (UI) Design & Development: Design, develop, and implement user-friendly graphical interfaces for machine displays, ensuring aesthetic appeal, clarity, and ease of navigation.
• User Experience (UX) Strategy & Implementation: Apply human-centered design (HCD) principles to understand operator needs, workflows, and pain points, translating these insights into effective and intuitive user experiences.
• Requirements Analysis: Collaborate with stakeholders to analyze and document business and technical requirements for new machine display features and functionalities.
• Usability & Quality Assurance: Conduct thorough usability audits, user testing, and compliance checks to validate design effectiveness and ensure a high-quality user experience.
• Iterative Design & Enhancement: Support and iterate on existing machine display interfaces, identifying opportunities for improvement in usability, performance, and overall user satisfaction.
• Design Thinking Facilitation: Lead and participate in design thinking sessions to brainstorm innovative solutions, optimize workflows, and enhance user interactions within the machine display environment.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with engineering, product management, and other teams to ensure seamless integration of UI/UX designs into the final product.
• Documentation: Create and maintain design documentation, including wireframes, mockups, prototypes, user flows, and style guides.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities highlight a need for a designer who can bridge the gap between complex industrial machinery and the end-user operator. This involves not just visual design but a deep understanding of usability, operational requirements, and the ability to drive design thinking within a product development lifecycle for embedded systems.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Interaction Design, Graphic Design, Computer Science, or a related field, OR equivalent practical experience.

Experience:

• 2-5 years of professional experience in UX/UI design, with a focus on embedded systems, industrial equipment, or complex software interfaces.
• Proven experience designing and delivering user-centered interfaces for digital products.

Required Skills:

• Machine Display UI Design: Demonstrated ability to design, develop, maintain, and enhance embedded or industrial graphical interfaces.
• User Experience (UX) Design: Proficient in UX design tools and techniques, with a strong understanding of user needs, intuitive design principles, and efficient workflows.
• Human-Centered Design (HCD): Deep understanding and practical application of HCD principles to create solutions that effectively address operator needs and improve interaction.
• Creativity & Innovation: Ability to generate original ideas and apply creative thinking to solve design challenges and develop novel UI/UX solutions.
• Decision Making & Critical Thinking: Aptitude for analyzing design situations, evaluating trade-offs, and making informed, data-driven judgments for UI/UX decisions.
• Software Prototyping Tools: Proficiency with industry-standard design and prototyping tools such as Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, Axure, or similar.
• Wireframing & Mockup Creation: Skill in creating detailed wireframes, high-fidelity mockups, and interactive prototypes.

Preferred Skills:

• Knowledge of Computer Software Industry: Familiarity with software industry trends, particularly related to embedded systems, IoT, and industrial technologies.
• Usability Testing & Auditing: Experience conducting usability audits and user testing to gather feedback and validate design effectiveness.
• Agile Development Methodologies: Experience working within Agile or Scrum development environments.
• Visual Design Principles: Strong understanding of typography, color theory, layout, and visual hierarchy.
• Collaboration & Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate design concepts and rationale to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "Machine Display UI Design," "Human-Centered Design," and "embedded systems" suggests a need for candidates who can translate complex technical requirements into user-friendly interfaces for operational environments. Experience with industrial equipment or similar complex systems will be highly valued.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies: Showcase 3-5 detailed case studies demonstrating your UX/UI design process from problem identification to final solution.
• Process Visualization: Clearly illustrate your design process, including user research, wireframing, prototyping, usability testing, and iteration.
• Impact & Metrics: Quantify the impact of your designs whenever possible, using metrics related to usability improvements, efficiency gains, or user satisfaction.
• System Context: Include examples that demonstrate your ability to design within technical constraints, particularly for embedded systems or complex software applications.
• User-Centricity: Highlight how user needs and feedback were central to your design decisions.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Demonstrate your ability to map out complex user workflows and design intuitive interactions for operators.
• Prototyping & Testing: Showcase examples of interactive prototypes and describe your approach to user testing and incorporating feedback.
• Iterative Refinement: Provide examples of how you iterated on designs based on testing, stakeholder feedback, or evolving requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical for this role. It should go beyond just showcasing visual designs and demonstrate a robust understanding of the design process, user research, and the ability to deliver measurable improvements in user experience within technically constrained environments. Emphasis should be placed on how the candidate translated complex operational needs into user-friendly interfaces.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $97,530 - $158,480 USD per year

Benefits:

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits (also apply to part-time employees)
• Paid time off plan, including vacation, holidays, and volunteer time (also apply to part-time employees)
• 401(k) savings plans (also apply to part-time employees)
• Health Savings Account (HSA) (also apply to part-time employees)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) (also apply to part-time employees)
• Health Lifestyle Programs (also apply to part-time employees)
• Employee Assistance Program (also apply to part-time employees)
• Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts (also apply to part-time employees)
• Career Development opportunities (also apply to part-time employees)
• Incentive bonus (also apply to part-time employees)
• Disability benefits
• Life Insurance
• Parental leave
• Adoption benefits
• Tuition Reimbursement

Working Hours:

• Standard 40-hour work week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is competitive for a mid-level UX/UI Designer in the manufacturing and industrial technology sector, especially considering Caterpillar's global presence and the specialized nature of designing for industrial equipment. The benefits package is comprehensive, offering a wide array of health, financial, and personal well-being programs, aligning with large, established corporations.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Heavy Equipment Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, Digital Solutions Company Size: Large Enterprise (10,000+ employees) Founded: 1925 (nearly 100 years of history)

Team Structure:

• The UX/UI Designer will likely be part of the Cat Digital organization, which is Caterpillar's dedicated digital and technology arm.
• This team is expected to be cross-functional, comprising software engineers, product managers, data scientists, and other design professionals.
• Reporting structure will likely be within a Design or Product Development group, with potential collaboration across various business units that utilize heavy machinery.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: While not explicitly stated for this role, Caterpillar's focus on "data, technology, advanced analytics, telematics, and AI capabilities" suggests that design decisions will be informed by user data and performance metrics.
• Agile Development: Given the digital nature of Cat Digital and typical software development practices, an Agile or iterative approach to product development is highly probable.
• Human-Centered Design: The job description explicitly mentions "Human-Centered Design (HCD)," indicating it's a core philosophy for developing solutions that meet user needs.

Company Website: https://www.caterpillar.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Caterpillar is a global leader with a long-standing reputation for quality and innovation in heavy machinery. Cat Digital represents their commitment to leveraging technology and digital solutions to enhance customer and dealer experiences. The culture is likely to be a blend of traditional industrial values (reliability, durability) and modern tech-driven innovation, emphasizing problem-solving and building for the future.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Level Individual Contributor. This role is for a designer who has moved beyond entry-level tasks and can independently manage design projects for specific features or product areas. The scope involves designing for complex industrial equipment, which requires specialized expertise.

Reporting Structure: The UX/UI Designer will likely report to a Design Lead, UX Manager, or Product Development Manager within the Cat Digital organization. They will collaborate closely with product managers, software engineers, and potentially other UX/UI designers.

Operations Impact: The UX/UI Designer's work directly impacts the usability, efficiency, and operator satisfaction of Caterpillar's machinery. Effective design can lead to increased productivity for customers, reduced errors, enhanced safety, and greater adoption of digital features, ultimately contributing to customer loyalty and Caterpillar's market leadership.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in UX for industrial/embedded systems, HCD, or specific design methodologies.
• Leadership: Transition into a Senior UX/UI Designer role, leading design initiatives or mentoring junior designers.
• Product Management: Move into product management roles where design expertise is leveraged to define product strategy.
• Cross-Functional Roles: Explore opportunities in areas like research, design operations, or even user advocacy within larger product teams.
• Continuous Learning: Access to Caterpillar's resources for professional development, including training on new technologies, industry conferences, and tuition reimbursement.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a solid foundation for a career in UX/UI design within a major industrial corporation. The opportunity to work on impactful, real-world products used globally provides significant career leverage. Growth potential is strong, particularly for those who can demonstrate leadership and strategic thinking in design.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site, likely within a corporate office setting or R&D facility. Caterpillar invests in modern workspaces to foster collaboration and innovation.

Office Location(s): Mossville, Illinois, United States. This is a significant hub for Caterpillar's engineering and product development activities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: Expect access to meeting rooms, design studios, and open areas designed for team collaboration and brainstorming sessions.
• Tools & Technology: The workspace will be equipped with standard office technology, including computers, monitors, and potentially specialized hardware for testing or visualization. Access to design software and relevant development tools is expected.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities for frequent interaction with engineering teams, product managers, and fellow designers, fostering a dynamic and integrated work environment.

Work Schedule: Primarily standard business hours (e.g., 8 AM - 5 PM, Monday-Friday), with flexibility as needed to meet project deadlines. The role is on-site, emphasizing in-person collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: Working on-site in Mossville, Illinois, provides an opportunity to be at the heart of Caterpillar's product development. The environment is likely to be professional and focused, with a strong emphasis on engineering excellence and collaborative problem-solving.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, interest, and cultural fit.
• Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion with the hiring manager to delve deeper into experience, skills, and suitability for the role.
• Portfolio Review & Design Exercise: Candidates will likely present their portfolio, discussing their process, design decisions, and impact. A practical design exercise or case study may be assigned to assess problem-solving abilities and design thinking.
• Team Interviews: Meetings with potential team members (engineers, product managers, other designers) to evaluate collaboration skills and technical understanding.
• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader for final approval.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Tell a Story: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your role, your design process, the solutions you developed, and the outcomes or impact.
• Showcase Process: Emphasize your thinking process, not just the final visuals. Detail your research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, and testing phases.
• Quantify Impact: Use data and metrics wherever possible to demonstrate the effectiveness of your designs (e.g., "reduced task completion time by X%," "improved user satisfaction scores by Y").
• Tailor to the Role: Highlight projects that demonstrate experience with complex interfaces, embedded systems, or industrial applications if possible.
• Be Prepared to Discuss: Be ready to answer in-depth questions about your design choices, trade-offs made, and lessons learned.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: Research Caterpillar's products, industry, and target users (heavy equipment operators).
• Focus on Usability: For any design exercise, prioritize clear, efficient, and safe user flows.
• Justify Decisions: Be prepared to articulate the rationale behind every design decision, linking it back to user needs and business objectives.
• Consider Constraints: Acknowledge potential technical or hardware constraints inherent in embedded systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is a critical stage. Candidates should prepare to walk interviewers through their design process and demonstrate how they apply HCD principles to solve real-world problems, especially within an industrial context. A practical design exercise will test their on-the-spot problem-solving and design skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, Axure, InVision (or similar industry-standard tools).
• Wireframing: Tools like Balsamiq, Axure, or features within Figma/Sketch.
• User Research Tools: SurveyMonkey, Typeform, user testing platforms (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly operated by the designer, familiarity with how user data is collected and analyzed (e.g., through telematics, usage logs) can be beneficial. Understanding of A/B testing principles.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design role, but understanding how user feedback might be managed through CRM or support systems could be advantageous.

Operating Systems & Platforms:

• Experience with designing for various display resolutions and operating systems common in embedded/industrial environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in standard UX/UI design and prototyping software is essential. Familiarity with the specific challenges of designing for embedded systems and industrial interfaces, including understanding of hardware capabilities and limitations, will be a significant advantage.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity: Upholding high ethical standards in all design and development processes.
• Excellence: Striving for the highest quality in design, functionality, and user experience.
• Commitment: Dedication to customer success and building solutions that last.
• Innovation: Continuously seeking new and better ways to solve problems and improve user interactions.
• Sustainability: Contributing to solutions that promote a more sustainable future, aligning with Caterpillar's broader company mission.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect a highly collaborative environment where designers work closely with engineers, product managers, and other stakeholders to ensure designs are feasible and meet business objectives.
• Constructive Feedback: A culture that encourages open communication and constructive feedback to refine designs and processes.
• Data-Informed Decisions: Collaboration that leverages data and user insights to guide design choices and validate solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Caterpillar's core values (Integrity, Excellence, Commitment, Innovation, Sustainability) likely permeate the Cat Digital team. Designers are expected to be team players who can collaborate effectively, advocate for the user, and contribute to innovative, high-quality solutions that align with the company's mission.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Designing for Complex Environments: Creating intuitive interfaces for heavy machinery operators who may be working in harsh conditions, requiring clear and efficient interactions.
• Balancing User Needs with Technical Constraints: Integrating advanced UX/UI designs within the limitations of embedded systems and hardware capabilities.
• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring all stakeholders (engineering, product, marketing) are aligned on design vision and implementation.
• Global Consistency: Designing for a global audience with varying user needs and cultural contexts.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry Conferences: Opportunities to attend UX/UI and industrial design conferences.
• Internal Training: Access to Caterpillar's extensive learning resources for professional development.
• Mentorship: Potential to be mentored by senior designers or product leaders within Cat Digital.
• Exposure to Emerging Technologies: Working with cutting-edge technologies like AI, IoT, and advanced analytics in the context of industrial applications.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents unique challenges in designing for a specialized, high-stakes environment. Success requires not only strong design skills but also adaptability, problem-solving acumen, and a commitment to continuous learning, all of which are supported by Caterpillar's growth-oriented culture.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to design for users with very specific operational needs or within strict technical constraints. How did you approach it?"
• "How do you incorporate user feedback and usability testing into your design process, especially when working with embedded systems?"
• "Walk me through a complex UI/UX project from your portfolio. What was the problem, what was your process, what were the trade-offs, and what was the outcome?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about designing for industrial equipment and Caterpillar specifically?"
• "How do you see your design philosophy aligning with Caterpillar's values of Integrity, Excellence, Commitment, Innovation, and Sustainability?"
• "How do you prefer to collaborate with engineers and product managers?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically: Introduction (company, project goal), Problem Statement, Your Role, Process (Research, Ideation, Design, Testing), Solution (Key Screens/Prototypes), Impact/Results, Lessons Learned.
• Highlight Process: Spend significant time explaining how you arrived at your solutions, not just what the solutions are.
• Quantify: Use metrics and data to back up claims about your design's success.
• Be Concise: Respect the interviewer's time; focus on the most relevant and impactful aspects of your work.
• Engage: Be prepared for questions and foster a dialogue about your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a deep understanding of the UX/UI design process, a user-centric approach, and the ability to apply these skills within the specific context of industrial machinery and embedded systems. Highlighting experience with technical constraints and cross-functional collaboration will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX/UI Designer position:

• Submit your application through the Caterpillar Careers portal via the provided URL.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio clearly showcases your design process, problem-solving abilities, and demonstrable impact, with a focus on projects relevant to complex interfaces or industrial applications.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords such as UX/UI Design, Human-Centered Design, Embedded Systems, Machine Displays, Usability Audits, and relevant software tools. Quantify achievements where possible.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, discussing your portfolio case studies, and preparing answers to common UX/UI interview questions, particularly those related to industrial design challenges.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Caterpillar's mission, values, products, and the role of Cat Digital to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural alignment.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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