Mechanical Engineer - Power Generation

Caterpillar Inc.; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 113,000 - 169,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401(k) savings plans

Paid time off

Health Savings Account

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. is seeking a System Engineer in Houston to define and coordinate core engine systems, drawings, and documentation for electric power and oil & gas orders.

The role emphasizes presales support and ensuring projects stay within Caterpillar capabilities. Candidates should bring a degree in engineering with at least 10 years of relevant experience, extensive AutoCAD proficiency, and strong analytical, communication, and project management skills to drive efficient, cost‑effective

Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering or equivalent (Dipl.-Ing./FH/TH) with minimum 10 years in engine design and related systems.
• Strong system engineering background and ability to coordinate core engine, mechanical drawings, and documentation for electric power and oil & gas projects.

Responsibilities

• Define mechanical system layouts and perform calculations (2D schematics, heat balance, alignments, clearance) for North American engine programs.
• Provide technical support to ensure design interfaces meet requirements and presales needs.
• Collaborate with engineering manager to standardize regional approaches and improve design efficiency.
• Promote cost-effective design solutions and reuse of common engineering designs.

Skills

Analytical Thinking

Effective Communications

Problem Solving

Technical Excellence

Project Management

Education

Engineering degree (Dipl.-Ing.)

Tools

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

About Caterpillar Power & Energy

The Caterpillar Power & Energy Segment (P&E) has a broad portfolio of products and services which include engines, generator sets, and industrial gas turbines along with other related equipment depending on the industry and application. We deliver these products and services to Cat machines, oil & gas, power generation, transportation, and industrial customers.

Caterpillar's Oil & Gas division provides superior products and service solutions to make our customers more efficient and lower total cost of ownership. We offer a wide range of career opportunities across a variety of technical and business roles in engineering and service locations worldwide. Join our team and help build engineering solutions that change the industry. When you join the Caterpillar Oil & Gas and Marine Division (COGMD), you join a global team that helps to power the global energy industry as well as provide power and propulsion on the water.

About The Role

The System Engineer provides and coordinates the contractual required core engine, mechanical engineering drawings and documentation for complete scope of supply for all electric power and oil & gas orders managed from Houston. Beyond the engineering functions, this position is to provide order execution and presales support as required primary for Caterpillar gas engine projects, to ensure we only commit to orders that are within the Caterpillar Motoren capability.

Additional Information

• Located in Houston, Texas
• This role offers relocation
• This role does not offer sponsorship
• This position requires 5 days onsite
• Travel: up to 20%

What You Will Do

• Provide mechanical system definition and calculation by 2D schematic drawings (engine arrangement, cooling system, fuel oil system, lubrication system, exhaust gas system, starting air system & Combined Cycle etc. by AutoCAD and various calculations (heat balance, alignment, back pressure, ventilation volume, fuel/lube oil consumption etc.) for engine and A&I design primary in North America for the electric power and oil & gas segment to ensure that all technical and engineering issues are executed according to contractual requirements and presales needs.
• Technical support to ensure consortium and ancillary equipment meet all design and interface requirements.
• Work closely with the engineering manager/senior mechanical engineer to leverage a common regional approach to engineering issues and designs.
• Promote cost effective designs
• Utilize common engineering designs wherever possible to save engineering time and improve efficiency and quality.
• Ensure technical specifications for such goods are complete

Additional Requirements

• This position requires extensive technical knowledge of the electric power and oil & gas medium speed engine business and related engineering and their ancillary systems.
• Degree in Engineering (Dipl.-Ing.) (University of Applied Sciences/Technical University), Mechanical Engineering specializing in Thermal and Mechanical Process Engineering or equivalent qualifications with a minimum of 10 years of industry experience in this field with prior technical experience and related knowledge of engine and ancillary system designs and applications.

What Will You Have

• Analytical Thinking: Knowledge of techniques and tools that promote effective analysis; ability to determine the root cause of organizational problems and create alternative solutions that resolve these problems.
• Effective Communications: Understanding of effective communication concepts, tools and techniques; ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through the application of appropriate communication behaviors.
• Problem Solving: Knowledge of approaches, tools, techniques for recognizing, anticipating, and resolving organizational, operational or process problems; ability to apply knowledge of problem solving appropriately to diverse situations.
• Technical Excellence: Knowledge of a given technology and various application methods; ability to develop and provide solutions to significant technical challenges.
• Project Management: Knowledge of effective project management strategies and tactics; ability to plan, organize, monitor, and control projects, ensuring efficient utilization of technical and administrative resources to achieve project objectives.

Summary Pay Range

$112,710.00 - $169,060.00

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

Posting Dates

August 3, 2026 - August 16, 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.