Caterpillar, Inc

Senior Engineer - Performance/Simulation/Application

Caterpillar, Inc$112K — $169K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or a related discipline
  • 5-7 years of experience in performance simulation or multi-body dynamics
  • Proficiency with MBD tools like RUMBLE/BEAR, Abaqus, and AVL EXCITE
  • Strong problem-solving skills in engine systems and components
  • Excellent communication skills for stakeholder engagement
  • Ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects effectively

Responsibilities

  • Lead simulations for core rotating components like crankshafts and camshafts
  • Collaborate with design and test teams to clarify analysis requirements
  • Use MBD and FEA to troubleshoot complex engineering issues
  • Enhance simulation standards and ensure quality checks
  • Communicate technical results and recommendations to stakeholders
  • Align expectations and maintain project status updates
  • Provide technical guidance and mentorship to team members

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits
  • Paid time off plan including vacation, holidays, and volunteer time
  • 401(k) savings plans
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) options
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
  • Career development opportunities
  • Tuition reimbursement programs
  • Incentive bonuses
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Life and disability insurance options
Full Job Description

Career Area:

Engineering

Job Description:

Job Summary:

The Sr. Engineer - Performance/Simulation/Application on the IPSD-L structural and multi-body dynamics (MBD) team is responsible for leading and executing core rotating component simulations with tools such as RUMBLE/BEAR, Abaqus and AVL EXCITE or other MBD tools. This engineer will apply strong technical expertise to identify, analyze, and help resolve complex problems involving crankshafts, camshafts, connecting rods, bearings, and related engine systems while clearly communicating risks, results, and recommendations to key stakeholders.

The major focus of the job is on technical delivery, project leadership, and effective communication. In this role, you will partner with design, simulation, test, and platform teams to scope, plan, execute, and interpret analyses that improve the performance and durability of core rotating components. The engineer will contribute to simulation standard work, provide technical guidance and knowledge sharing, support data-driven technical decisions, and help improve tools and processes to enhance accuracy, robustness, and turnaround time.

What You Will Do:

  • Lead core rotating component simulation activities for crankshafts, camshafts, connecting rods, bearings, and related engine systems across supported platforms and applications.

  • Partner with component, platform, test, and design teams to clarify analysis needs, prioritize tasks, and deliver timely, high-quality results for durability and performance assessments.

  • Leverage MBD, FEA, and engine system understanding to troubleshoot complex issues, evaluate design trade-offs, and support root cause analysis for development and field concerns.

  • Contribute to and improve simulation standard work, including model setup, correlation, result interpretation, quality checks, and documentation of assumptions and recommendations.

  • Conduct reviews with customers, communicate technical information clearly and concisely, translating complex simulation results into risks, options, and actionable recommendations for technical and non-technical stakeholders.

  • Support multiple priorities and customers by aligning expectations, tracking deliverables, escalating risks, and maintaining clear communication on project status and technical decisions.

  • Provide technical guidance and knowledge sharing to engineers and external resources through coaching, technical reviews, training, and collaboration.

What You Will Have:

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

  • Evaluates and makes contributions to best practices.

  • Processes large quantities of detailed information with high levels of accuracy.

  • Productively balances speed and accuracy.

  • Implements a variety of cross-checking approaches and mechanisms.

  • Demonstrates expertise in quality assurance tools, techniques, and standards.

  • Employ techniques for motivating employees to meet or exceed accuracy goals.

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.

  • 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 of 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.

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.

  • Delivers helpful feedback that focuses on behaviors without offending the recipient.

  • Listens to feedback without defensiveness and use it for own communication effectiveness.

  • Make oral presentations and writes reports needed for own work.

  • Avoids technical jargon when inappropriate.

  • Looks for and considers non-verbal cues from individuals and groups.

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.

  • Ensures capture of lessons to be learned from a problem-solving effort.

  • Organizes potential problem solvers and leads problem resolution efforts.

  • Uses varying problem-solving approaches and techniques as appropriate.

  • Contributes to standard practices for problem-solving approaches, tools, and processes.

  • Analyzes and synthesizes information and devises alternative resolution strategies.

  • Develops successful resolutions to critical or wide-impact problems.

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

  • Provides effective technical solutions to routine functional challenges via sound technical competence, effectively examining implications of events and issues.

  • Effectively performs the technical job aspects, continuously building knowledge and keeping up-to-date on technical and procedural job components.

  • Applies technical operating and project standards based on achieving excellence in delivered products, technologies and services.

  • Applies current procedures and technologies to help resolve technical issues in one's general area of technical competence.

  • Helps others solve technical or procedural problems or issues.

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.

  • Provides input for Gantt or PERT charts or their equivalent to track project progress and status.

  • Under guidance, plans and estimates simple projects.

  • Assists in detailed project plans including cost, schedule, and resource requirements.

  • Obtains information from stakeholders during the planning stage of a project.

  • Produces standard project status reports.

Education: Requires a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or related discipline.

Additional Information:

  • Travel is less than 10%

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. 

 

 

 

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

 

 

Posting Dates:

July 6, 2026 - July 20, 2026

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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Prepare for Your Interview

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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