Engineering Project Team Leader

Caterpillar Inc.•Lafayette, IN

3d•$128,470 - $192,710•Onsite

About The Position

Within LPSD, the Core Components team holds the design and validation responsibility for the engine’s core internal components including rotating components, PRL, Valvetrain, and Heads, Blocks, and Housings, and validation responsibility for engine vibration and engine-mounted components. The Core Components - System Simulation (CCSS) team is the principal organization responsible for validating engine packages and mounted equipment systems in support of various NPI, NTI, CPI, and NSI programs using advanced simulation methods. The CCSS team has an exciting opportunity available for an Engineering Project Team Leader responsible for leading the engine flexbody workstream. As an Engineering Project Team Leader, you will manage multiple complex engineering projects involving multiple functions, organizations, products, or value chains. This role is responsible for leading the system simulation focus on engine vibration evaluation using multibody dynamic (MBD) simulation tools, requiring a combination of deep technical expertise in multibody dynamics and flexible‑body modeling with strong leadership, project management, and cross‑functional collaboration skills. The responsibilities include the leadership of standard work to support LPSD program work and the development of new or improved simulation techniques to enhance product development.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.
Knowledge and experience in engine dynamics and vibration analysis.
5–10+ years of experience in multibody dynamics, flexible‑body modeling, or CAE simulation.
Strong proficiency with FE tools (e.g., Nastran, Abaqus,) and MBD platforms (e.g., Simpack, MotionSolve, TomSim, Rumble)
Experience with structure durability evaluation – including fatigue and bolted joint.
Familiarity with validation & test process – including modal test process or MER or NVH process
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Technical Excellence: Deep knowledge of engine simulation methods and tools and their application across platforms; ability to develop, validate, and standardize robust models and deliver clear, actionable solutions to complex vibration and durability challenges.
Influencing Through Expertise: Extensive knowledge of influencing and stakeholder management approaches; ability to use data-driven simulation insights to align cross-functional teams, communicate risk and trade-offs, and confidently challenge assumptions and decisions within and outside the organization.
Project Management: Expert level 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.
Team Management: Extensive knowledge of effective team building techniques; ability to form and manage effective teams.
Troubleshooting Technical Problems: Extensive knowledge of troubleshooting approaches, tools and techniques; ability to anticipate, detect and resolve technical problems in a manufacturing or product management environment.
Product Design and Development: Extensive knowledge of product features; ability to design, build, and develop a new product, technology, or service from concept through to production.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in Mechanical Engineering
Hands-on testing experience with linear dynamics and/or engine-related vibrations
Familiarity with multi-body dynamics (MBD) simulation tools – preferable TomSim
Demonstrated project leadership capabilities
Experience with finite element analysis (FEA)
Engine product experience
Component Design experience

Responsibilities

Lead and mentor a global team responsible for engine & genset package system vibration simulation and overall structural evaluation.
Oversee project progress and costs; communicating status with stakeholders and participating in functional areas; addressing and resolving problems
Define technical direction, priorities and workload planning activities in alignment with platform and product needs.
Partner with engine component and platform design teams to scope, plan and execute vibration dynamics early in the program.
Own and ensure high quality execution of standard work for MBD analysis including correlation activities using test data, ensuring simulation accuracy and robustness
Review and approve analysis results ensuring technical accuracy consistency and clear communication of risks and recommendations to stakeholders.
Support issue resolution related to engine components durability and field concerns through targeted simulation and root cause analysis.
Drive continuous improvement of MBD dynamics methods tools and processes to improve accuracy robustness and turnaround time.
Lead capability development including adoption of new modeling approaches correlation techniques and automation of routine analyses.
Engage appropriate validation test resources to develop test plan based on simulation results.
Mentor others to enhance their technical competence to achieve more effective technical solutions.