Principal Engineer - Mechanical Design

Career Area:

Engineering

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.

Solar Turbines is looking for a mechanical design engineer to join our energized and cross-functional Mechanical Design team responsible for gas turbines that power energy solutions to our customers. The candidate will work closely with various engineering disciplines to design, develop, and implement new component designs and/or improve existing gas turbine hardware for the continuous improvement of product durability and capabilities for our customers. This role will produce leading edge solutions for a diverse range of projects executed in a productive environment that values strong work culture, best-in-class and diversity.

The successful candidate is expected to be a technical generalist able to develop solutions to complex problems using mechanical analysis of rotating and static turbine hardware in addition to being ingenious, creative and applying new concepts. A strong background in gas turbine design fundamentals and secondary cooling flow systems is highly beneficial for this role. The successful candidate will have the skills necessary to successfully define, lead and execute projects starting from root cause analysis, solution concept through validation, and finally product implementation. Additionally, the successful candidate will play an integral role in ensuring that solutions fulfill performance, manufacturing, durability, maintainability, and cost targets.

The successful candidate will perform detailed mechanical design work, and manage workscope and execution to align with time sensitive deliverables performed under DevOps planning. When required, the successful candidate will execute component rig or engine tests by managing required hardware, instrumentation, scheduling, resultant data analysis and post-test hardware inspections. Strong written, oral and presentation communication skills are required. Additionally, the successful candidate will support business operations when necessary with support to customer services, manufacturing, and supply chain.

Top Candidates Will Have:

Skill Descriptors: Analytical Thinking

: 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.

Level Extensive Experience:

Decision Making and Critical Thinking:

Knowledge of the decision-making process and associated tools and techniques; ability to accurately analyze situations and reach productive decisions based on informed judgment.

Level Extensive Experience:

Managing Multiple Priorities:

Knowledge of effective self-management practices; ability to manage multiple concurrent objectives, projects, groups, or activities, making effective judgments as to prioritizing and time allocation.

Level Extensive Experience:

Technical Excellence:

Knowledge of a given technology and various application methods; ability to develop and provide solutions to significant technical challenges.

Level Working Knowledge:

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.

Level Working Knowledge:

Design Engineering:

Knowledge of designing and engineering products and systems; ability to use principles of mathematics, science, and engineering to develop, analyze, and improve product or system specifications, functionality, and performance.

Level Extensive Experience:

Product Testing:

Knowledge of product testing approaches, techniques and tools; ability to design, plan and execute testing strategies and tactics to ensure product quality at all stages of manufacturing.

Level Extensive Experience:

Product Design and Development:

Knowledge of product features; ability to design, build, and develop a new product, technology, or service from concept through to production.

Level Extensive Experience:

About Caterpillar

Caterpillar Inc. is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. For nearly 100 years, we’ve been helping customers build a better, more sustainable world and are committed and contributing to a reduced-carbon future. Our innovative products and services, backed by our global dealer network, provide exceptional value that helps customers succeed.

$120,299.00 - $180,449.00

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.

Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of benefits.

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

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.

May 21, 2025 - June 11, 2025

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.

Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.