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.
Data Analysis Senior Engineer – Structure Simulation
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
- Build and deploy machine learning models to estimate loads, strains, and damage/life predictions (scikit-learn).
- Create dashboards and visualizations to explore large datasets and identify root causes of structural issues related to application severity (Power BI, Tableau).
- Automate data processing and analysis workflows for high-frequency time-series telematics data, with robust version control and development practices (Python, Git, GitHub, Azure DevOps Repos, VS Code).
- Managed large-scale SQL databases for storing and retrieving hundreds of millions to billions of rows of summarized data across diverse assets (Snowflake, MySQL, SQLite).
Education Requirements
- Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Mechanical, Civil, Aerospace, or Agricultural Engineering from an accredited institution.
Core Skills & Expertise
- Expert in Finite Element Analysis (FEA), fatigue and durability modeling, and multibody dynamics.
- Proficient in building machine learning models for load estimation and life prediction (scikit-learn).
- 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.
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:
$112,710.00 - $169,060.00
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:
January 8, 2026 - January 22, 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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