Engineering Project Team Leader

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 LPSD

Caterpillar’s Large Power Systems Division (LPSD) is responsible for designing and manufacturing the most comprehensive lineup of large diesel and natural gas engines in the industry, as well as engine components and powertrains. The large engine product portfolio includes Cat, Perkins and MWM branded products. Applications include Cat machines, electric power generation, marine, oil & gas, industrial, and locomotive. 

Role Definition:

Within LPSD, the Core Components team holds the design and validation responsibility for the engine’s core internal components including rotating components, PRL, Valvetrain, and Heads, Blocks, and Housings, and validation responsibility for engine vibration and engine-mounted components. The Core Components - System Simulation (CCSS) team is the principal organization responsible for validating engine packages and mounted equipment systems in support of various NPI, NTI, CPI, and NSI programs using advanced simulation methods.

The CCSS team has an exciting opportunity available for an Engineering Project Team Leader responsible for leading the engine flexbody workstream. As an Engineering Project Team Leader, you will manage multiple complex engineering projects involving multiple functions, organizations, products, or value chains.

This role is responsible for leading the system simulation focus on engine vibration evaluation using multibody dynamic (MBD) simulation tools, requiring a combination of deep technical expertise in multibody dynamics and flexible‑body modeling with strong leadership, project management, and cross‑functional collaboration skills. The responsibilities include the leadership of standard work to support LPSD program work and the development of new or improved simulation techniques to enhance product development.

What You Will Do:

• Lead and mentor a global team responsible for engine & genset package system vibration simulation and overall structural evaluation.

• Oversee project progress and costs; communicating status with stakeholders and participating in functional areas; addressing and resolving problems

• Define technical direction, priorities and workload planning activities in alignment with platform and product needs.

• Partner with engine component and platform design teams to scope, plan and execute vibration dynamics early in the program.

• Own and ensure high quality execution of standard work for MBD analysis including correlation activities using test data, ensuring simulation accuracy and robustness

• Review and approve analysis results ensuring technical accuracy consistency and clear communication of risks and recommendations to stakeholders.

• Support issue resolution related to engine components durability and field concerns through targeted simulation and root cause analysis.

• Drive continuous improvement of MBD dynamics methods tools and processes to improve accuracy robustness and turnaround time.

• Lead capability development including adoption of new modeling approaches correlation techniques and automation of routine analyses.

• Engage appropriate validation test resources to develop test plan based on simulation results.

• Mentor others to enhance their technical competence to achieve more effective technical solutions.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.

• Knowledge and experience in engine dynamics and vibration analysis.

• 5–10+ years of experience in multibody dynamics, flexible‑body modeling, or CAE simulation.

• Strong proficiency with FE tools (e.g., Nastran, Abaqus,) and MBD platforms (e.g., Simpack, MotionSolve, TomSim, Rumble)

• Experience with structure durability evaluation – including fatigue and bolted joint.

• Familiarity with validation & test process – including modal test process or MER or NVH process

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Skill You Will Have:

• Technical Excellence: Deep knowledge of engine simulation