Performance/Simulation/Application Engineer

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.

Job Summary:

As a Performance/Simulation/Application Engineer at Caterpillar, you’ll develop and apply simulation models to evaluate and improve machine and engine performance. You’ll work with cross-functional teams to support product development through system modeling, performance analysis, and virtual validation.

What You Will Do:

• Build and validate simulation models (i.e., Simulink, AMESim, C++).
• Analyze hydraulic systems and machine performance using virtual tools.
• Collaborate across engineering teams to optimize product design.
• Gathering and analyzing user requirements to create the new feature requirements.
• Support calibration, controls, and system integration.
• Designing, writing, and implementing source code for New Technology Development.
• Testing and debugging the code to improve code quality and optimize performance.

Education requirement:

Requires a degree in an accredited Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or Engineering curriculum.

What skills you will have:

Technical Excellence:

• Advanced knowledge of fluid power systems as applied to mobile hydraulic machines.
• Knowledge of analytical methods for fluid power systems to determine performance capabilities including dynamic response. (e.g., Simulink, AMESim, or similar)
• Capable of designing and developing hydraulic solutions based on user and application-level requirements.
• Knowledge in C/C++ and Python
• Knowledge with software development within a team environment

Problem Solving:

• Capable of troubleshooting electro-hydraulic system-level issues to identify root causes and implement effective solutions.
• Knowledge of methods, tools, and techniques for identifying, anticipating, and resolving problems.
• Ability to effectively apply problem-solving skills in various situations.

Effective Communication:

• Capable of communicating effectively with user groups and addressing their issues and needs
• Works closely with global teams and suppliers, ensuring alignment at the application level and proper validation.
• Communicates clearly and effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.

Top Candidates will also have

• Proficient in Dynasty and DATK (Cat proprietary tools)
• Skilled in electro-hydraulic system design and implementation
• Strong background in software development for electro-hydraulic system controls

Additional Information:

This position requires the candidate to work full-time at the Aurora, IL or Mossville, IL office (on-boarding & transition in Aurora; permanent, long-term in Mossville).

Domestic relocation assistance is available for this position.

This position may require up to 10% travel.

Visa sponsorship is NOT available with this position.

What you will get:

Our goal at Caterpillar is for you to have a rewarding career. Our teams are critical to the success of our customers who build a better world. Here you earn more than just wage, because we value your performance, we offer a total rewards package that provides:

• Competitive Base Salary
• Annual incentive bonus plan*
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holiday, Volunteer, Etc.)
• 401k savings plan
• Health savings account (HSA)
• Flexible spending accounts (FSAs)
• Short and long-term disability coverage
• Life Insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Healthy Lifestyle Programs
• Employee Assistance Programs
• Voluntary Benefits (Ex. Accident, Identity Theft Protection)

*Subject to annual eligibility and incentive plan guidelines.

Final details:

Please frequently check the email associated with your application, including the junk/spam folder, as this is the primary correspondence method. If you wish to know the status of your application – please use the candidate log-in on our career website as it will reflect any updates to your status.

For more information, visit caterpillar.com. To connect with us on social media, visit caterpillar.com/social-media

#LI

Summary Pay Range:

$95,640.00 - $143,520.00

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

This position requires working onsite five days a week.

Relocation is available for this position.

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position. This employer is not currently hiring foreign national applicants that require or will require sponsorship tied to a specific employer, such as, H, L, TN, F, J, E, O. As a global company, Caterpillar offers many job opportunities outside of the U.S which can be found through our employment website at www.caterpillar.com/careers.

Posting Dates:

September 24, 2025 - October 8, 2025

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.

Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.