Mechanic

Solar Turbines Incorporated; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 29,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

Paid time off plan

401(k) savings plans

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. in the San Diego area is hiring an experienced mechanic to lay out, fabricate, assemble and align engine packages and related components for production and first article builds.

You will read schematics, route wiring, install tubing, and prepare packages for finishing and painting. The role requires hands-on mechanical skills, attention to detail, and ability to work 1st or 2nd shift with overtime.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year experience using power tools and other equipment to perform troubleshooting, repair and installation.
• Understanding of engineering schematics and blueprints.
• Experience using general repair tools and equipment.

Responsibilities

• Lay out, fabricate, mock-up, assemble, align, and combine various components and completed engines to package bases.
• Route cable and wire and perform electrical terminations.
• Perform alignments of rotating equipment.
• Install hydraulic tubing including bending, cutting, and swaging.
• Read and interpret engineering documents such as mechanical and electrical diagrams, sketches, masters, schematics, and other instructions.
• Prepare engine packages for painting and perform necessary clean up.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Reading schematics

Manual dexterity

Shift flexibility

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Power tools

General repair tools

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

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 Description

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.

Solar Turbines is looking to hire, automotive, aircraft, diesel, engine, motorcycle, equipment etc mechanics, in Kearny Mesa! We are looking to train you in our product!

Starting Salary

$26/hr (Additional $1.00, 2nd shift premium)

1st and 2nd shift

Mon-Fri with OT available on Weekends

Compensation & Benefits

Base rate for this role ranges from $21.00 - $36.05.

Compensation 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

• 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

Description

Lay out, fabricate, mock-up, modify, assemble, align, and combine various hardware necessary to complete production and/or first article engine packages, trailers, and prototype products. Perform assembly and mechanical operations associated with base manufacturing, including enclosures.

Work Performed

• Lay out, fabricate, mock-up, assemble, align, and combine various components and completed engines to package bases.
• Route cable and wire and perform electrical terminations.
• Perform alignments of rotating equipment.
• Install hydraulic tubing including bending, cutting, and swaging.
• Read and interpret engineering documents such as; mechanical and electrical diagrams, sketches, photographs, masters, schematics, diagrams, templates, and other written and/or oral instructions.
• Cut, form, bend, and install tubing, piping, conduit, and metal paneling, braze tubing as required.
• Prepare engine packages for painting and perform necessary clean up as required.
• Perform work operation under direct guidance.
• Use overhead crane to load and/or off-load package sets on and off trucks or trailers.
• Fabricate shop and tooling aids as required.
• Operate material moving and handling equipment and perform movement of work piece from one production location to another within the Turbomachinery Structures department.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma, GED or equivalent
• Minimum of 1 year experience using power tools, other equipment to perform troubleshooting, repair and installation
• Understanding of engineering schematics and blueprints.
• Experience using general repair tools and equipment.
• Ability to work overtime as needed
• Willing to work any shift

Preferred Qualifications

• 3-5 years of mechanical experience on Turbine equipment, installation, repair and maintenance.
• Experience with mechanical work on Solar packages.
• Previous experience building gas turbines, or related type assemblies.
• ASE Certified, UTI or similar certification
• Airframes and Powerplant (A&P) license

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

September 25, 2026 - December 22, 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.