Senior Principal Mechanical Engineer

Solar Turbines; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 128,000 - 193,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

Paid time off plan

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. in Houston seeks an experienced Mechanical Engineer with 10+ years in oil and gas compression plant design to support Solar Turbines products. You will develop detailed mechanical designs and mentor junior engineers onsite with global teams.

The role requires knowledge of API/ASME/ANSI codes, PFDs, P&IDs, and field execution from concept through commissioning. Occasional travel and strong English communication are essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum of Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• Master of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering is a plus.
• Professional Engineering License in the State of Texas is a plus.
• Familiarity with API, ASME, ANSI codes and standards.
• Able to travel internationally and work in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Develop project drawings such as PFDs, P&IDs, General Layouts and Piping Elevations.
• Design and specify mechanical equipment for projects and proposals.
• Mentor junior engineers and support project execution.
• Interface with suppliers and participate in design reviews (HAZOP).
• Prepare manhours and cost estimates; monitor on‑project spend.

Skills

Problem solving

Mechanical design

Communication skills

Leadership/Mentorship

Education

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (plus)

Tools

HYSYS

PFDs and P&IDs design

Equipment specification (vessels, exchangers)

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.

• This position is intended as an experienced Mechanical Engineering position with a minimum of 10 years industry experience.
• Primary role is to fulfill the mechanical engineering needs for Oil & Gas compression plant engineering in the support of sales and execution for Solar Turbines products.
• Provides design/analytical mechanical engineering for projects and proposals to ensure that design and equipment meets customer specifications and industry codes and standards.
• Will handle drawing specifications, creation and modification, Piping & Instrument Diagram (P&ID) creation and review and equipment specification (vessels, shell & tube, fin fan coolers, valves, piping, electric heaters, filter/coalescers, etc).
• Will provide mentorship to junior engineers.
• Travels to fabrication sites, installation sites, and customer facilities as needed to support project requirements
• Position requires flexibility with personal schedule to meet deadlines and support occasional business travel

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• Master of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering is a plus
• Professional Engineering License in the State of Texas is a plus.
• Applicant’s background should include familiarity with API, ASME, ANSI, and other codes and standards as applied to mechanical balance of plant equipment.
• Ability to work in the United States and able to travel internationally. Prefer he/she has a current US passport.
• Demonstrated proficiency in problem solving and troubleshooting.
• Strong communication skills, both written and oral, in the English language.
• Sense of urgency and good organizational skills are required to work with multiple projects and competing priorities.
• Experience in pipe stress analysis is a plus.
• Experience in using HYSYS is a plus
• 6-Sigma background is a plus.
• Experience with working with a fabrication yard or facility is a plus.
• Basic knowledge of mechanical equipment (turbines, compressors, generators, etc.) is a plus

PROBLEM COMPLEXITY

Assignments cover a variety of mechanical design problems related to facilities engineering. Must be able to perform detailed analysis and calculations required and document results. Projects range from 1 to 24 months in length, occasionally longer.

WORK DIRECTION AND LATITUDE

• Works under the direction of project engineer on assigned proposal or project.
• Reports organizationally to Project Execution Engineering Group Manager (Construction Services).
• Performs design engineering, and specifies equipment related to discipline, on assigned proposals and projects under general supervision.
• Follows established processes and procedures without exception.
• Work is generally reviewed for soundness of technical judgment and overall adequacy and accuracy.
• Can initiate and recommend design changes.
• Can initiate and recommend departmental process changes.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work entails active contributions to the development of project drawings such as PFDs, P&IDs, General Layouts, Piping Plans & Elevations, and Piping Isometrics
• Active participation in the preparation and monitoring of project schedule for equipment purchase and engineering deliverables on the project.
• Designs and specifies mechanical equipment and systems as required, typically including pressure vessels, heat exchangers, electric circulation heaters, pumps, compression systems, restriction orifices, manual valves, mechanical in-line devices, spring cans, and spring hangers.
• Creates and issues requisitions for quotation and purchase of all mechanical equipment on a project
• Participates in project design reviews and HAZOP reviews
• Interfaces with suppliers during the definition of equipment scope and throughout project execution
• Assists in design of system operating logic
• Provides field support during fabrication, commissioning, and start-up of designed systems
• Recommends design changes affecting areas of direct responsibility
• Prepares proposal manhours and cost estimates and keep track of the manhours and equipment cost during the project execution.

LIAISON

• Frequent contact with engineers, supervisors, quality, purchasing, and fabrication to obtain information and give technical advice and direction, after proper review, related to assigned projects and proposals.
• Occasional contact with suppliers and customers regarding technical and documentation expediting issues.

BUSINESS CONTRIBUTION

Completes assigned tasks in a timely and professional manner, thus contributing to organizational effectiveness

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Meets customer and company expectations for a quality product
• Provides technical expertise on assigned projects
• Identifies cost reduction opportunities for Solar’s activities
• Assist in the development of departmental standards, processes and Solar Specifications.
• Resolve complex mechanical problems as they arise.
• Project deliverables (documents, calculations and equipment) delivered on time

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS

• Ability to read/write in technical Spanish is a plus, not required.

Summary Pay Range

$128,470.00 - $192,710.00

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

• 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.