Senior Engineer - Performance/Simulation/Application

Career Area:

Job Description:

Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.

When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other.  We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.

About IPSD:

Caterpillar’s Industrial Power Systems Division (IPSD) designs, tests and manufactures 0.5 to 18L engines that not only power Caterpillar machines, but also power over 5000 other applications including Marine, Petroleum, Industrial Applications, Electric Generators, and Locomotives. Caterpillar’s company strategy includes sustainability as one of four focus areas and IPSD is engaged and actively preparing green energy solutions for the future.  

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,