Senior Engineer

Caterpillar; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 113,000 - 169,000; Full time

Job summary

Caterpillar Solar Turbines in San Diego seeks a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to join a cross-functional team developing and improving gas turbine hardware. The role emphasizes mechanical analysis of rotating and static components, design for manufacturability, and rigorous design reviews across projects.

You will lead root-cause analysis, develop solutions from concept to validation, and ensure performance, durability, and cost targets while coordinating with manufacturing and supply chain.

Qualifications

• Directly applicable mechanical design work experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or closely related field.
• Experience with concept and detail design principles.
• Gas turbine design and analysis experience.
• Experience using Finite Element Analysis (ANSYS) software to perform detailed modal and structural analysis.
• Experience with reviewing and checking engineering drawings.
• Technical report writing experience.
• Experience with preparing and leading technical Design Reviews.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement new component designs for gas turbine hardware.
• Lead root cause analysis from concept through validation to product implementation for medium to large projects.
• Perform detailed mechanical design work and manage scope under DevOps planning.
• Lead component rig or engine tests including hardware, instrumentation, data analysis, and post-test inspections.
• Support business operations with input to customer services, manufacturing, and supply chain.

Skills

Mechanical design

Gas turbine design

Finite Element Analysis

Technical communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Creo CAD

ANSYS

Windchill

MS Office

Job description

## Senior EngineerApply: San Diego, California: Full time: Posted Yesterday: R0000401188**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.Solar Turbines is looking for a mechanical design engineer to join our energized and cross-functional Mechanical Design team responsible for gas turbines that power energy solutions to our customers. The candidate will work closely with various engineering disciplines to design, develop, and implement new component designs and/or improve existing gas turbine hardware for the continuous improvement of product durability and capabilities for our customers. This role will produce leading edge solutions for a diverse range of projects executed in a productive environment that values strong work culture, best-in-class and diversity. The successful candidate is expected to be a technical generalist able to develop solutions to complex problems using mechanical analysis of rotating and static turbine hardware in addition to being ingenious, creative and applying new concepts. A strong background in gas turbine design fundamentals and secondary cooling flow systems is highly beneficial for this role. The successful candidate will have the skills necessary to successfully define, lead and execute medium to large scale projects starting from root cause analysis, solution concept through validation, and finally product implementation. Additionally, the successful candidate will play an integral role in ensuring that solutions fulfill performance, manufacturing, durability, maintainability, and cost targets. The successful candidate will perform detailed mechanical design work, and manage workscope and execution to align with time sensitive deliverables performed under DevOps planning. When required, the successful candidate will lead efforts related to component rig or engine tests by managing required hardware, instrumentation, scheduling, resultant data analysis and post-test hardware inspections. Strong written, oral and presentation communication skills are required. Additionally, the successful candidate will support business operations when necessary with support to customer services, manufacturing, and supply chain. **Minimum Qualifications:*** Directly applicable Mechanical Design work experience* Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or closely related degree* Experience with concept and detail design principles* Gas turbine design and analysis experience* Experience using Finite Element Analysis (ANSYS) software to perform detailed modal and structural analysis* Experience with reviewing and checking engineering drawings* Technical report writing experience* Experience with preparing and leading technical Design Reviews **Preferred Qualifications:*** Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering* Proficiencies for the following skills and tools:* Geometric dimensional and tolerance specifications (ASME Y14.5-2009)* Creo (or related CAD system)* Design experience with compressor, combustion, and/or turbine section hardware* Practical manufacturing and producibility knowledge* ANSYS Experience in the design and/or analysis of gas turbine components, gas turbine operation and application, materials and processes, manufacturing methods and test procedures* Experience with detailed cross-section stack-ups* Experience with life prediction methods* Experience with turbine blade heat transfer essentials* Experience with Failure Investigation methods* Windchill, Microsoft Office and technical writing### ### **Summary Pay Range:**$112,704.00 - $169,056.00Compensation 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:**October 20, 2026 - November 3, 2026Any 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.Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.### About Us*Powering the future through innovative, sustainable energy solutions.*Solar Turbines Incorporated, headquartered in San Diego, California, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Caterpillar Inc. Solar manufactures the world’s most widely used family of mid-sized industrial gas turbines, ranging from 1 to 39 megawatts. More than 16,000 Solar units are operating in more than 100 countries with more than 3 billion operating hours. Solar is a leading provider of energy solutions, featuring an extensive line of gas turbine-powered compressor sets, mechanical drive packages, and generator sets.Solar’s customers put the company’s products to work in many areas, including production, processing and pipeline transmission of natural gas and crude oil, and generation of electricity and thermal energy for processing applications, such as manufacturing chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and food products.Solar’s foundation is people and Solar’s culture is one where individual contributions are valued, diversity in the workplace is encouraged, and safety is emphasized in all aspects of the business. Solar Turbines is comprised of a dedicated and multi-talented workforce of more than 9,000 employees with decades of experience working as a global team.