JOB PURPOSE:  To serve as an experienced, individual contributor on projects and assignments that are complex in nature and that support and enhance Caterpillar product performance, durability, reliability, quality, and serviceability. 

Virtual Product Development (Simulation) division in India comprising group of 200 highly educated and talented engineer functioning from multiple locations in line with corporate global footprint strategy and providing simulation support to Caterpillar’s global business units in Structural, Computational Fluid Dynamics, Engine and Machine Performance Simulation etc. areas.

JOB RELATED STATISTICS:  Experienced individual contributor with ability to perform very complex simulation individually and/or in a team environment with accountability on quality, velocity and cost.

JOB DUTIES:  This position represents the journey level position for engineering related functions.  This person has built significant, deep expertise in one or multiple technical areas. The key role of a Sr. Engineer - Performance/Simulation/Application is that of an individual contributor.  This position will be accountable for contributing to the identification, analysis, and resolution of needs and problems in a discipline for which the incumbent is beginning to build a reputation as an expert.  This position performs complex analysis work, identifies and resolves problems.  Although this position may be the transition from individual contributor to team leadership, the major focus of the job is on technical delivery.  Incumbents may work more directly with different units, suppliers, customers, and/or other teams and begin enhancing general and business skills.  This requires the ability to communicate technical information in a concise and accurate manner.  Decisions may significantly impact on: product performance, durability, quality, reliability, and serviceability; negotiations with suppliers; leveraging new technologies; warranty; total cost of non-quality; costs; sales; and customer perception.

Success factors for the Sr. Engineer - Performance/Simulation/Application include demonstrating excellent analytical skills and a mastery of engineering concepts.  Major challenges facing incumbents are meeting goals for cost, reliability, and performance, and managing multiple priorities.  This position must keep up-to date on changing customer needs as the project progresses, stay current with new technology, and provide guidance and direction on the project to less experienced engineers, technologists, and technicians.  Incumbents may be expected to bear significant responsibility for completion of a project with major focus on delivery.

The Sr. Engineer - Performance/Simulation/Application may expect to have direct contact with products, machines, or components while working in the field or at customer sites or may have direct contact with suppliers and customers to develop processes or resolve problems.  Key areas of responsibility encountered in this role may include any or all of the following: evaluate products and processes; perform needs analysis and initiate ideas; perform product maintenance; keep up to date on new technologies or develop new technologies; communicate technical information to dealers, customers, team members, suppliers, and other units; support and advise other engineers, managers, marketing personnel, dealers, customers, and suppliers; and develop and maintain keen understanding of internal and external customers’ needs.

The Sr. Engineer - Performance/Simulation/Application must manage their own development, continuously learning through experience and staying abreast of technology.  Key skills to be developed at this level are data extraction/analysis, failure analysis and problem solving, application of simulation tools and methods, and practical application of theory and concepts.

Background/Experience: 

The candidature for this senior engineer position must have a Post Graduate/PhD degree from a reputed institution, in an accredited engineering curriculum (Mechanical/Design/Automobile/Aerospace) plus 8-10 years of simulation experience related to product development/validation.

The candidate will be part of the Machine Structures and System Simulation team which performs virtual validation related to structural durability of Caterpillar machine structures and systems.

Job Location: Chennai/Bangalore

Key Skill Set:

•   Strong knowledge in structural simulations (Vibration, Fatigue, Stress)
•   Sound understanding of Engineering mechanics, Machine design and Strength of materials
•  System level multi body simulation model development experience
• Experience in technical mentoring and leading teams in structural simulation
• Related publications in Journals and internal conference will be added advantage

Preferred Skill Sets:

•  Structural durability of Mechanical Systems/Components
•  Expert in Fatigue assessment techniques
•  Expertise in using FEA tools like Abaqus/Ansys/NX-Nastran/FE-Safe etc for solving complex non-linear FEA, Multiphysics simulations related to structural durability
• Sound understanding of principles of linkages, structural systems
• Experience in successfully leading complex validation projects/programs, technical coaching/mentoring other team members
• Experience in using statistical methods for uncertainty quantifications and the sensitivity of the simulation results due to variations in the input parameters/process
• Experience in structural health monitoring using big data and remaining useful life predictions using robust simulation/mathematical models 

Key Competencies:

•  Excellent Verbal and Written Communication Skills
•  Self-starter with an inquisitive mind
•  Strong customer focus with ability to work closely and deliver timely support
•  Ability to work in teams as well as independently
•  Good decision-making skills