Principal NPI Mechanical Engineer

Solar Turbines; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 121,000 - 181,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

Paid time off (Vacation, Holidays)

401(k) savings plans

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Career development

Incentive bonus

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. is seeking a seasoned mechanical design engineer to join our team in a 5-days-on-site role. You will translate business needs into robust mechanical designs, run analyses, and manage BOMs for complex turbines and equipment.

The ideal candidate brings 10+ years of engineering experience, expertise in Creo and GD&T, and hands-on CFD/FEA skills. Collaboration across disciplines is essential and on-time delivery is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field required.
• Master’s degree preferred for advanced roles.
• 10+ years of engineering experience with mechanical systems.
• Proficiency with CAD tools (Creo) and PLM (Windchill).
• Experience with engineering analysis tools (FEA/CFD).
• Knowledge of GD&T and engineering drawing standards.
• Agile/Scrum process familiarity.

Responsibilities

• Partner with Product Owners, Scrum Masters, and cross-functional stakeholders to translate business needs into actionable design requirements and engineering solutions
• Develop innovative design concepts, perform trade studies, and execute detailed mechanical design (3D modeling and drawings) to deliver optimized solutions
• Perform engineering analyses (structural, torsional, lifting, and CFD) to validate designs and ensure performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness
• Create and maintain BOMs and product documentation to support manufacturing and traceability
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and suppliers to ensure manufacturability, quality, and successful procurement, fabrication, and first-article builds
• Investigate field issues, conduct root cause analysis, and drive continuous improvement through corrective actions, design reviews, and technical presentations
• Optimize subsequent designs for manufacturability, durability, quality, and cost

Skills

Engineering experience

Structural mechanics

Mechanical design principles

GD&T

Agile development

CFD

Creo CAD

Windchill PLM

FEA

SpaceClaim

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master’s in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Creo CAD

Windchill PLM

ANSYS

STAR-CCM+

SpaceClaim

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

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.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with Product Owners, Scrum Masters, and cross-functional stakeholders to translate business needs into actionable design requirements and engineering solutions
• Develop innovative design concepts, perform trade studies, and execute detailed mechanical design (3D modeling and drawings) to deliver optimized solutions
• Perform engineering analyses (structural, torsional, lifting, and CFD) to validate designs and ensure performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness
• Create and maintain BOMs and product documentation to support accurate manufacturing and product traceability
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and suppliers to ensure manufacturability, quality, and successful procurement, fabrication, and first-article builds
• Investigate field issues, conduct root cause analysis, and drive continuous improvement through corrective actions, design reviews, and technical presentations
• Optimize subsequent designs for manufacturability, durability, quality, and cost

What You Need To Have

Educational Background

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Technical Excellence

• 10+ years of engineering experience
• Strong foundation in structural mechanics and mechanical design principles
• Proficiency with CAD tools (e.g., Creo) and PLM systems (e.g., Windchill)
• Experience with engineering analysis tools (FEA and/or CFD)
• Knowledge of engineering drawing standards and GD&T
• Familiarity with Agile development processes
• Experience performing stress, torsional, or lifting analyses

Top Candidates Will Have

Educational Background

• Master’s in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Technical Excellence

• Experience with gas turbine systems and their operation
• Advanced proficiency with analysis tools (e.g., ANSYS, RISA, STAR-CCM+)
• Experience with Ansys SpaceClaim and configurable/linked data structures
• Knowledge of the Agile/Scrum -Process

Stipend Relocation

Partial relocation assistance may be offered.

This position requires a 5-days in office schedule.

About Caterpillar

Caterpillar Inc. is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. For nearly 100 years, we’ve been helping customers build a better, more sustainable world and are committed and contributing to a reduced-carbon future. Our innovative products and services, backed by our global dealer network, provide exceptional value that helps customers succeed.

Summary Pay Range

$120,600.00 - $180,900.00

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.

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Posting Dates

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.