Application Engineer

Caterpillar•Mossville, IL

6d•$97,530 - $146,290•Onsite

About The Position

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. About IDES: Caterpillar’s Integrated Drivetrain Energy Solutions (IDES) Division will focus on delivering advanced electrified power train, zero-emissions products/technologies, and the solutions and services associated with these technologies. Focus areas include batteries, fuel cells, motors, inverters, micro grid controllers, charging, energy storage systems, lifecycle solutions/services and integration of components for ePowertrain solutions across industries. We are looking for top talent to build and scale the next generation of technologies, products and services to help our customers build a better—more sustainable—world. We need self-motivated, intelligent and team-oriented individuals to make our plans a reality. Individuals with high emotional intelligence, humility and openness to discovery will thrive in the teams we are building. Join us! Job Summary: The Performance/Simulation/Application Engineer will play a key role in developing and launching e-Powertrain systems for our Large Mining Truck products, including diesel electric, battery electric and dynamic energy transfer trucks. This individual will be involved in multiple NPI programs that are going to production in the next 3 years. There will be multiple senior team leads and an engineering fellow involved with your project work. This is an exciting opportunity to make an impact and accelerate your engineering career!

Requirements

Experience developing, integrating, or validating complex electrical, electronic, mechanical, or powertrain systems.
Experience using simulation and analysis tools such as MATLAB/Simulink or similar engineering software.
Knowledge of system requirements development, system integration, and engineering validation processes.
Experience working on cross-functional engineering teams throughout the product development lifecycle.
Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot technical issues and drive data-based engineering decisions.
Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate across engineering disciplines.
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.
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.
Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or electrical engineering

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in mechanical engineering or electrical engineering
Experience in electrified powertrain or electric drive system development.
Experience with controls, power electronics, and motors.
Proven success leading cross-functional integration and validation activities.
Experience with high-voltage systems and safety strategies.

Responsibilities

Solve challenging engineering problems involving products, systems, and components using advanced simulation techniques and analysis.
Collaborate with customers and leadership to scope and execute projects that meet the needs of the business
Accountable for delivering timely, high-quality simulation and analysis impacting products/processes and providing clear recommendations to stakeholders
Partner with design, manufacturing, supply chain and test to robustly deliver new products and improve validation processes
Keep up-to-date on new technologies and drive continuous improvement to established techniques
Lead the development and integration of system-level electrified powertrain architectures, controls, and performance strategies for large mining truck applications.
Define and optimize electrified powertrain control strategies to balance machine performance, energy efficiency, thermal management, reliability, and customer productivity requirements.
Develop and evaluate system efficiency improvement initiatives across electric drive systems, supporting both current production programs and next-generation machine platforms.
Create and maintain engineering tools, performance models, and analytical frameworks that enable data-driven design decisions and support cross-functional product development activities.
Establish system and subsystem requirements for electrification technologies, including high-voltage architectures, power electronics, electrical systems, thermal management, and regulatory compliance considerations.
Lead the planning, execution, and analysis of validation and verification activities to ensure system performance, reliability, and product readiness.
Collaborate with global engineering teams to coordinate simulation, modeling, controls development, and testing activities, reducing development risk and ensuring successful system integration.
Drive the development and implementation of high-voltage safety strategies, standards, and solutions that enhance machine availability while maintaining safe operating and service environments.
Lead commissioning, integration, troubleshooting, and performance optimization efforts for electrified vehicle and powertrain test platforms.
Partner with cross-functional teams including controls, software, power electronics, validation, product engineering, and manufacturing to deliver integrated electrification solutions.
Facilitate technical reviews, evaluate design alternatives, and provide recommendations that support key product development decisions throughout the program lifecycle.
Mentor and provide technical guidance to engineers while fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing, and engineering excellence across project teams.