Dev/Research Engineer 3 - 17470-1

Job Description

Summary:
The main function of a research engineer is to research and investigate the design, functionality and maintenance of mechanical products, equipment, systems and processes. A typical research engineer has the ability to make engineering drawings, and read and interpret blueprints.

Job Responsibilities:
Research, design, develop, manufacture, and test tools, engines, machines and other mechanical devices.
Research and analyze customer design proposals, specifications, manuals to determine time and cost feasibility to complete projects.
Investigate equipment failures and difficulties to diagnose faulty operation and make recommendation to maintenance crew.
Assist drafters in developing the structural design of products using tools, equipment or software.

Skills:
Creativity, verbal and written communication skills, analytical and problem solving ability.
Team player and detail oriented.
Ability to make sketches, engineering drawings and common computations.
Ability to read and interpret blueprints, technical drawing, schematics and computer-generated reports.
Previous experience with computer applications and software related to engineering field, such as Computer Aided Design (CAD).

Education/Experience:
5-7 years experience required.

Story Behind the Need - Business Group & Key Projects

• Position's Contributions to Work Group
• Team culture
• Surrounding team & key projects
• Purpose of this team
• Reason for the request

Position's Contributions to Work Group:

• Caterpillar is the world's largest manufacturer of construction & mining equipment, diesel engines and industrial gas turbines. With over 10,000 engineers worldwide, Caterpillar has been developing class-leading machines and engines for almost 100 years. The Advanced Fluid Dynamics section is part of Virtual Product Development within Caterpillar's Integrated Components and Solutions (ICS) division, focusing on vehicle level fluid dynamic and thermal simulations including energy and efficiency modeling over a range of applications.

Reason/motivation for request:

• Backfill
• If Backfill

Typical Day in the Role

• Typical task breakdown and rhythm
• Interaction level with team
• Work environment description

Typical task breakdown:

• The position will participate in simulation planning with design and other simulation engineers. This may involve running simulations of the systems to predict performance. The position makes sure simulations are executed properly. The position will then analyze the data and create summary reports with results and recommendations. Much of the day will be spent using 1D or 3D fluid dynamics and thermal modeling, building physics-based models and performing multi-parameter optimization using software (e.g., HEEDS, OptiStruct, Genesis) in addition to analyzing results. Time will also be spent attending team meetings and documenting and reporting results to clients.

Interaction with team:

This position will work on a small team under the guidance of senior team members and is responsible for performing fluid, efficiency and thermal modeling and simulations at request of design teams to assess component and vehicle performance and behavior.

Work environment:

• Analyze design concepts and provide input for design changes to meet objectives. Develop simulation plans, build, and execute physics-based models, analyze, and report results and provide recommendations back to the product design teams. Simulations will include 1D as well as 3D CFD fluid dynamics and thermal modeling of various components in engine, drivetrain, and hydraulic components as well as whole machine. In addition to applications, this role may involve development of simulation processes for current or new focus areas.

Candidate Requirements

• Years of experience required
• Degrees or certifications required
• Disqualifiers
• Performance indicators

Education & Experience Required:

• MS or PhD Degree in Mechanical Engineering, 5+ years of related work experience. The candidate must have performed fluid dynamic and thermal simulations as a part of their graduate studies or as part of a prior job in industry.

Technical Skills

(Required) Knowledge and experience with commercial 1D fluid dynamics and thermal software such as AmeSim or GT-suite as well as 3D CFD software such as STAR CCM+ or ANSYS Fluent or Converge is required.

(Desired)

• Knowledge of drivetrain, and hydraulic components such as clutches and brakes, bevel and planetary gears, pumps and valves, transmission lube, and actuation systems would be an asset. Experience with solid modeling software such as Creo would be a bonus

Soft Skills

(Required) Ability to work collaboratively with others - designers, lead engineers, simulation engineers and software suppliers. Tenacity and ability to ask the right questions to realize key analysis goals. Ability to communicate results to clients.

(Desired)

Disqualifiers/Red Flags: