Senior Structural & Multibody Dynamics Simulation Engineer

Caterpillar•Mossville, IL

13d•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Structural & Multibody Dynamics Simulation Engineer on the IPSD-L structural and multi-body dynamics (MBD) team is responsible for leading and executing core rotating component simulations with tools such as RUMBLE/BEAR, Abaqus and AVL EXCITE or other MBD tools. This engineer will apply strong technical expertise to identify, analyze, and help resolve complex problems involving crankshafts, camshafts, connecting rods, bearings, and related engine systems while clearly communicating risks, results, and recommendations to key stakeholders. The major focus of the job is on technical delivery, project leadership, and effective communication. In this role, you will partner with design, simulation, test, and platform teams to scope, plan, execute, and interpret analyses that improve the performance and durability of core rotating components. The engineer will contribute to simulation standard work, provide technical guidance and knowledge sharing, support data-driven technical decisions, and help improve tools and processes to enhance accuracy, robustness, and turnaround time.

Requirements

Requires a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or related discipline.
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.

Nice To Haves

Substantial MBD/FEA analysis experience
Experience analyzing core rotating engine components, including crankshafts, camshafts, connecting rods, bearings, and geartrain systems.
Advanced finite element analysis experience using Abaqus, Nastran, ANSYS, or equivalent software for durability, fatigue, and structural assessments.
Experience with multi-body dynamics tools such as Dynasty/TomSim, RUMBLE/BEAR, AVL EXCITE, Adams, Virtual.Lab Motion or similar dynamic simulation platforms.
Strong understanding of engine dynamics, vibration, bearing performance, and crank train system behavior.
Demonstrated ability to develop, validate, and correlate simulation models against test measurements and field data.
Proven ability to lead technical reviews and effectively communicate complex simulation findings to engineering, manufacturing, and program leadership teams.
Experience supporting engine development programs through design reviews, root cause investigations, and resolution of field reliability issues.

Responsibilities

Lead core rotating component simulation activities for crankshafts, camshafts, connecting rods, bearings, and related engine systems across supported platforms and applications.
Partner with component, platform, test, and design teams to clarify analysis needs, prioritize tasks, and deliver timely, high-quality results for durability and performance assessments.
Leverage MBD, FEA, and engine system understanding to troubleshoot complex issues, evaluate design trade-offs, and support root cause analysis for development and field concerns.
Contribute to and improve simulation standard work, including model setup, correlation, result interpretation, quality checks, and documentation of assumptions and recommendations.
Conduct reviews with customers, communicate technical information clearly and concisely, translating complex simulation results into risks, options, and actionable recommendations for technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Support multiple priorities and customers by aligning expectations, tracking deliverables, escalating risks, and maintaining clear communication on project status and technical decisions.
Provide technical guidance and knowledge sharing to engineers and external resources through coaching, technical reviews, training, and collaboration.