Associate Controls Engineer - Entry Level 2026

Career Area:

Job Description:

Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.

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Job Description

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 23 megawatts. Solar is a leading provider of energy solutions, featuring an extensive line of gas turbine-powered compressor sets.

Job Summary:

Solar Turbines Inc. is looking for a motivated, creative, high performing entry-level engineer to join the Custom Solutions Engineering Value Stream team.

The Engineering Value Stream is a dynamic project execution environment where you, and your Mentor, will collaborate with multiple engineering disciplines with the goal of supporting our Customers and Manufacturing.

The ideal candidate for this position would be an early talent Electrical Engineer, Computer Engineer or Mechanical Engineer, with an interest in electrical equipment design and software programming/testing to control electro-mechanical systems.  

Job Accountabilities:
 Job duties include the design of electrical hardware and control systems for gas turbines, power generators, natural gas compressors, and methane emissions reduction systems. Primary deliverables include electrical schematic drawings and control software (ladder logic) for programmable logic controllers (PLCs).
 
Initial accountabilities may include Software Test whereby candidate would be exposed to how the system operates via simulation software. This position requires coordinating with various organizations within Solar Turbines, including direct interface with external customers. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are imperative. 

The successful candidate will collaborate in an Engineering Value Stream with up to 10 other engineering disciplines. Having the ability to work well with a team, paying attention to detail with a focus on quality, and the drive to deliver on time is critical to this position. A sense of urgency and organizational skills are required to work with multiple projects and competing priorities.

Additional duties include supporting field personnel during commissioning and the resolution of safety critical risk assessments. This position provides opportunities to travel to support Customer Design Review meetings, Hazard and Operability Study (HAZOP) meetings, and support installed equipment in the Field.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering

• GPA 2.8 or above

Top Candidates Have:

• The successful candidate will have educational and/or experience-based exposure to electrical equipment design and control software for PLC applications.

• Direct experience with programming PLCs and Windows-based Human Machine Interface (HMI) systems is a plus. Knowledge of Turbomachinery Electrical Loop Schematics, Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs) and Control Systems is highly desired.

Compensation & Benefits

Actual salary will be based on experience. The total rewards package, beyond base salary includes:

• Annual incentive bonus plan*

• Medical, dental and vision coverage starting day 1

• Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holiday, Volunteer, Etc.)

• 401(k) Savings Plan including company match

• Health savings account (HSA)

• Flexible spending accounts (FSAs)

• Short and long-term disability coverage

• Life Insurance

• Parental leave

• Employee Assistance Programs

• Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts

• Career Development

Summary Pay Range:

$72,360.00 - 108,540.00 

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. 

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.

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