Lead Simulation Engineer (Digital Twin)

Caterpillar Inc.•Irving, TX

4d•Onsite

About The Position

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: The Simulation & Digital Twin Engineer will design, develop, and integrate simulation and visualization capabilities that support Caterpillar’s next‑generation digital twin, machine behavior modeling, and interactive 3D experiences. This role combines simulation engineering, real‑time visualization, and 3D scene‑building using NVIDIA Omniverse and modern C++/Python toolchains. The engineer will build the behavioral logic, physics integrations, and visualization layers that enable accurate, high‑performance representations of Caterpillar machines, job sites, and workflows. This is a hands-on role which will plan, architect and also lead and mentor.

Requirements

Software/Simulation Product Design/Architecture: Knowledge of simulation and robotics product design; ability to convert market requirements into the product design.
Simulation Software Product Technical Knowledge: Knowledge of technical aspects of simulation products; ability to design, configure and integrate technical aspects of these products.
Product Testing: Ability to design, plan, and execute model validation and testing strategies and tactics to ensure product quality and adherence to stated requirements. Implement automated test pipelines and document model correlations, limitations, and validation scoring.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, or a related field or equivalent experience.
5+ years of experience developing digital twins or simulation‑based systems in industries such as technology, aerospace, defense, heavy machinery, or automotive, with exposure to high‑fidelity modeling, physics‑based simulation, and real‑time visualization.
Strong expertise in system‑level simulation and digital twin technologies. This includes but is not limited to multi‑physics modeling, data driven/statistic simulations, discrete-events simulation and machine learning based simulation.
Expertise in data annotation and labelling technologies with ability to institute and maintain the program.
Experience with NVIDIA Omniverse, including USD workflows, Omniverse Kit/Code, PhysX, or Omniverse‑based pipeline development.
Knowledge of other digital‑twin and real‑time simulation tools, such as Unity, Unreal Engine, Siemens NX/Teamcenter/Plant Simulation, Dassault 3DEXPERIENCE, Ansys Twin Builder, Rockwell Emulate3D, or similar industrial platforms.
Familiarity with physics engines (PhysX, Omniverse Physics, Bullet, ODE, or equivalent) and experience integrating them into simulation environments.
Strong hands‑on programming skills in C++ and Python for simulation logic, behavior modeling, and tooling.
Experience validating simulation models and digital twins using test data correlation, scenario‑based testing, regression testing, and telematics/real‑world data.
Ability to work cross‑functionally with engineering, autonomy, controls, software, and product teams, communicating complex technical concepts clearly.
Experience modeling mechanical systems, hydraulics, heavy equipment, or robotics.
Knowledge of 3D scene construction, rendering concepts, and UI development for real‑time visualization.
Experience with cloud‑based simulation workflows, large‑scale data integration, or distributed simulation pipelines.

Responsibilities

Simulation/Digital Twin Development: Develop and deploy the simulation logic and behavioral models governing machine and system behavior. Implement real‑time simulation algorithms, including kinematics, dynamics, and control‑system interactions. This includes integration of physics engines (e.g., PhysX, Omniverse Physics, or equivalent) to support realistic behavior and machine–environment interactions.
Simulation Quality: Develop and execute model validation and verification plans, ensuring digital twins are accurate and numerically stable. Real‑Time 3D Visualization Engineering: Create high‑fidelity 3D models, scenes, and environments such as NVIDIA Omniverse. Develop interfaces that connect simulations to real‑time visualization, dashboards, and operator‑focused experiences. Implement automated test pipelines and document model correlations, limitations, and validation scoring.
Integration & Platform Engineering: Contribute to toolchain and pipeline design, including scripting utilities, automated test frameworks, and modular code libraries. Collaborate across data engineering/architecture, autonomy, product groups, and engineering to ensure interoperability and alignment with business needs.
Digital Twin Tooling & Ecosystem Support: Evaluate and implement new simulation libraries and real‑time rendering technologies that enhance simulation fidelity and performance. Work hands‑on with multiple digital‑twin platforms, such as: NVIDIA Omniverse (primary environment), CARLA, Siemens NX/Teamcenter/Plant Simulation, Dassault 3DEXPERIENCE, Ansys Twin Builder, Unity or similar