Lead Materials Engineer – Turbomachinery & Hydrogen

Caterpillar; San Diego (CA); Hybrid; USD 121,000 - 181,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

401(k) savings plans

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Parental leave

Job summary

Caterpillar Solar Turbines in San Diego seeks a Materials Engineer to lead materials engineering for metallic components across gas turbines and compressors. You will evaluate ferrous alloys, qualify materials, and collaborate with design, manufacturing, and service teams to ensure reliability and performance in demanding environments.

The role emphasizes material selection, testing, failure analysis, and lifecycle support from development to field issues, with a focus on corrosion and wear

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering or related.
• Minimum 8+ years of relevant industrial experience in ferrous metallurgy.
• Experience with heat treatment and microstructural transformations.

Responsibilities

• Provide materials engineering support for gas turbine and gas compressor components.
• Evaluate, select, and qualify ferrous materials (SS410, 17-4 PH, carbon/low-alloy steels).
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for material-related issues.
• Review material certifications, heat treatments, welding procedures and inspections.

Skills

Ferrous metallurgy

Failure analysis

Root cause analysis

Mechanical testing

Data-driven decisions

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Materials Science/Metallurgical Engineering

MS/PhD preferred

Tools

Heat treatment processes

ASME/ASTM standards

Job description

Caterpillar Solar Turbines in San Diego seeks a Materials Engineer to lead materials engineering for metallic components across gas turbines and compressors. You will evaluate ferrous alloys, qualify materials, and collaborate with design, manufacturing, and service teams to ensure reliability and performance in demanding environments.

The role emphasizes material selection, testing, failure analysis, and lifecycle support from development to field issues, with a focus on corrosion and wear