Jobs › Caterpillar

Dynamics Simulation-Associate Engineer

Caterpillar · Mossville, IL · $89,210–$133,810 a year · Full time

Posted Sep 29, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

Apply at Caterpillar

Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Walk me through a simulation project you did in school or an internship, from setup to conclusions.

What they are checking: Their real simulation workflow and how they reach and defend conclusions as an early career engineer.

How do you explain simulation results to a design engineer who needs to make a decision?

What they are checking: Communication of technical results in a way that leads to design action.

What do you know about the engines LPSD builds and the markets they serve, such as marine, power generation or locomotive?

What they are checking: Genuine interest in the product, and whether they read about the division before applying.

Tell me about a time you were stuck on a technical problem. How did you get unstuck?

What they are checking: Persistence and willingness to ask for help, both important for an associate engineer.

What would you do

Your simulation shows a stress or vibration result that the design engineer doesn't believe. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they can defend or revise results with evidence rather than ego.

About the work

What's the difference between rigid body and flexible body dynamics, and when would you use each for an engine component?

What they are checking: Foundational dynamics knowledge needed to simulate core engine components correctly.

How would you check that a dynamics simulation result is believable before you share it?

What they are checking: Habits like hand calculations, sanity checks and convergence studies that catch modeling mistakes.

What happens dynamically inside a large diesel engine's crank train, and what loads would you care about?

What they are checking: Basic understanding of engine dynamics, since the Core Components team designs internal engine parts.

Which simulation or programming tools have you used, like MATLAB, Python, or a multibody tool?

What they are checking: Tool familiarity and how quickly they could become productive in a simulation role.

How would you use test data to correlate and improve a simulation model?

What they are checking: Understanding that simulations must be validated against real measurements to be trusted.

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at Caterpillar from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

Practice this out loud

The full job description

As published by Caterpillar.

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 Posting Dates: 7/28/26 - 8/11/26 Background: Caterpillar’s Large Power Systems Division (LPSD) is responsible for designing and manufacturing of Cat C27, C32, 3400, 3500, C175, 3600 and C280 platforms; Perkins 4000 series and 5000 series platforms and MWM gas engine platforms, drivetrains and engine system components. Through our global organization, we design and manufacture the most comprehensive lineup of large diesel and natural gas engines in the industry, as well as engine components and powertrains. The large engine product portfolio includes Cat, Perkins and MWM branded products. Applications include Cat machines, electric power generation, marine, oil & gas, industrial and locomotive. Job Summary: Within LPSD, the Core Components team holds the design responsibility for the engine’s core internal components, including rotating components, PRL, Valvetrain, and Heads, Blocks, and Housings. The Core Components Engine Simulation (CCES) team is the principal organization responsible for validating these components in support of various NPI, NTI, CPI, NSI, and Assurance of Supplier programs using advanced simulation methods. CCES team has an exciting opportunity available for a Dynamics Simulation-Associate Engineer. What You Will Do: • Execute Multi-Body Dynamics simulations across engine platforms and applications. • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define simulation requirements for new product development, current product issue resolution, and cost reduction projects. • Prepare clear documentation of analysis objectives, assumptions, methods, results, and conclusions. • Interpret simulation results and provide actionable recommendations for design improvements. • Collaborate with engine test teams to improve simulation tool capabilities • Stay current with emerging technologies and contribute to the development of new simulation methods and tools. • Knowledge and experience in dynamics and vibration analysis. • Completion of formal coursework in vibrations and/or dynamics. • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. • Ability to handle increasingly complex assignments through experience. • Excellent communication skills for conveying technical information to team members and other teams. Degree Requirement: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (or a related engineering discipline) What You Will Have: Analytical Thinking: Working 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 : Working 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. Troubleshooting Technical Problems : Working knowledge of troubleshooting approaches, tools and techniques; ability to anticipate, detect and resolve technical problems in a manufacturing or product development environment. 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. Top Candidates will also have: • Experience with internal combustion engines. • Hands-on testing experience with torsional dynamics and/or engine-related vibrations. • Familiarity with multi-body dynamics (MBD) simulation tools. • Experience with finite element analysis (FEA). • Demonstrated project leadership capabilities. • Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering (or a related engineering discipline). • Experience with torsional dynamics and/or engine-related vibrations Additional Information: • This position requires working onsite five days a week. • Travel up to 10% may be required to support testing, customer visits, and cross-functional team collaboration. (Domestic) • Visa sponsorship is not available for this position • Relocation is available for this position. • Job Posting Dates: 7/28/26 - 8/11/26 Please ensure you frequently sign in to your candidate home for any updates or correspondence for positions that you have applied for. https://cat.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/CaterpillarCareers . This Job Description is intended as a general guide to the job duties for this position and is intended for the purpose of establishing the specific salary grade. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as an exhaustive summary of all responsibilities, duties and effort required of employees assigned to this job. At the discretion of management, this description may be changed at any time to address the evolving needs of the organization. It is expressly not intended to be a comprehensive list of “essential job functions” as that term is defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Summary Pay Range: $89,210.00 - $133,810.00 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. Posting Dates: September 29, 2026 - October 12, 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. Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community .

Apply at Caterpillar