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.

Job Description:

Caterpillar’s Earth Moving division is hiring for Performance/Simulation/Application Engineering Specialist for their Medium Tractor Products (MTP) team in Peoria, IL.

Role Summary:

This role provides engineering technical leadership for overall tractor performance of current and future models. You will apply deep technical expertise in machine systems to guide the development of the optimal tractor. You will partner with component and system teams to understand system interactions and balance machine‑level tradeoffs. You will work closely with the machine validation team to define the validation scope and ensure the required activities are in place to meet the performance goals of NPI programs. In this role, you will also be responsible for conducting and managing data analytics to make data‑driven performance decisions.

What You’ll Do (Job Duties)

• Stay current on emerging performance technologies and industry best practices.
• Develop and maintain performance technical specifications, and clearly communicate system‑level requirements to component and system teams.
• Define system architecture and integration approaches that achieve and validate performance requirements.
• Perform tractor‑level performance and cooling analyses to guide design decisions.
• Contribute to the development of product analysis and test plans.
• Visit customer sites to observe and assess prototype, pilot, and production machines.
• Support factory operations during current production and NPI builds, including hot‑test performance requirements and troubleshooting.
• Diagnose and resolve performance‑related issues in both factory and field environments.
• Leverage field and customer data analytics to drive informed performance decisions and tradeoffs.

What You Have (Core Skills)

• Degree Requirement: Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related fields.
• 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.
• 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.
• Process Management: Knowledge of business process improvement tools and techniques; ability to understand, monitor, update, control, or enhance existing business or work processes.

Top Candidates Will Also Have

• Hands‑on test experience with Track‑Type Tractors.
• Experience conducting analysis and/or simulation for Track‑Type Tractor systems.
• Knowledge of Track‑Type Tractor applications, configurations, attachments, and product history.
• Strong understanding of performance factors of a Track‑Type Tractor powertrain, including engine, torque converter, electric generator/motor, inverter, and cooling systems.
• Broad understanding of core machine systems—powertrain, hydraulics, cooling, and related subsystems.
• Working proficiency with analysis and data tools such as Dynasty, DATK, D2D, Excel, Cool‑1, Simulink, Tableau, and Power BI.
• Experience with technology and control systems relevant to machine performance.
• Proficiency in engineering data systems such as EDS, HVC, and VisView.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to contribute to a positive, collaborative team culture.
• Demonstrated leadership, project management capability, and effective communication skills.

Additional Details

• Work location: Peoria, IL
• Domestic relocation assistance IS available for this role
• Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this role.
• Travel: Up to 10% domestic and international.
• This position requires 5 days per week in the office (M-F)

Summary Pay Range:

$128,470.00 - $192,710.00

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

This position requires working onsite five days a week.

Relocation is available for this position.

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position. This employer is not currently hiring foreign national applicants that require or will require sponsorship tied to a specific employer, such as, H, L, TN, F, J, E, O. As a global company, Caterpillar offers many job opportunities outside of the U.S which can be found through our employment website at www.caterpillar.com/careers.

Posting Dates:

March 9, 2026 - March 16, 2026

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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