Performance/Simulation/Application Engineer

Caterpillar Inc.; Lafayette (IN); On-site; USD 98,000 - 146,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

401(k) savings plans

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. is seeking a Performance/Simulation/Application Engineer in the Large Power Systems Division to advance engine core component analyses and multi-physics simulations.

You will work on FEA, TMF, and coupled CFD-heat transfer analyses, partnering with global teams to improve durability, reliability and product performance. The role emphasizes collaboration with engine test teams, staying abrest of innovations, and contributing to new simulation methods and tools.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in mechanical engineering or related field.
• Strong proficiency in structural FEA including nonlinear material behavior and contact modeling.
• Experience performing thermal and thermo-mechanical coupled (TMF) simulations for durability assessment.
• Ability to conduct fatigue life prediction (HCF, LCF, TMF) using industry-standard or Caterpillar methods.
• Proficiency with major CAE solvers such as Abaqus or ANSYS Mechanical.
• Strong post-processing with Abaqus, Simlab or HyperMesh.
• Excellent communication and demonstrated project leadership.

Responsibilities

• Perform finite-element (FEA) analyses for engine core components.
• Execute coupled coolant CFD-heat transfer analyses and TMF simulations to assess durability.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define simulation requirements for new product development and issue resolution.
• Prepare clear documentation of objectives, methods, results, and conclusions.
• Interpret results and provide actionable design recommendations.
• Collaborate with engine test teams to improve simulation tools.
• Stay current with emerging technologies and contribute to new methods.

Skills

FEA simulations

Abaqus/ANSYS

TMF simulations

Fatigue life prediction

Python scripting

Engineering communication

Project leadership

Engine knowledge

Education

Master’s degree in mechanical/aero engineering

Tools

Abaqus

ANSYS Mechanical

HyperMesh

Simlab

fe-safe

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.

The Large Power Systems Division (LPSD) is part of Caterpillar’s Power & Energy segment. Through this global organization, Caterpillar designs and manufactures large (greater than 18 liters) diesel and natural gas engines, powertrains and key engine systems. LPSD products and solutions support customers across power generation, industrial, marine, oil & gas, rail, services and Cat® machine applications worldwide.

LPSD teams work across regions and function to deliver safe, reliable and compliant solutions that help solve our customers’ toughest challenges.

Job Summary

As a Performance/Simulation/Application Engineer with the Large Power Systems Division, you will serve as an experienced contributor on projects and assignments that are complex in nature and that support and enhance Caterpillar product performance, durability, reliability and quality. You will partner with and provide technical guidance to global teams. You will continually learn and stay abreast of innovative technology. You will also continue to grow your professional network.

Additional Info

• This position can be located will be located onsite 5 days a week in Mossville, IL (Building AC) or Lafayette, IN (Lafayette Engine Center, Building A)
• Domestic relocation is Available
• Sponsorship is NOT Available
• Travel requirements will be up to 10%
  
  

What You Will Do

Job Duties & Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Perform finite‑element (FEA) projects for engine core components, including cylinder heads, blocks, liners and pistons.
• Execute coupled coolant CFD-heat transfer analysis, structural analysis and thermo‑mechanical fatigue (TMF) simulations to assess component performance and durability.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define simulation requirements for new product development, current product issue resolution, and cost reduction projects.
• Prepare clear documentation of analysis objectives, assumptions, methods, results, and conclusions.
• Interpret simulation results and provide actionable recommendations for design improvements.
• Collaborate with engine test teams to improve simulation tool capabilities
• Stay current with emerging technologies and contribute to the development of new simulation methods and tools.
  
  

Degree Requirement

What You Will Have

Master’s degree in mechanical engineering, aeronautical engineering or a related engineering discipline

• Strong proficiency in structural FEA, including nonlinear material behavior, contact modeling, and non-metallic seal material, such as rubbers and gaskets.
• Experience performing thermal and thermo‑mechanical coupled (TMF) simulations for durability assessment.
• Ability to conduct fatigue life prediction (HCF, LCF, TMF) using industry‑standard or Caterpillar fatigue analysis methods and tools.
• Skilled in interpreting simulation results, identifying critical stresses/failure modes, and providing design recommendations.
• Proficiency with major CAE solvers such as Abaqus or ANSYS Mechanical.
• Strong capability with pre/post‑processing workflows using tools like Abaqus, Simlab or HyperMesh.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to handle increasingly complex assignments through experience.
• Excellent communication skills for conveying technical information to team members and other teams.
• Demonstrated project leadership capabilities.
  
  

Accuracy and Attention to Detail: Working knowledge and understanding the necessity and value of accuracy; ability to complete tasks with high levels of precision.

• Accurately gauges the impact and cost of errors, omissions, and oversights.
• Utilizes specific approaches and tools for checking and cross-checking outputs.
• Processes limited amounts of detailed information with good accuracy.
• Learns from mistakes and applies lessons learned.
• Develops and uses checklists to ensure that information goes out error-free.
  
  

Effective Communications: Working knowledge and understanding of 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.

• Delivers helpful feedback that focuses on behaviors without offending the recipient.
• Listens to feedback without defensiveness and uses it for own communication effectiveness.
• Makes oral presentations and writes reports needed for own work.
• Avoids technical jargon when inappropriate.
• Looks for and considers non-verbal cues from individuals and groups.
  
  

Problem Solving: Extensive experience and 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.

• Ensures capture of lessons to be learned from a problem-solving effort.
• Organizes potential problem solvers and leads problem resolution efforts.
• Uses varying problem-solving approaches and techniques as appropriate.
• Contributes to standard practices for problem-solving approaches, tools, and processes.
• Analyzes and synthesizes information and devises alternative resolution strategies.
• Develops successful resolutions to critical or wide-impact problems.
  
  

Technical Excellence: Working knowledge of a given technology and various application methods; ability to develop and provide solutions to significant technical challenges.

• Provides effective technical solutions to routine functional challenges via sound technical competence, effectively examining implications of events and issues.
• Effectively performs the technical job aspects, continuously building knowledge and keeping up-to-date on technical and procedural job components.
• Applies technical operating and project standards based on achieving excellence in delivered products, technologies and services.
• Applies current procedures and technologies to help resolve technical issues in one's general area of technical competence.
• Helps others solve technical or procedural problems or issues.
  
  

Project Management: Basic understanding and 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.

• Identifies project management tools and requirements within own function.
• Describes the key objectives, phases and deliverables of a current project.
• Explains the concepts of phase, activity, task, and deliverable.
• Gives examples of critical paths in projects.
  
  

Top Candidates Will Have

• Understanding of internal combustion engine loading, kinematics, and durability drivers.
• Knowledge of high‑temperature material behavior, cyclic thermal gradients, and engine thermal‑stress mechanisms.
• Knowledge and experience in manufacturing processes, such as casting, forging, welding, and heat treatment.
• Experience with scripting and automation (Python, C/C++, FORTRAN) to streamline pre/post‑processing and batch simulation workflows.
• Experience with fatigue/durability tools such as fe‑safe.
  
  

This position will be posted until 11:59PM on 08/24/2026.

Summary Pay Range

$97,530.00 - $146,290.00

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

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.

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