Structural Simulation Engineer

Career Area:

Engineering

Job Description:

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.

Structural Simulation Engineer

Location: Champaign, IL Innovation Center
Travel: Up to 10%
Relocation Assistance: Available
Visa Sponsorship: Not Available

Step into a high-impact engineering role where you’ll tackle complex structural challenges across cutting-edge products, systems, and components. Using advanced simulation, data analytics, and machine learning, you’ll drive innovation, reliability, and performance in real-world applications.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver Insightful Solutions: Lead high-fidelity simulations and analyses that directly influence product design, performance, and reliability. Provide clear, actionable recommendations to cross-functional teams.
• Collaborate for Impact: Work closely with design, testing, and product support teams to enhance product durability and availability in the field.
• Innovate Continuously: Stay ahead of emerging technologies and champion improvements to simulation methodologies and engineering processes.

Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Mechanical, Civil, Aerospace, or Agricultural Engineering from an accredited institution.

Core Skills & Expertise

Structural Simulation & Data Engineering

• Expert in Finite Element Analysis (FEA), fatigue and durability modeling, and multibody dynamics.
• Skilled in automating workflows for high-frequency telematics data using Python, Git, GitHub, Azure DevOps, and VS Code.
• Experience managing massive SQL databases (Snowflake, MySQL, SQLite) for performance insights.
• Proficient in building machine learning models for load estimation and life prediction (scikit-learn).
• Adept at creating intuitive dashboards and visualizations (Power BI, Tableau) to uncover root causes of structural issues.

Precision & Analytical Excellence

• Delivers high-accuracy results while balancing speed and precision.
• Breaks down complex problems into manageable components and identifies discrepancies in data to drive clarity.

Communication & Collaboration

• Communicates technical insights effectively through presentations and reports.
• Provides constructive feedback and actively incorporates input to improve communication and outcomes.

Problem Solving & Technical Leadership

• Applies diverse problem-solving techniques to resolve engineering challenges.
• Contributes to best practices and lessons learned to elevate team performance.

Project & Simulation Tools

• Supports project planning with cost, schedule, and resource tracking.
• Builds and validates simulation models using HyperMesh, NX, and Nastran.
• Performs durability and fracture mechanics analysis to support both New Product Introduction (NPI) and Current Product Improvement (CPI).

Summary Pay Range:

$110,520.00 - $165,840.00

Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar.

Benefits:

Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of benefits.

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits*

• Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)*

• 401(k) savings plans*

• Health Savings Account (HSA)*

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)*

• Health Lifestyle Programs*

• Employee Assistance Program*

• Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts*

• Career Development*

• Incentive bonus*

• Disability benefits

• Life Insurance

• Parental leave

• Adoption benefits

• Tuition Reimbursement

• These benefits also apply to part-time employees

Posting Dates:

November 5, 2025 - November 19, 2025

Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.

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