Caterpillar, Inc

Senior Performance Engineer

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

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering or engineering technology
  • 5-7 years of experience in engine performance and troubleshooting
  • Experience with new product introduction (NPI) programs
  • Familiarity with Caterpillar engine product systems and configurations
  • Advanced data analysis skills (Excel VBA, Python, SQL, Power BI)

Responsibilities

  • Lead support for gas and diesel engine product lines and NPI programs
  • Develop and maintain engine performance data using GERP and TMI
  • Analyze special rating requests and sales inquiries
  • Create custom performance data for customer applications
  • Provide technical leadership to product support teams
  • Collaborate with global teams on product releases
  • Lead development and governance of hot test specifications
  • Drive test process improvements across facilities

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits
  • Paid time off (vacation, holidays, volunteer)
  • 401(k) savings plans
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
  • Career Development
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Life Insurance
  • Parental leave
Full Job Description
Career Area:
Engineering

Job Description:

The Large Power Systems Division currently has an opening for a Senior Performance Engineer in the Production Performance team located in Lafayette, IN. In this role you will lead engine production performance, factory test operations, and global customer application support with a focus on new product introduction (NPI).

Role Definition

Solve complex engineering problems involving engine performance, new product introduction, and production processes using advanced data analysis and hands-on test leadership. Deliver solutions that improve product quality, factory efficiency, and customer outcomes while providing technical leadership across teams.

Responsibilities
  • Lead support for current gas and/or diesel engine product lines and new product introduction (NPI) programs
  • Develop, publish, and maintain engine performance data in Gas Engine Rating Pro (GERP) and TMI (Technical Marketing Information)
  • Analyze and process special rating requests and sales inquiries
  • Create advanced custom performance data to support customer applications
  • Provide technical leadership supporting product support teams and resolve field performance issues, including large data center projects
  • Collaborate with global teams on performance data development and product releases
  • Lead development and governance of factory hot test specifications across multiple facilities
  • Provide direct leadership for Lafayette test operations including troubleshooting and issue resolution
  • Drive test process improvements to increase throughput, efficiency, and capacity across LEC and other facilities
  • Lead continuous improvement initiatives supporting capacity, quality, and efficiency objectives
  • Partner with design, manufacturing, and leadership to deliver product and process improvements


Degree Requirement

Degree required - Bachelor's in engineering or engineering technology

Skill Descriptors

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Top Candidates Will Also Have:
  • Significant experience with large gas or diesel engine performance and troubleshooting
  • Experience with NPI programs or performance development for new products
  • Experience supporting factory testing or production environments
  • Familiarity with Caterpillar engine product systems and configurations
  • Experience supporting large customer projects (e.g., data centers, energy solutions)
  • Advanced data analysis or programming skills (e.g., Excel VBA, Python, SQL, Power BI)


Additional Information:
  • This position is located in Lafayette, IN
  • Relocation is available for this position
  • Travel: Up to10% domestic or possible international
  • Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.


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.

Relocation is available for this position.

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Posting Dates:

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.

Work You’ll Do

At Caterpillar, Inc., you will have the opportunity to contribute to a variety of groundbreaking projects that extend across the globe. Our commitment to leadership in the industry is unwavering, and we achieve it through a culture that fosters diversity and leadership development.

Explore Job Opportunities and Growth

Caterpillar offers a wide range of job opportunities and career paths, providing a platform for professional growth and development. Whether you're interested in engineering, sales, marketing, or management, Caterpillar has a position that will utilize your unique skills and talents. We are continuously hiring innovative minds to propel our mission forward and maintain our status as industry leaders.

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Kickstart your career with a Caterpillar internship. Our internships provide invaluable workplace experience and networking opportunities that often lead to full-time employment at our company. As an intern, you will work alongside experienced professionals and gain insights that will benefit you as you advance in your career.

Benefits and Culture

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.

Innovation and Leadership

Drive innovation and industry leadership as part of the Caterpillar team. We empower our employees to lead from their first day on the job, encouraging continuous improvement and career advancement. At Caterpillar, your ideas will shape the future of our business and the industries we serve.

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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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