Caterpillar, Inc

Sr. 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 mechanical, electrical, or manufacturing engineering.
  • Strong communication skills to convey ideas and information effectively.
  • Expert knowledge of emission regulations and engine design and development.
  • Analytical skills to identify root causes and provide technical solutions.
  • Familiarity with business process improvement tools and techniques.
  • Attention to detail to ensure high-quality outcomes.
  • Proficiency in project management strategies and resource utilization.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the development of engine strategies to meet future emissions regulations.
  • Guide a team in designing new technologies for multi-generational product plans.
  • Establish relationships with cross-functional teams to optimize customer solutions.
  • Coach and mentor team members in emissions, performance, and integration engineering.
  • Monitor engine and emissions system performance using remote data acquisition devices.
  • Communicate industry developments to both technical and commercial teams.
  • Support new technology initiatives, including alternative fuels and hybrid powertrains.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits.
  • Paid time off plan including vacation and holidays.
  • 401(k) savings plans with company contribution.
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for healthcare expenses.
  • Career development opportunities and tuition reimbursement.
  • Incentive bonuses to reward individual and team performance.
Full Job Description

Career Area:

Engineering

Job Description:

The Building Construction Products (BCP) Division has an opportunity for a Senior Performance Engineering Specialist position to be part of the Engine Systems Team based in CMDC, NC.

What you’ll do

As the Senior Performance Engineering Specialist within the Engine Systems Team, you will lead engine strategy development to support future emissions regulations for BCP products globally.  While managing the emissions requirements, you will be responsible for communicating the requirements to the product groups in a timely manner to align with future product development plans.  As a subject matter expert in the areas of performance, integration and emissions, you will guide a team of technical, product development professionals to design and develop new technologies that support BCP product groups’ multi-generational product plans (MGPPs) and New Product Introduction (NPI) programs.  Although not exclusively constrained to the following areas, these new technologies will be heavily related to meeting global emissions and regulations for diesel products.  You will establish and grow relationships throughout CI and our enterprise partners to leverage investments effectively and ensure the best possible customer solutions are achieved.  Additionally, the successful candidate will be required to coach and mentor Engine Systems team members globally in the areas of performance and integration.

You will be accountable for

  • Provide strategic vision and multi-generation product planning of new technologies across multiple prime machine product lines globally.
  • Develop emerging technologies and guide technology selections based on customer value, maturity, and return on investment.
  • Prioritize programs and daily activities based on customer back, business impact, technical risks, and overall timelines.
  • Be a model for high quality, high velocity technical achievements while also coordinating, aligning, and leveraging enterprise strategies and investments.
  • Identify, track and communicate industry developments and trends to both technical and commercial teams.
  • Develop strong relationships with product groups, system engineering, commercial teams, test and validation, and enterprise partners.
  • Mentor a team with deep technical expertise within the Emissions, Performance and Integration Engineering space.
  • Set up and manage remote CAN-based data acquisition devices to monitor engine and emissions system performance and health to support both new product development and current product improvement.
  • Lead and specify engine performance requirements including lug curves, transient response characteristics, fuel consumption targets and extended altitude and cold ambient operating parameters.
  • Measure and analyze the performance of engine and emissions systems, identify issues and partner with the engine division to determine interim and permanent corrective actions.
  • Support Scope 3 emissions reporting for BCP.
  • Support new technology initiatives including, but not limited to, alternative fuels and hybrid powertrains.

To be successful in this role, you must bring (Basic Qualifications):

  • Degree: Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or other accredited engineering curriculum.
  • Effective Communications: Understanding 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.
  • Technical Excellence: Knowledge of Emission Regulations, Engine design / development and installation within multiple applications; ability to develop and provide solutions to significant technical challenges.
  • 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.
  • Process Management: Knowledge of business process improvement tools and techniques; ability to understand, monitor, update, control, or enhance existing business or work processes.
  • Accuracy and Attention to Detail: Understanding the necessity and value of accuracy; ability to complete tasks with high levels of precision.
  • 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.
  • 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 bring:

  • Ability to communicate globally, collaborate and build trust across a wide and diverse range of people both internally and externally.
  • Proven experience of coaching and mentoring a team.
  • Off Highway Machine and hands-on experience.
  • Cold start or extended ambient / altitude testing experience and wiliness to get on machines to support test and development of aforementioned areas.
  • Previous and direct experience in leading engine system design, development, manufacture, and validation in the emission performance and architecture space.
  • Ability to identify and create value that delivers a high return on investment for customers.
  • Ability to leverage enterprise investments and align with corporate strategies. 
  • Technical validation experience (DFMEA, DOE)
  • Six Sigma Black Belt – DMAIC
  • Focus and experience with simulation and reporting tools (Python, MATLAB or Dynasty, Power Bi, Tableau, etc.)
  • CANape, CANalyzer, Cadet, DATK, Python, SQL

 Additional Details:

  • Location:  CMDC, NC – position requires 5 days per week in the office (M-F).
  • Travel: 10-25% of travel is expected (domestic and international)
  • Relocation: Domestic relocation is available.
  • Visa: Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.
  • This position requires 5 days per week in the office (M-F)


 

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. 

 

Relocation is available for this position.

 

 

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

 

 

Posting Dates:

August 10, 2026 - August 24, 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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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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