Gas Turbine Test Technician

Caterpillar; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401(k) savings plan

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Job summary

Caterpillar is hiring for a test technician role in California. You will install, connect and set up test equipment for gas turbines and compressors, run tests, and analyze performance data.

The job requires strong mechanical and electrical skills, with experience in diagnosing control circuits and reading drawings. PLC troubleshooting and cross-functional teamwork are essential assets for success.

Qualifications

• Related experience with mechanical and electrical systems.
• Experience diagnosing, troubleshooting, and repairing control circuits.
• Ability to read mechanical/electrical drawings and manuals.
• PLC experience and practical troubleshooting skills.

Responsibilities

• Install, level, set up, prepare, and operate test equipment for gas turbines and compressors.
• Conduct test runs and perform performance acceptance tests.
• Record and review test data; calculate key parameters.
• Perform vibration surveys and trim balance as required.
• Troubleshoot malfunctions and perform rework to meet specifications.

Skills

Gas turbines

Electrical systems

Troubleshooting

Reading drawings

PLC programming

Tools

PLC hardware

Job description

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.Starting Pay: $ 35.00OCCUPATIONAL SUMMARY:Install, connect and set up test equipment. Operate, troubleshoot and perform production and first article static and dynamic tests on engines, gas compressors, packaged systems, control consoles, components, and accessories in test cells, or fixtures.WORK PERFORMED:Install, level, set up, prepare, and operate any Solar gas compressor, driven equipment, packaged system, control console, microprocessor control, component, and/or accessory in test cells, fixtures or in special test cells.Connect test equipment: harnesses, simulators, filters, lines, dynamometers, slave generators, instrumentation, and other equipment necessary to the test operation.Conduct test run and final performance acceptance test of gas turbines and gas compressorsConnect and operate computerized data acquisition systems for package system, gas turbine, and gas compressor performance testing.Observe, record, and review test data. Calculate operational parameters such as pressure ratio, fuel flow, specific fuel consumption, oil flow, electrical functions, power factors, and other parameters related to the acceptability of the unit under test.Conduct vibration surveys and trim balance components, as required, utilizing real-time vibration analyzers, trim balance analyzers and vibration tape recorders.Troubleshoot to isolate indicated malfunctions and discrepancies.Make operational adjustments to engines, accessories, controls, and test equipment, including realignment.Perform necessary rework to correct the cause of malfunctions and bring performance within specified operating parameters. Remove unit from the test facilityMinimum Qualifications:The successful candidate should have related experience with mechanical and electrical systems; and will have experience with diagnosis, troubleshooting, and repairing a variety of control circuits; and removing and replacing faulty components.Strong technical, electrical , and mechanical skills and a good understanding of turbine theory are critical to the position. The identified must demonstrate the ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams.Experienced in reading/interpreting applicable drawings (Mechanical and/or Electrical) and technical manualsProgrammable Logic Controller ( PLC) experience.Preferred Qualifications :Gas turbine package or related, operational, or testing experience.Airframes and Powerplants (A&P) licenseExperience operating or testing turbine enginesCompensation & Benefits$26.25- $45.41Compensation and benefits 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 benefitsLife InsuranceParental leaveAdoption benefitsTuition Reimbursement * These benefits also apply to part-time employeesVisa 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:October 16, 2026 - October 30, 2026Any 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.Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community .