Sr. Performance Simulation Application Engineering Specialist

Caterpillar Inc.; Clayton (NC); On-site; USD 148,000 - 222,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401(k)

HSA

Paid time off

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. is seeking a Senior Performance Engineering Specialist for CMDC, NC. You will lead engine performance and emissions initiatives, mentor a global team, and drive technology strategies across multiple product lines.

You will coordinate with product groups, system engineers, and enterprise partners to ensure compliant, high-value solutions. This role requires hands-on testing, data-driven decisions, and travel to support development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, electrical, manufacturing engineering, or other accredited engineering curriculum.
• Strong communications skills; able to convey complex concepts clearly.
• Knowledge of Emission Regulations, engine design, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities; project management awareness.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic vision and multi-generation product planning of new technologies across global machine lines.
• Develop emerging technologies and choose tech based on value, maturity and ROI.
• Prioritize programs and activities based on customer needs and timelines.
• Mentor Engine Systems team members and coordinate with enterprise partners.
• Lead engine performance requirements and monitor emissions performance and health.
• Support Scope 3 emissions reporting and new technology initiatives.

Skills

Global communication

Mentoring

Off Highway machinery

Engine system design

Simulation tools

Python

SQL

Six Sigma Black Belt

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical/electrical/manufacturing engineering

Tools

Python

MATLAB

Dynasty

Power BI

Tableau

CANape

CANalyzer

Cadet

DATK

SQL

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

The Building Construction Products (BCP) Division has an opportunity for a Senior Performance Engineering Specialist position to be part of the Engine Systems Team based in CMDC, NC.

What You’ll Do

As the Senior Performance Engineering Specialist within the Engine Systems Team, you will lead engine strategy development to support future emissions regulations for BCP products globally. While managing the emissions requirements, you will be responsible for communicating the requirements to the product groups in a timely manner to align with future product development plans. As a subject matter expert in the areas of performance, integration and emissions, you will guide a team of technical, product development professionals to design and develop new technologies that support BCP product groups’ multi-generational product plans (MGPPs) and New Product Introduction (NPI) programs. Although not exclusively constrained to the following areas, these new technologies will be heavily related to meeting global emissions and regulations for diesel products. You will establish and grow relationships throughout CI and our enterprise partners to leverage investments effectively and ensure the best possible customer solutions are achieved. Additionally, the successful candidate will be required to coach and mentor Engine Systems team members globally in the areas of performance and integration.

You will be accountable for

• Provide strategic vision and multi-generation product planning of new technologies across multiple prime machine product lines globally.
• Develop emerging technologies and guide technology selections based on customer value, maturity, and return on investment.
• Prioritize programs and daily activities based on customer back, business impact, technical risks, and overall timelines.
• Be a model for high quality, high velocity technical achievements while also coordinating, aligning, and leveraging enterprise strategies and investments.
• Identify, track and communicate industry developments and trends to both technical and commercial teams.
• Develop strong relationships with product groups, system engineering, commercial teams, test and validation, and enterprise partners.
• Mentor a team with deep technical expertise within the Emissions, Performance and Integration Engineering space.
• Set up and manage remote CAN-based data acquisition devices to monitor engine and emissions system performance and health to support both new product development and current product improvement.
• Lead and specify engine performance requirements including lug curves, transient response characteristics, fuel consumption targets and extended altitude and cold ambient operating parameters.
• Measure and analyze the performance of engine and emissions systems, identify issues and partner with the engine division to determine interim and permanent corrective actions.
• Support Scope 3 emissions reporting for BCP.
• Support new technology initiatives including, but not limited to, alternative fuels and hybrid powertrains.

To be successful in this role, you must bring (Basic Qualifications):

• Degree: Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or other accredited engineering curriculum.
• Effective Communications: Understanding 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.
• Technical Excellence: Knowledge of Emission Regulations, Engine design / development and installation within multiple applications; ability to develop and provide solutions to significant technical challenges.
• 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.
• Process Management: Knowledge of business process improvement tools and techniques; ability to understand, monitor, update, control, or enhance existing business or work processes.
• Accuracy and Attention to Detail: Understanding the necessity and value of accuracy; ability to complete tasks with high levels of precision.
• 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.
• 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.

Top Candidates Will Also Bring

• Ability to communicate globally, collaborate and build trust across a wide and diverse range of people both internally and externally.
• Proven experience of coaching and mentoring a team.
• Off Highway Machine and hands-on experience.
• Cold start or extended ambient / altitude testing experience and wiliness to get on machines to support test and development of aforementioned areas.
• Previous and direct experience in leading engine system design, development, manufacture, and validation in the emission performance and architecture space.
• Ability to identify and create value that delivers a high return on investment for customers.
• Ability to leverage enterprise investments and align with corporate strategies.
• Technical validation experience (DFMEA, DOE)
• Six Sigma Black Belt – DMAIC
• Focus and experience with simulation and reporting tools (Python, MATLAB or Dynasty, Power Bi, Tableau, etc.)
• CANape, CANalyzer, Cadet, DATK, Python, SQL

Additional Details

• Location: CMDC, NC – position requires 5 days per week in the office (M-F).
• Travel: 10-25% of travel is expected (domestic and international)
• Relocation: Domestic relocation is available.
• Visa: Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.
• This position requires 5 days per week in the office (M-F)

Summary Pay Range

$147,760.00 - $221,640.00

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

• 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

August 10, 2026 - August 24, 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.