Entry Level Controls Design Engineer

Solar Turbines Incorporated; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 72,000 - 109,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

Paid time off

401(k) savings plan

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Tuition Reimbursement

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. is seeking a motivated, entry-level engineer to join the Custom Solutions Engineering Value Stream.

The role involves collaborating with multiple engineering disciplines to support our Customers and Manufacturing, focusing on electrical equipment design and software testing to control electro-mechanical systems. The ideal candidate has a BS in Engineering and an interest in PLCs, HMI, and control systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering is required.
• GPA 2.8 or above.

Responsibilities

• Design electrical hardware and control systems for gas turbines, power generators, natural gas compressors, and methane emissions reduction systems.
• Create electrical schematic drawings and PLC control software (ladder logic) for PLCs.
• Collaborate with multiple engineering disciplines and interface with external customers.
• Support field personnel during commissioning and safety risk assessments.
• Travel to Customer Design Review meetings and HAZOP meetings as needed.

Skills

Electrical design

PLC programming

HMI systems

Education

Bachelor of Science in Engineering

GPA 2.8+

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:

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.

Job Summary:

Solar Turbines Inc. is looking for a motivated, creative, high performing entry-level engineer to join the Custom Solutions Engineering Value Stream team. The Engineering Value Stream is a dynamic project execution environment where you, and your Mentor, will collaborate with multiple engineering disciplines with the goal of supporting our Customers and Manufacturing. The ideal candidate for this position would be an entry-level Electrical Engineer, Computer Engineer or Mechanical Engineer, with an interest in electrical equipment design and software programming/testing to control electro-mechanical systems.

Job Accountabilities:

Job duties include the design of electrical hardware and control systems for gas turbines, power generators, natural gas compressors, and methane emissions reduction systems. Primary deliverables include electrical schematic drawings and control software (ladder logic) for programmable logic controllers (PLCs). Initial accountabilities may include Software Test whereby candidate would be exposed to how the system operates via simulation software. This position requires coordinating with various organizations within Solar Turbines, including direct interface with external customers. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are imperative. The successful candidate will collaborate in an Engineering Value Stream with up to 10 other engineering disciplines. Having the ability to work well with a team, paying attention to detail with a focus on quality, and the drive to deliver on time is critical to this position. A sense of urgency and organizational skills are required to work with multiple projects and competing priorities. Additional duties include supporting field personnel during commissioning and the resolution of safety critical risk assessments. This position provides opportunities to travel to support Customer Design Review meetings, Hazard and Operability Study (HAZOP) meetings, and support installed equipment in the Field.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering
• GPA 2.8 or above

Top Candidates Have:

• The successful candidate will have educational and/or experience-based exposure to electrical equipment design and control software for PLC applications.
• Direct experience with programming PLCs and Windows-based Human Machine Interface (HMI) systems is a plus. Knowledge of Turbomachinery Electrical Loop Schematics, Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs) and Control Systems is highly desired.

Summary Pay Range:

$72,360.00 - $108,540.00

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.

This position requires working onsite five days a week.

Relocation is available for this position.

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Posting Dates:

October 22, 2026 - November 5, 2026

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.