Mechanical Design Engineer

Solar Turbines Inc

San Diego, CA

JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$89,210–$133,810 Per Year
SKILLS
Analysis Skills, Brazing, Business Operations, Business Support, Career Development, Caterpillar Equipment, Communication Skills, Continuous Improvement, Cross-Functional, Customer Support/Service, Data Analysis, Design Services, DevOps, Diversity, Engineering Drawing, Hardware Quality Assurance, Heat Transfer, Instrumentation, Leading Edge Technology, Manufacturing, Manufacturing Methods, Mechanical Design, Mechanical Engineering, Microsoft Office, Operational Support, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Problem Solving Skills, Process Manufacturing, Product Testing, Root Cause Analysis, Supply Chain, Technical Writing, Technical/Engineering Design, Testing, Welding, Windchill PLM Software, Writing Skills
LOCATION
San Diego, CA
POSTED
10 days ago

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 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 execute 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

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 and/or combustion section

  • Practical manufacturing and producibility knowledge including welding and brazing

  • 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

  • Windchill, Microsoft Office and technical writing

Summary Pay Range:

$89,210.00 - $133,810.00

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:

June 3, 2026 - June 17, 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. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.

Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.

About the Company

S

Solar Turbines Inc

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 is comprised of a dedicated and multi-talented workforce of more than 6,000 employees with decades of experience working as a global team. Solar Turbines offers an excellent compensation/benefits package including medical/ dental/ life insurance, vacation, pension plan, 401(k) plan with matching, an incentive pay program, tuition reimbursement and professional development/advancement opportunities.
COMPANY SIZE
5,000 to 9,999 employees
INDUSTRY
Energy and Utilities
FOUNDED
1927
WEBSITE
https://mysolar.cat.com/