Engineering Project Team Leader

Caterpillar Inc.; Lafayette (IN); On-site; USD 128,000 - 193,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision

401(k) savings plans

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Career development

Incentive bonus

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. in Lafayette, IN, seeks an Engineering Project Team Leader to drive engine system vibration simulation across programs, manage cross-functional teams, and deliver robust CAE solutions.

This role emphasizes leading AI/ML deployment in structural analysis, advancing MBD methods, and ensuring high-quality execution with strategic roadmap alignment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering.
• Experience in engine dynamics and vibration analysis.
• 5–10+ years in multibody dynamics or CAE simulation.

Responsibilities

• Lead global team for engine vibration simulations.
• Develop AI integration within engineering analysis workflows.
• Define standards and governance for AI-enabled solutions.
• Oversee project progress and costs with stakeholders.
• Advance MBD techniques and automation of analyses.
• Mentor others to enhance technical competence.

Skills

Multibody dynamics

Vibration analysis

CAE simulation

MBD tools

FEM/FEA

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering

Tools

Nastran

Abaqus

Simpack

MotionSolve

TomSim

Rumble

Job description

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.

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 simulation 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 and for leading the development, deployment, and adoption of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning solutions that enhance structural analysis. Also key to the role will be managing priorities through exercising robust 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.
• Develop and execute the roadmap for AI integration within structural simulation and engineering analysis workflows.
• Establish best practices, standards, and governance for AI-enabled engineering solutions.
• 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.

Skills You Will Have :

• Technical Excellence: Deep knowledge of engine simulation methods and tools and their application across platforms; ability to develop, validate, and standardize robust models and deliver clear, actionable solutions to complex vibration and durability challenges.
• Influencing Through Expertise: Extensive knowledge of influencing and stakeholder management approaches; ability to use data-driven simulation insights to align cross functional teams, communicate risk and trade-offs, and confidently challenge assumptions and decisions within and outside the organization.
• Project Management: Expert level 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.
• Team Management: Extensive knowledge of effective team building techniques; ability to form and manage effective teams.
• Troubleshooting Technical Problems: Extensive knowledge of troubleshooting approaches, tools and techniques; ability to anticipate, detect and resolve technical problems in a manufacturing or product management environment.
• Product Design and Development: Extensive knowledge of product features; ability to design, build, and develop a new product, technology, or service from concept through to production.

Top Candidates Will Have:

• Advanced degree in Mechanical Engineering
• PhD in simulation, AI, machine learning, or computational mechanics is a plus
• Experience applying Generative AI and Large Language Models to engineering workflows
• Hands‑on testing experience with linear dynamics and/or engine-related vibrations
• Familiarity with multi-body dynamics (MBD) simulation tools – preferable TomSim
• Demonstrated project leadership capabilities
• Strong problem-solving and strategic thinking skills.
• Experience with finite element analysis (FEA)
• Engine product experience
• Component Design experience

Additional Information :

• The primary location for this role is Lafayette, IN.
• Domestic relocation assistance is available for this position.
• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• This role requires a 5-day-in-office presence.

Summary Pay Range:

$128,470.00 - $192,710.00

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

Posting Dates:

October 5, 2026 - October 19, 2026

Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.