Caterpillar, Inc

Performance/Simulation/Application Engineering Specialist

Caterpillar, Inc$128K — $192K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in an accredited Engineering field
  • Extensive experience in performance simulation and component recipe development
  • Strong analytical, technical, and problem-solving skills
  • Expertise in project management and process management
  • Proficient in computer-aided design and engineering techniques

Responsibilities

  • Virtually develop and select engine and aftertreatment system concepts
  • Lead diverse engineering teams to optimize and validate product requirements
  • Ensure compliance with emissions standards using data analytics
  • Mentor and coach team members in engineering best practices
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality projects
  • Deliver simulation and analysis recommendations to stakeholders
  • Drive continuous improvement in engineering techniques and processes

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits
  • Paid time off including vacation and holidays
  • 401(k) savings plans
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Career development opportunities
  • Incentive bonuses
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Parental and adoption leave
  • Disability and life insurance
Full Job Description
Career Area:
Engineering

Job Description:

Job Summary:

We are seeking a Performance/Simulation/Application Engineering Specialist. This person will act as an engine and aftertreatment system performance simulation project engineer, responsible for the development of complex engine and aftertreatment system recipes from concept to production for IPSD's 9-liter through 18-liter machine and commercial engine product offerings, which include both diesel and spark-ignited engines.

This position is responsible for providing systems engineering to define and optimize trade-offs for product requirements, virtually develop and down select concepts / performance component recipes, define performance development requirements / constraints, satisfy emissions standards, and utilize data analytics to maximize product optimization and robustness. The successful candidate will add value both as an individual contributor and as a project leader.

What You Will Do:
  • Virtually develop and down-select concepts and performance component recipes for new engine and aftertreatment systems.
  • Provide project leadership to a diverse engineering team to define, optimize, and validate trade-offs for product requirements and development constraints.
  • Ensure products satisfy emissions standards and leverage data analytics for enhanced optimization and robustness.
  • Coach and mentor team members, offering subject matter expertise and growth opportunities to less experienced engineers.
  • Support and instill Engineering Excellence within the team via coaching and creating and refinement of standard work documentation.
  • Collaborate with customers and leadership to scope and execute projects that meet the needs of the business
  • Accountable for delivering timely, high-quality simulation and analysis impacting products/processes and providing clear recommendations to stakeholders
  • Partner with design, manufacturing, supply chain and test to robustly deliver new products and improve validation processes
  • Keep up-to-date on new technologies and drive continuous improvement to established techniques


Degree Requirement
Bachelor's Degree in an accredited Engineering field

What You Will Have:

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.

Level Extensive Experience:
  • Seeks discrepancies and inconsistencies in available information; explains variances.
  • Organizes and prioritizes the sequence of steps to be taken to remedy the situation.
  • Identifies many possible causes for a problem based on prior experience and current research.
  • Quantifies the costs, benefits, risks and chances for success before recommending a course of action.
  • Approaches a complex problem by breaking it down into its component parts.
  • Chooses among a diverse set of analytical tools according to the nature of the situation


Technical Excellence: Knowledge of a given technology and various application methods; ability to develop and provide solutions to significant technical challenges.

Level Extensive Experience:
  • Advises others on the assessment and provision of all technical solutions.
  • Engages appropriate subject matter resources to effectively resolve technical issues.
  • Mentors others to enhance their technical competence and its application to achieve more effective technical solutions.
  • Coaches others in promoting, defining, analyzing, and providing superior technical solutions to business problems.
  • Provides effective solutions to moderate technical challenges through strong technical competence, effectively examining implications of events and issues.
  • Assumes accountability for personal technical performance and holds others responsible for theirs.


Problem Solving: Knowledge of approaches, tools, techniques for recognizing, anticipating, and resolving organizational, operational or process problems; ability to apply knowledge of problem solving appropriately to diverse situations.

Level Expert:
  • Gains agreement on the problem-solving process, risk assessment, decision points, and criteria.
  • Trains others in the process of eliciting alternatives and assessing their impact.
  • Orchestrates the resolution of high-impact and cross-functional problems.
  • Successfully organizes problem solvers and stakeholders for high-impact problems.
  • Predicts and explains long-term trends and implications for alternatives.
  • Monitors industry for best practices and new techniques in problem-solving.


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.

Level Extensive Experience:
  • Utilizes preferred tools, techniques and methods for estimating project cost and time.
  • Plans, estimates, staffs, organizes and monitors significant projects.
  • Identifies risks and vulnerabilities; creates contingency plans.
  • Conducts regular and ad-hoc project reviews with project team, sponsors, and clients.
  • Maintains open communication among project participants and interested parties.
  • Communicates reporting requirements; creates monitoring and control mechanisms.


Computer-Aided Design & Engineering: Knowledge of tools and techniques of specialized graphics programs; ability to produce, analyze, simulate and test product design drafts.

Level Extensive Experience:
  • Conducts computer-based simulation, design, and engineering.
  • Performs validation/verification of designs against specifications and design rules
  • Contributes to CAD libraries and promotes the use of reusable components.
  • Predicts industry and marketplace trends; explores new tools and techniques.
  • Designs training programs to use CAD/CAM to simulate and test how a machine, structure or system operates.
  • Presents complex products and systems graphically.


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.

Level Extensive Experience:
  • Reviews others' writing or presentations and provides feedback and coaching.
  • Adapts documents and presentations for the intended audience.
  • Demonstrates both empathy and assertiveness when communicating a need or defending a position.
  • Communicates well downward, upward, and outward.
  • Employs appropriate methods of persuasion when soliciting agreement.
  • Maintains focus on the topic at hand.


Process Management: Knowledge of business process improvement tools and techniques; ability to understand, monitor, update, control, or enhance existing business or work processes.

Level Extensive Experience:
  • Helps others learn the tools and techniques for process value analysis.
  • Carries out process evaluation, diagnosis, and optimization.
  • Demonstrates a thorough understanding of a major process flow, its components and issues.
  • Synchronizes the efforts of, and resource requirements for, several teams within a process.
  • Makes the business case for new processes, including their cost-benefit ratios.
  • Possesses knowledge of tools and techniques for designing and implementing new processes.


Accuracy and Attention to Detail: Understanding the necessity and value of accuracy; ability to complete tasks with high levels of precision.

Level Expert:
  • Evaluates manual and electronic tools and techniques for enhancing accuracy.
  • Designs techniques for measuring the cost and impact of errors.
  • Discusses the value and associated costs of formal walkthroughs.
  • Monitors the industry for new tools and techniques in assuring accuracy.
  • Coaches others in methods of identifying and correcting errors, oversights and omissions.
  • Supports and communicates the organization's quality management process.


Additional Information:
  • Relocation assistance is available for this position
  • Sponsorship is not available for this position
  • ISE assignment is not available


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 not available for this position.

Posting Dates:
July 9, 2026 - July 27, 2026

Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.

Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.

About Caterpillar, Inc

Progress Rail Services Corporation, a Caterpillar company, is one of the largest integrated and diversified suppliers of railroad and transit system products and services worldwide. Since its acquisition by Caterpillar Inc. in 2006, Progress Rail has used the Caterpillar international footprint to gain quick and widespread notice and approval across the globe. Product technology, reliability and durability, along with legendary aftermarket parts and service support, have been their keys to success. Caterpillar is the world's leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines and industrial gas turbines. The technology and world reach of Caterpillar, combined with the service standard and historical reliability of Progress Rail, ensures their products and services make a growing impact on the world rail industry. With their acquisition of Electro-Motive Diesel (EMD), Progress Rail is the world's largest builder of diesel-electric locomotives for all commercial railroad applications including freight, intercity passenger, commuter, switching, industrial and mining. EMD is also a global provider of diesel power engines for marine propulsion, offshore and land based oil well drilling rigs and stationary power generation. Electro-Motive is the only diesel engine manufacturer of its size to have produced more than 70,000 engines. This success stems from product reliability, serviceability, load acceptance capability, low operating costs and ease of maintenance with standardized components.

Caterpillar, Inc. Careers

Join the robust team at Caterpillar, Inc., a global leader in construction and mining equipment, where innovation drives everything we do. As part of our team, you'll engage in work that improves the world and furthers your career with every project you touch.

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Choosing a career at Caterpillar means more than just having a job. It means you're part of a team that values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment. We offer competitive benefits to ensure the health and well-being of our employees and their families. These benefits include health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off, alongside unique perks like professional development and diversity training programs.

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Make a great first impression. Prepare for your interview at Caterpillar by reviewing common questions and practicing your responses. Tailor your resume to highlight the experiences and skills that make you the ideal candidate for the position you are applying for. At Caterpillar, Inc., every role offers the chance to make an impact. Come be a part of our team and drive the future of our global industries. Your career at Caterpillar is not just about what you'll accomplish, but how you'll grow and the innovation you'll lead. Join us and build a career that matters.
Learn more about Caterpillar, Inc
Size
107,700 employees
Market Cap
$125.3 billion
Industry
Net Income
$2.9 billion
Founded
1925
5 Year Trend
+5.8%
Revenue
$41.7 billion
NASDAQ

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