Senior Structural & Multibody Dynamics Simulation Engineer

Caterpillar Inc.; Mossville (IL); On-site; USD 113,000 - 169,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

401(k) savings plans

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Paid time off

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. in Mossville, IL is seeking a Senior Structural & Multibody Dynamics Simulation Engineer to lead core rotating component analyses using MBD/FEA tools such as RUMBLE/BEAR, Abaqus, AVL EXCITE.

This role focuses on delivering technical results with strong collaboration across design, simulation, and test teams. You will model, analyze, and validate crankshafts, camshafts, connecting rods, and bearings to improve durability and performance, while communicating risks and options to

Qualifications

• Substantial MBD/FEA analysis experience.
• Experience analyzing core rotating engine components, including crankshafts, camshafts, connecting rods, bearings, and geartrain systems.
• Advanced finite element analysis experience using Abaqus, Nastran, ANSYS, or equivalent software for durability, fatigue, and structural assessments.
• Experience with multi-body dynamics tools such as Dynasty/TomSim, RUMBLE/BEAR, AVL EXCITE, Adams, Virtual.Lab Motion or similar dynamic simulation platforms.
• Strong understanding of engine dynamics, vibration, bearing performance, and crank train system behavior.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, validate, and correlate simulation models against test measurements and field data.
• Proven ability to lead technical reviews and effectively communicate complex simulation findings to engineering, manufacturing, and program leadership teams.
• Experience supporting engine development programs through design reviews, root cause investigations, and resolution of field reliability issues.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

MBD/FEA analysis experience

Engine components analysis

Abaqus/Nastran/ANSYS

RUMBLE/BEAR

Dynasty/TomSim/AVL EXCITE

Engine dynamics understanding

Model development & validation

Technical reviews & communication

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering

Tools

Abaqus

Nastran

ANSYS

Dynasty/TomSim

RUMBLE/BEAR

AVL EXCITE

Adams

Virtual.Lab Motion

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 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 Senior Structural & Multibody Dynamics Simulation Engineer 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.

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.

Effective Communications: 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.

Problem Solving: 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.

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

Project Management: 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.

Education: Requires a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or related discipline.

Top Candidates Will Also Have

• Substantial MBD/FEA analysis experience
• Experience analyzing core rotating engine components, including crankshafts, camshafts, connecting rods, bearings, and geartrain systems.
• Advanced finite element analysis experience using Abaqus, Nastran, ANSYS, or equivalent software for durability, fatigue, and structural assessments.
• Experience with multi-body dynamics tools such as Dynasty/TomSim, RUMBLE/BEAR, AVL EXCITE, Adams, Virtual.Lab Motion or similar dynamic simulation platforms.
• Strong understanding of engine dynamics, vibration, bearing performance, and crank train system behavior.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, validate, and correlate simulation models against test measurements and field data.
• Proven ability to lead technical reviews and effectively communicate complex simulation findings to engineering, manufacturing, and program leadership teams.
• Experience supporting engine development programs through design reviews, root cause investigations, and resolution of field reliability issues.

Additional Information

• Travel is less than 10%

Caterpillar Inc.

is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. For nearly 100 years, we’ve been helping customers build a better, more sustainable world and are committed and contributing to a reduced-carbon future. Our innovative products and services, backed by our global dealer network, provide exceptional value that helps customers succeed.

Summary Pay Range

$112,710.00 - $169,060.00

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

This position requires working onsite five days a week.

Relocation is available for this position.

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Posting Dates: September 23, 2026 - October 4, 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.