Principal Thermal Engineer

Solar Turbines Incorporated; San Diego (CA); On-site; 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)

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Paid time off

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. is seeking a Principal Engineer to advance Solar Turbines' gas compressor thermal modeling through advanced simulations and testing.

The role aims to expand operating envelopes for high-discharge and low-suction temperatures by integrating data, validating with CFD, and guiding material choices. Applicants should hold a Master’s in mechanical or aerospace engineering with at least six years in thermal modeling, and be proficient in Ansys, Flownex, and Matlab.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering.
• Six years of direct work experience on thermal modeling and analysis.
• Hands on experience with flow and heat transfer co-simulation and conjugate heat transfer simulation.
• Strong Foundation in Thermodynamics, Heat Transfer, and Computational Fluid Dynamics.
• Familiar with compressor thermal test instrumentation including RTD, thermal couples, flow transmitters, flow regulators and control valves.

Responsibilities

• Integrate seal-supplier flow/heat-loss data and Solar closed-loop test data to build and refine flow and heat-transfer co-simulation models.
• Perform analytical calculations and CFD simulations to validate data and develop guidance for extrapolating predictions across seal sizes and conditions.
• Conduct Conjugate Heat Transfer simulations of rapid decompression events to characterize temperature evolution in casings and components.
• Establish temperature limits, flow requirements, and pressure-setting guidelines to support new seal technologies.
• Partner with software vendors to enhance co-simulation tool capabilities and evaluate new tools.
• Collaborate with Rotordynamics, Aerodynamics, and GCB CLTF testing teams to develop test plans and execute testing.

Skills

Thermal modeling

CFD simulations

Conjugate heat transfer

Ansys Mechanical

Flownex

Ansys Fluent

Ansys CFX

Python

RTD instrumentation

Education

Master’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering

PhD in mechanical and aerospace engineering

Tools

Siemens Star-CCM+

Python

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.

Solar Turbines GCE Mechanical and Electrical Analysis (MEA) Group is seeking a Principal Engineer specializing in thermal modeling and analysis to advance the thermal capability of Solar's gas compressor product line. This role focuses on expanding compressor operating envelopes to cover high-discharge-temperature and low-suction-temperature applications through advanced modeling, simulation, and testing.

Job Functions

• Integrate seal-supplier flow/heat-loss data and Solar closed-loop test data to build and refine flow and heat-transfer co-simulation models. Map thermal profiles across discharge-side subassemblies including balance pistons, dry gas seals, separation seals, and surrounding cavities.
• Perform analytical calculations and, when required, CFD simulations to validate supplier flow/loss data. Develop guidelines for extrapolating predictions across seal sizes, types, and field operating conditions.
• Conduct Conjugate Heat Transfer simulations of rapid decompression events to characterize temperature evolution in compressor casings and internal components. Provide recommendations for material selection based on thermal response.
• Establish temperature limits, flow requirements, and pressure-setting guidelines to support integration of new seal technologies and new suppliers to expand compressor operating envelope.
• Partner with software vendors to enhance co-simulation tool capabilities and evaluate new tools for improved flexibility, accuracy, and efficiency.
• Work with Rotordynamics, Aerodynamics, and GCB CLTF testing teams to develop high-discharge-temperature test plans, implement loop modifications, and execute testing in the GCB closed-loop facility.

Minimum Requirements

• Master’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering.
• Six years of direct work experience on thermal modeling and analysis.
• Hands on experience with flow and heat transfer co-simulation and conjugate heat transfer simulation.
• Strong Foundation in Thermodynamics, Heat Transfer, and Computational Fluid Dynamics.
• Familiar with compressor thermal test instrumentation including RTD, thermal couples, flow transmitters, flow regulators and control valves.
• Proficiency with Ansys Mechanical, Flownex, Ansys Fluent, Ansys CFX and Matlab.
• Knowledge of various types of steel and alloys, for example, carbon and low alloy steels, stainless steel (austenitic and martensitic), and Nikel alloys, and their behavior across extreme temperatures.

Preferred Requirements

• PhD in mechanical and aerospace engineering
• Four years of additional direct work experience on thermal modeling and analysis.
• Familiar Dry Gas Seal and Separation Seals technologies.
• Understanding of polymers used in seal technology.
• Experience reading and interpreting pipeline compression station P&IDs.
• Proficiency with Siemens Star-CCM+.
• Experience with Python Coding and Stress analysis using Ansys.

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.