Lead Simulation Engineer (digital Twin)

Caterpillar · Industrial · Irving, TX

Lead Simulation Engineer (Digital Twin) at Caterpillar, focusing on designing, developing, and integrating simulation and visualization capabilities for next-generation digital twins and machine behavior modeling. This role involves building behavioral logic, physics integrations, and visualization layers using C++/Python and NVIDIA Omniverse, with a focus on simulation quality, real-time 3D visualization, and integration with other engineering teams.

What you'd actually do

  1. Develop and deploy the simulation logic and behavioral models governing machine and system behavior.
  2. Develop and execute model validation and verification plans, ensuring digital twins are accurate and numerically stable.
  3. Create high-fidelity 3D models, scenes, and environments such as NVIDIA Omniverse.
  4. Contribute to toolchain and pipeline design, including scripting utilities, automated test frameworks, and modular code libraries.
  5. Evaluate and implement new simulation libraries and real‑time rendering technologies that enhance simulation fidelity and performance.

Skills

Required

  • simulation engineering
  • real-time visualization
  • 3D scene-building
  • NVIDIA Omniverse
  • C++
  • Python
  • kinematics
  • dynamics
  • control-system interactions
  • physics engines
  • model validation and verification
  • automated test pipelines
  • toolchain and pipeline design
  • scripting utilities
  • modular code libraries
  • data engineering/architecture
  • autonomy
  • product groups
  • simulation software product design/architecture
  • simulation software product technical knowledge
  • product testing
  • system-level simulation
  • digital twin technologies
  • multi-physics modeling
  • data driven/statistic simulations
  • discrete-events simulation
  • machine learning based simulation
  • data annotation and labelling technologies
  • USD workflows
  • Omniverse Kit/Code
  • PhysX
  • Unity
  • Unreal Engine
  • Siemens NX/Teamcenter/Plant Simulation
  • Dassault 3DEXPERIENCE
  • Ansys Twin Builder
  • Rockwell Emulate3D
  • Bullet
  • ODE
  • mechanical systems modeling
  • hydraulics modeling
  • heavy equipment modeling
  • robotics modeling
  • 3D scene construction
  • rendering concepts
  • UI development
  • cloud-based simulation workflows
  • large-scale data integration
  • distributed simulation pipelines

Nice to have

  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, or a related field or equivalent experience
  • 5+ years of experience developing digital twins or simulation-based systems in industries such as technology, aerospace, defense, heavy machinery, or automotive
  • exposure to high‑fidelity modeling, physics‑based simulation, and real‑time visualization
  • Experience validating simulation models and digital twins using test data correlation, scenario‑based testing, regression testing, and telematics/real‑world data
  • Ability to work cross‑functionally with engineering, autonomy, controls, software, and product teams, communicating complex technical concepts clearly