Principal Gas Turbine Performance Engineer (San Diego, CA)

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.

The Gas Turbine Performance Group conducts concept and advanced thermodynamic cycle studies. They develop and calibrate performance predictions for new or upgraded engines and oversee performance during engine development. Using these predictions and tools, the group supports production tests and product support efforts. They are responsible for developing and maintaining software used to analyze, predict, and guarantee the performance of Solar’s products. The group's services and software are critical to the success of Turbomachinery Product design, Sales and Applications, Customer Services, Overhaul facilities, and customer sites worldwide. They also analyze engine data from acceptance tests to troubleshoot and monitor the aeromechanical behavior and performance of each product line. Transient cycle models produced by the group are key to creating advanced AI based digital twins that will unlock extended service intervals, cycle count capabilities, and increase efficiency through operational flexibility.

The candidate must have knowledge of gas turbine performance, strong thermodynamic background, and a broad thorough set of the required computer skills and organization skills to effectively work with a large enterprise user base.

What You Will Do: Team Participation:

Actively utilize your engineering and analytical skills as a vital member of our team.

Initiative and Innovation:

Propose, promote, and act on your own initiatives and ideas to drive progress and innovation.

Engagement:

Be highly engaged in collaborative problem solving applying your background to push quick resolutions and long-term innovation.

Collaboration:

Work effectively within inter- and intra-disciplinary teams to achieve common goals and enhance outcomes.

What You Have: Educational Background: BS or BEng degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering and 5+ years of application of your gained knowledge to solve real world problems.

Managing Multiple Priorities:

Willingness to manage workload with multiple competing priorities while managing complicated and challenging tasks effectively.

Effective Communications:

Ability to clearly communicate verbally and in writing.

Task Completion Excellence:

Exhibit a dedicated ability to consistently complete assigned tasks with efficiency and thoroughness.

Top Candidates Will Have: Educational Background:

Masters or equivalent degree with specialty in gas turbine performance or aerodynamics.

Technical Excellence:

Experience with understanding, modeling, and troubleshooting Gas Turbine operability and performance (thermodynamics) and developing codes and scripts for automating complex engineering tasks. Experience with control systems and control software is an advantage to the successful candidate.

Experience with the following software tools is highly desirable:

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.

Summary Pay Range:

$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.

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

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:

July 21, 2025 - August 4, 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. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.

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