Caterpillar, Inc

Senior Performance/Simulation/Application Engineering Specialist

Caterpillar, Inc$147K — $221K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in Engineering required
  • 5+ years of experience in performance simulation and application engineering
  • Strong knowledge of emissions standards and data analytics
  • Proficiency in process management and business improvement techniques
  • Ability to lead and mentor diverse engineering teams

Responsibilities

  • Provide project leadership to optimize product requirements
  • Develop and select concepts for new engine systems
  • Ensure compliance with emissions standards through data analytics
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams for product delivery
  • Stay updated on emerging technologies and simulation methods
  • Mentor team members in engineering concepts and practices
  • Apply process management skills to enhance operational efficiency

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits
  • Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, etc.)
  • 401(k) savings plans
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Career Development opportunities
  • Incentive bonus
  • Tuition Reimbursement
Full Job Description

Career Area:

Engineering

Job Description:

Job Summary:

We are seeking a Senior Performance/Simulation/Application Engineering Specialist. This person will act as an engine and aftertreatment system performance simulation subject matter expert, 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 technical and project mentorship to a diverse team of engineers 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.

What You Will Do:

  • Provide project leadership to a diverse engineering team to define, optimize, and validate trade-offs for product requirements and development constraints.

  • Virtually develop and down-select concepts and performance component recipes for new engine and aftertreatment systems.

  • Ensure products satisfy emissions standards and leverage data analytics for enhanced optimization and robustness.

  • Partner with design, manufacturing, supply chain, and test teams to successfully deliver new products and improve validation processes.

  • Stay current with emerging technologies, continuously improving established techniques and simulation methods.

  • Coach and mentor team members, offering subject matter expertise and growth opportunities to less experienced engineers. Additionally, serving as a project advisor to internal team members.

  • Apply process management skills to remove obstacles, create mechanisms for continuous improvement, and play a leading role in defining and supporting business processes and infrastructure.

  • Support and instill Engineering Excellence within the team via coaching and creating and refinement of standard work documentation.

  • Monitor the marketplace for new process ideas, tools, and best practices, and consult on process optimization approaches.

Degree Requirement

Bachelor’s Degree in an accredited Engineering field

What You Will Have:

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

  • Removes obstacles and barriers to process improvement.

  • Creates mechanisms for regular process reviews and continuous process improvement.

  • Plays a leading role in business process definition and supporting infrastructure.

  • Monitors marketplace for process ideas, new tools, and best practices.

  • Interprets and communicates process management data for complex problems.

  • Consults on process optimization approaches, tools, and techniques.

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.

  • Monitors industry trends and directions and discusses possible impact on internal strategies.

  • Designs and orchestrates the use of business analytics for strategic decision making.

  • Champions the use of business intelligence applications for tactical and strategic decisions.

  • Helps others discover the diverse features, parameters, or considerations to take into account.

  • Implements operating metrics and performance gauges such as the balanced scorecard.

  • Employs statistical and quantitative analysis, explanatory and predictive modeling techniques.

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.
Works to create a climate that values and rewards good oral and written communication.

  • Communicates effectively with diverse audiences, using appropriate media and language.

  • Monitors developments in communications tools for potential use by organization.

  • Writes reports, articles, or books for distribution to the business or professional community.

  • Ensures important messages are clearly understood.

  • Coaches others on methods of improving their own communications.

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.

  • 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.

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

  • Fosters an environment that encourages, supports and rewards technical excellence.

  • Provides recognized technical leadership to an organization that includes vision, innovation, superior technical competence and the desire to excel.

  • Provides highly effective solutions to very complex technical challenges, applying outstanding technical competence to understand and resolve issues.

  • Champions the use of new innovations and technologies that solve technical business problems.

  • Consistently applies the latest developments, practices and technologies to resolve complex technical challenges in one's general area of competence.

  • Develops organizational policies, best practices and management methods that are highly conducive to technical excellence.

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

  • Oversees computer-based design and engineering across multiple functions.

  • Performs validation/verification of designs against specifications and design rules.

  • Directs the integration design output with manufacturing systems.

  • 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.

Additional Information

  • Relocation assistance is available for this position

  • Sponsorship is not available for this position

  • ISE assignment is not available

Summary Pay Range:

$147,760.00 - $221,640.00

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. 

 

 

 

 

 

Posting Dates:

June 10, 2026 - June 12, 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.

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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