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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Performance/Simulation/Application Engineer - **Company:** Caterpillar - **Location:** Lafayette, IN, United States - **Salary:** $97,530.0 - $146,290.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Abaqus, C++ (Programming Language), Computational Fluid Dynamics, Fortran (Programming Language), Python (Programming Language), Kinematics, Hypermesh, Ansys - **Published:** August 9, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=085c77059bb6fbf3 ## About the Role 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., * 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. ## Description 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., * 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., 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. ## Related Videos - [Building a hypercar from scratch](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/607-building-a-hypercar-from-scratch) - [Cloud Vendor Lock-In - Is it just a new version of the Database Abstraction Layers?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1185-cloud-vendor-lock-in-is-it-just-a-new-version-of-the-database-abstraction-layers) - [Car's are Technology on Wheels - Impact of Software and IT Competence in Automotive](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/780-car-s-are-technology-on-wheels-impact-of-software-and-it-competence-in-automotive) - [Colorful quantum randomness](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100257-colorful-quantum-randomness) - [C# 13 Unleashed: Live Demos of my Top 10 Cutting-Edge Features!](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1225-c-13-unleashed-live-demos-of-my-top-10-cutting-edge-features) - [More efficient software for more efficient microchips](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1164-more-efficient-software-for-more-efficient-microchips) ## Related Articles - [How We Built a Worry-Free System That Runs for 10+ Years – And What We’d Do Again](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/751-how-we-built-a-worry-free-system-that-runs-for-10-years-and-what-we-d-do-again) - [Top Characteristics of a Software Engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/166-top-characteristics-of-a-software-engineer) - [How software is steering vehicle technology](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/515-how-software-is-steering-vehicle-technology) - [Software Engineer Career: Things You Should Know](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/143-software-engineer-career-things-you-should-know) - [What is Software Engineering?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/289-what-is-software-engineering) - [Résumé-Driven Development: How IT trends affect the job market for software developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/59-resume-driven-development-how-it-trends-affect-the-job-market-for-software-developers)