Performance/Simulation/Application Engineer

Caterpillar Inc.; Chennai District; On-site; INR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Travel up to 10%

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. is seeking a performance analyst in Chennai, India, to develop lubrication and engine water circuit models using 1-D and 3-D simulation tools. You will collaborate with design, system, and validation teams to deliver validated solutions for large engine platforms.

The role emphasizes CFD, thermo-science expertise, and strong communication. Travel up to 10% and onsite presence at World Trade Center, Chennai, Tamil Nadu are noted in the posting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Mechanical, Agricultural, Aerospace or similar)
• 5+ years for Bachelor’s, 2+ years for Master’s, or Doctorate
• Experience in CFD and/or 1-D engine, power systems, or lubrication simulation
• Strong thermo-science background
• Clear verbal and written communication skills
• Project management skills for multiple priorities

Responsibilities

• Analyze designs to meet lubrication system requirements
• Develop system layouts, sizing and optimize lube systems using 1-D & 3-D tools
• Conduct lubrication CFD to determine performance characteristics
• Model engine water circuits and cooling for sizing pumps and components
• Collaborate with engine platform partners and customers to meet requirements
• Communicate simulation results to teams and customers
• Support field problem resolution with simulations
• Improve simulation methods and processes

Skills

CFD

1-D/3-D simulation

Lubrication systems

Thermo-sciences

Verbal/written communication

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s in Mechanical/Aerospace engineering

Master’s in related field

PhD (optional)

Tools

Fluent

GT-Suite

Creo

Job description

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.

Career Area

Engineering

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.

Your Work Shapes the World

Whether it be groundbreaking products, best in class solutions or creating a lifelong career, you can do the work that matters at Caterpillar. With a 100-years legacy of quality and innovation and 150 locations in countries around the world, your impact spans the globe.

When you join Caterpillar, you are joining a team of makers, innovators, and doers. We are the people who roll up our sleeves and do the work to build a better world. And we are proud of that, because it helps our customers build and power the world, we live in – the roads, hospitals, homes, and infrastructure. Without a dedicated workforce, Caterpillar could not effectively meet our customers’ needs. Join us.

Job Summary

The Large Power Systems Division currently has an opening for a performance analyst who will utilize commercial and internal tools and analytical techniques (1-D and 3-D simulation tools) to provide simulation support for lubrication systems across various Caterpillar large engine platforms, with the opportunity to also work on engine water system simulations. This includes development of models to simulate oil pumps, engine oil galleries, valves, and heat exchangers in both steady-state and transient conditions (e.g., time to prime simulations), as well as 3-D simulations of piston cooling with oil jets. This position will also be a key player in the development of new methods and processes for 1-D and 3-D lubrication simulation, including investigations of the Lattice-Boltzmann vs. finite volume methods. The engineer will effectively collaborate with the various product development teams to deliver validated design solutions for our challenging program deliverables. The position includes strong collaboration with our design, system, and validation partners.

What Will You Do

• Analyze designs and concepts to achieve functional lubrication system requirements


• Develop system layouts, component selection, sizing and optimizing lube systems using 1-D & 3-D simulation tools


• Conduct lube component CFD to determine performance characteristics


• Understand oil level dynamic change in various operating conditions, oil splashing, sloshing and oil flooding/starvation under different driving conditions, to assure lubrication requirements are met under all conditions


• Conduct piston cooling and time to prime simulation (e.g., turbocharger lubrication)


• Develop engine water circuit models to size pumps and other components


• Collaborate with engine platform partners and customers to meet technical requirements


• Communicate simulation results to engine teams, component teams and customers


• Collaborate with test engineers and correlate simulation models


• Perform simulation to assist in resolving lubrication system related field problems


• Contribute to improvements in simulation methods and processes


• Help to establish technical requirements and specifications for new products

What You Must Have

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Mechanical, Agricultural, or Aerospace engineering or similar)


• Relevant engineering experience:
  
  
  
  • Bachelor’s degree: 5+ years
  
  
  • Master’s degree: 2+ years
  
  
  • Doctorate degree
  
  


• Experience in CFD and/or 1-D engine, power systems, machine systems, or lubrication system simulation


• Strong background and interest in thermo-sciences


• Clear verbal and written communication skills


• Project management skills allowing handling of multiple projects and priorities

Top Candidates Will Also Have

• Master or Doctorate degree in Mechanical, Agricultural or Aerospace engineering or similar


• Strong technical knowledge with the ability to communicate technical information effectively with team members and others in the work group, and process partners


• Working knowledge of engine, lubrication/ powertrain cooling and/or electrification systems


• 2+ years of experience using Fluent, 1-D analysis tools (i.e., GT-Suite) and Creo

Additional Information

• This position may require up to 10% travel


• This position is located in World Trade Center, Chennai, Tamil Nadu


• Relocation assistance is available for this position

Additional information:

This job requires 5 working days from office.

This position requires working onsite five days a week.

Relocation is available for this position.

Posting Dates

September 10, 2026 - September 24, 2026

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply