Senior Engineer - Performance/Simulation/Application

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.

Whether it be groundbreaking products, best in class solutions or creating a lifelong career, you can do the work that matters at Caterpillar. With a 95-year legacy of quality and innovation and 150 locations in countries around the world, your impact spans the globe.

When you join Caterpillar, you are joining a team of makers, innovators and doers. We are the people who roll up our sleeves and do the work to build a better world. We don’t just talk about progress and innovation. We make it happen. And we are proud of that, because it helps our customers build and power the world we live in – the roads, hospitals, homes and infrastructure. Without a dedicated workforce Caterpillar could not effectively meet our customer’s needs. Join us.

Job Summary:

The Machine Performance section within Virtual Product Development at Caterpillar Inc. is seeking a innovative, self-starting Senior Performance Engineer to support the development, integration & enhancement of machine, environment, & virtual operator models (computation models to mimic human control of a machine in a simulated world).

The role will include diverse heavy machine modeling, understanding the field condition and operating conditions, and developing staffed & autonomous operation inputs to machine models we build. Job responsibilities also include demonstration and deployment of tools and processes for performance simulation of earthmoving machines.

In this role, you will collaborate with cross-functional teams to define requirements, enhance machine performance and operator experience, and improve site-to-machine connectivity. This is a great opportunity to stay current with innovative technologies, contribute to project planning, and work on autonomy, connectivity, and electrification to support our product line and help build a better and more sustainable world.

What You Will Have:

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.
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.
Computer-Aided Design & Engineering: Knowledge of tools and techniques of specialized graphics programs; ability to produce, analyze, simulate and test product design drafts.

Considerations For Top Candidates:

• Engineering degree in Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Mechanics, Aerospace Engineering, Civil Engineering. Bachelor degree plus 7 years of experience or a Master degree plus 5 years of experience, or a Doctorate degree plus industry experience

• Experience in 3D simulation (structural FEA, fatigue/durability, etc.).

• Experience in multi-body dynamics simulations

• Experience in 1D multi-domain system modeling (AMEsim, Easy5, etc.)

• Experience in Automation (optiSLang, Insight, etc)

• Knowledge of mechanical systems (engines, drivetrains, hydraulics, etc.)

• Knowledge of hydraulic excavators or equivalent digging machines, field conditions, & operations

• Knowledge of Discrete Element Methods (DEM)

• Experience in Machine Learning

• Knowledge of robust design and optimization

• Software programming skills for engineering analysis.

• Ability to write efficient, well-documented code in Python

• Experience with the operation, design, and/or testing of heavy machinery equipment

• Excellent analytical skills

• Ability to perform complex assignments

• Self-starter with strong technical leadership skills

• Strong initiative, communication skills, customer focus, teamwork, and planning skills.

What You Will Get:

Working with a Fortune 100 leader, you can build your career on a global scale and take advantage of development opportunities with emerging technologies. We’ve created an inclusive environment for you to explore your passions, make an impact and do the work that really matters. Join Us.

Additional Information:

• The location for this position is Champaign, IL

• This position requires the candidate/employee to work a 5-day-a-week schedule in the office.

• Domestic relocation assistance is available for this position

• This position may require less than 10% travel

• ISE assignments are not available.
  Visa sponsorship is available to those who qualify.

About Caterpillar

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 to 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.

This Job Description is intended as a general guide to the job duties for this position and is intended for the purpose of establishing the specific salary grade. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as an exhaustive summary of all responsibilities, duties and effort required of employees assigned to this job. At the discretion of management, this description may be changed at any time to address the evolving needs of the organization. It is expressly not intended to be a comprehensive list of “essential job functions” as that term is defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

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.

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.

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

Summary Pay Range:

$110,520.00 - $165,840.00

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 available for eligible applicants.

Posting Dates:

September 11, 2025 - September 21, 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.

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