Senior Principal Gas Turbine Mechanical Design Engineer

Posted 3 Days Ago
Be an Early Applicant
San Diego, CA, USA
In-Office
128K-193K Annually
Senior level
Energy
The Role
Design and develop compressor module hardware for gas turbine engines including rotors, blades, vanes, cases and inlet. Support full product lifecycle from concept and detailed design through testing, MRB activities, root-cause analysis, manufacturability, and cross-functional collaboration to implement design and process improvements.
Summary Generated by Built In

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 part of the new product compressor mechanical design group focusing on the compressor module of the gas turbine engine. This position is responsible for the design and development of engine hardware spanning the rotor, blades, variable guide vanes, fixed stator vanes, cases and air inlet module.

The role supports all phases of the product development lifecycle, including conceptual and detailed design, engineering analysis, development builds, and engine and component test support. Responsibilities also include participation in Material Review Board (MRB) activities, root cause investigations, design refinement and re‑design efforts, and the implementation of process improvements. Success in this role requires close collaboration with cross‑functional teams across engineering, manufacturing, quality, and test organizations.

Responsibilities

• Creates new designs and resolves manufacturing or operational issues, for complex components and systems. Ensuring design acceptance, manufacturing producibility, and validation. Develop project scope to address business challenges and opportunities.

• Applying and developing new technologies and process improvements to achieve greater efficiency, cost reduction and quality improvement.

• Define and implement engineering procedures to make the product or process more reliable, efficient and cost-effective. Understanding functional requirements and translating into detail design documents.

• Leading collaboration with all functional areas to provide a design solution that meets the requirements of the enterprise partners and customers.

Degree and Experience Requirement

Bachelor Degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent

5-10 years experience in similar engineering field

Skills

Design Engineering: Knowledge of designing and engineering products and systems; ability to use principles of mathematics, science, and engineering to develop, analyze, and improve product or system specifications, functionality, and performance.

• Develops detailed engineering designs and specifications.

• Evaluates and selects materials, equipment, and suppliers.

• Conducts feasibility studies and cost analyses to determine project feasibility.

• Designs and develops prototypes and tests to validate design concepts.

• Analyzes and interprets test data to identify design flaws and recommend improvements.

• Collaborates with cross-functional teams to ensure design meets project requirements and timelines.

Product Design and Development: Knowledge of product features; ability to design, build, and develop a new product, technology, or service from concept through to production.

• Builds three-dimensional models with basic materials.

• Communicates with professionals to understand various requirements of product design.

• Tests and evaluates alternative means of production being considered for use.

•  Uses automated tools to design or modify the design of a product.

• Assists in building a complex prototype of product.

Managing Multiple Priorities: Knowledge of effective self-management practices; ability to manage multiple concurrent objectives, projects, groups, or activities, making effective judgments as to prioritizing and time allocation.

• Recognize changing demands and priorities; validates changes with management.

• Obtain information about how current assignments contribute to organizational goals.

• Complete current work according to assigned priorities.

• Respond to day-to-day operational priorities while still making progress on project work.

• Perform at least 2-3 concurrent activities without reducing productivity.

Analytical Thinking: Knowledge of techniques and tools that promote effective analysis; ability to determine the root cause of organizational problems and create alternative solutions that resolve these problems.

Decision Making and Critical Thinking: Knowledge of the decision-making process and associated tools and techniques; ability to accurately analyze situations and reach productive decisions based on informed judgment.

Effective Communication: Understanding of effective communication concepts, tools and techniques; ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through the application of appropriate communication behaviors.

Technical Excellence: Knowledge of gas turbine fundamentals; ability to develop and provide solutions to significant technical challenges.

 

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:

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:

July 15, 2026 - July 29, 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.

Skills Required

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent
  • 5-10 years of experience in a similar mechanical engineering role
  • Knowledge of gas turbine fundamentals and turbomachinery design (rotor, blades, vanes, cases)
  • Experience with product development lifecycle: conceptual and detailed design, development builds, engine/component test support
  • Experience in engineering analysis, root cause investigation, MRB participation, and design refinement
  • Ability to create and work with three-dimensional models and automated design tools (CAD/modeling)
  • Design for manufacturability and ability to ensure producibility and validation of designs
  • Ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams (manufacturing, quality, test) and manage multiple priorities
  • Willingness and ability to work onsite five days a week
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The Company
HQ: San Diego, CA
5,640 Employees
Year Founded: 1927

What We Do

Solar Turbines provides gas turbine packages and services for oil and gas and power generation industries, including gas compressor restage and overhaul, service parts, gas turbine overhaul, machinery management, technical training, modular solutions, and microgrid energy storage solutions.

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