Engineer

Solar Turbines; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 89,000 - 134,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

Paid time off

401(k)

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer in our Standards Solutions group to design, maintain, and optimize package systems including fuel, start, lube, air, and controls. You will develop components, assemblies, and drawings, applying good engineering practices and cross‑functional collaboration.

The role requires 3+ years experience, strong CAD skills, and familiarity with manufacturing/testing processes. Onsite five days a week in a dynamic, global environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 3+ years of relevant experience or 2+ years with Master’s degree.
• Familiarity with mechanical design principles and exposure to mechanical/hydromechanical systems.
• Working knowledge of CAD tools (Creo, AutoCAD).
• Familiarity with manufacturing and testing processes.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities.
• Strong problem‑solving skills with a hands‑on, detail‑oriented approach.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and cross‑functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to support factory testing, design analysis, cost optimization, and system integration.
• Coordinate and lead workstream activities with the SPE team in India and global teams.
• Design and release procurement drawings, BOMs, and package configurations.
• Create and maintain 3D CAD models, technical drawings, and support documentation.
• Apply DFM/DFA principles to improve manufacturability and cost.

Skills

Mechanical design

Creo

AutoCAD

Windchill

TD/DFM DFA

Turbomachinery fundamentals

Education

Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Windchill

Promis-e

AutoCAD

Job description

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.

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.

What we need:

The Standards Solutions group within Solutions Platforms Engineered (SPE) is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer to join its team. This group develops innovative, standardized products that support customer success across a wide range of industries.

What does the role require:

In this role, you will be responsible for the design, maintenance, and optimization of mechanical systems for packages, including fuel, start, lube, air, compressor seal, fire and gas detection, ventilation, and monitoring systems. You will create and maintain device lists, and develop package components, assemblies, and drawings. The ideal candidate has strong mechanical fundamentals, experience with skid-mounted or modular packaged systems, and the ability to collaborate across disciplines to deliver fully integrated solutions. The role involves applying engineering techniques to the design of structures, piping systems, and other package components. The successful candidate will demonstrate a foundational understanding of structural analysis, system design, and turbine applications and installations. This position will require utilizing excellent written and verbal communications skills.

Why you should apply:

The role requires close coordination with supply chain, external suppliers, internal and external customers, and business partners to support system integration and delivery. You will work closely with mechanical and controls engineers to ensure designs are functional, manufacturable, serviceable, and support safe, reliable operation. This position offers broad exposure across engineering disciplines as well as within the broader Solar business (Sales, Marketing, Commissioning, Field Service, Aftermarket, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, etc.) and is well suited for individuals seeking technical growth in a dynamic, cross‑functional environment.

Consider joining the Standards Solutions team to explore new opportunities and learn more about our packaging solutions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support factory testing, design analysis, cost optimization, and system integration
• Coordinate and lead workstream activities with the SPE team in India, ensuring alignment and execution across global teams
• Design and release procurement and source control drawings, bills of materials (BOMs), and package configurations (modules and kits)
• Create, maintain, and manage engineering deliverables such as 3D CAD models, technical drawings, and support documentation
• Apply Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFM/DFA) principles to improve manufacturability, cost, transportability, and serviceability of packaged systems
• Perform tolerance analysis and basic structural checks to support design quality, reliability, and cost effectiveness
• Lead mechanical design and development of package systems (skids, frames, enclosures, inlet/exhaust, piping, and auxiliaries) from concept through production release
• Support production builds, testing, validation, commissioning, and first article inspections; diagnose and resolve design, performance, and assembly issues
• Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain to deliver integrated, cost-effective solutions, support procurement, and ensure quality and compliance
• Provide support for sales inquiries, field service, and supply chain activities
• Ensure compliance with applicable industry codes, standards, and certifications (e.g., ASME, ISO, IEC, NEC, ATEX, IECEx, etc.) in collaboration with certification teams
• Contribute to continuous improvement and innovation by implementing new technologies and enhancing the performance, quality, efficiency, safety, and durability of package designs
• Communicate technical information clearly, contribute to design reviews, and provide guidance to ensure consistent engineering practices and team alignment

What You Need to Have:

Educational Background:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Technical Excellence:

• 3+ years of relevant experience or 2+ years with Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
• Familiarity with mechanical design principles and exposure to mechanical and/or hydromechanical systems.
• Working knowledge of engineering drawings and CAD tools (e.g., Creo, AutoCAD)
• Familiarity with manufacturing and testing processes
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities
• Strong problem‑solving skills with a hands‑on, detail‑oriented approach
• Ability to follow specifications and maintain accurate documentation
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across teams
• Strong organizational skills, teamwork mindset, and flexibility to meet project deadlines

Top Candidates Will Have:

Technical Excellence:

• Experience with PLM systems (e.g., Windchill)
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to evaluate technical data and independently lead design efforts
• Working knowledge of mechanical systems and turbomachinery fundamentals, including exposure to fuel, start, lube, air, seal, fire/gas detection, ventilation, and auxiliary systems.
• Experience in a manufacturing environment
• Experience with gas turbine package testing, commissioning, or field service for modular or skid‑mounted systems
• Familiarity with CAD and drafting tools (e.g., Creo and Promis‑e preferred, AutoCAD, CADDS‑5) and ability to interpret engineering drawings and electrical loop schematics (ELS)
• Basic knowledge of manufacturing processes, including sheet metal fabrication, machining, welding, castings, and fastener selection, with awareness of GD&T and applicable engineering standards.
• Familiarity with structural frames, piping layouts, and thermal/auxiliary system design; exposure to FEA, structural, or vibration analysis
• Experience working with global suppliers, and supporting manufacturing, installation, and field service activities
• Attention to detail in engineering documentation, specifications, and design records, with familiarity with applicable industry standards and codes.
• Familiarity with control systems, gas turbine operations, and driven equipment.

This Position requires a 5-days in office schedule

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 to 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:

$89,210.00 - $133,810.00

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.

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Posting Dates:

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.