GTPE Mechanical Design, Group Manager

Posted 3 Days Ago
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San Diego, CA, USA
In-Office
148K-222K Annually
Senior level
Energy
The Role
Manage a team of 8-15 design engineers responsible for gas turbine product problem resolution, design enhancements, manufacturing support, engine assembly and test cell support, and field/customer support. Lead cross-functional collaboration, oversee Windchill change management, prioritize APDM budgets and workflow, drive continuous improvement (Lean), and manage hiring, performance, and career development to meet product and business objectives.
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.

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:

Group Manager primary design responsibilities include product problem resolution (PPR), design enhancements, new production manufacturing support, engine assembly & test cell support, and field support.

  • There will be a strong focus on cross-functional teaming throughout the product lifecycle in the areas of engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, quality, engine build, development and production test, overhaul, field, and customer services.
  • Responsibility for product enhancements, design change integration, Windchill change management and cost management are also key enterprise deliverables.

 

Planning, monitoring and control of the annual APDM budget for product improvement, durability, and sustaining initiatives is required.

  • Accordingly, this position requires prioritization and management of workflow to support key departmental and business goals.
  • Key performance metrics must be monitored to achieve organizational Work Agenda and Business objectives.

 

The Group Manager conducts performance appraisals, mentors, coaches, directs and reviews the work of 8-15 Design Engineers in the group.

  • The position includes active participation in hiring, merit/promotion decisions, employee development and career planning.
  • A key responsibility will be building, developing, and managing a world class team of engineers

 

This role will be reporting to the functional manager of GTPE Mechanical Design 

 

Basic Qualifications:

  • Minimum of a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering or related Engineering discipline, and at least 8 years direct-experience in a gas turbine related field.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of gas turbine design and analysis.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of gas turbine operating cycles; a thorough understanding of engineering principals and design practices.
  • Familiarity with materials and processes, manufacturing methods and test procedures is desired.
  • Experience leading technical people and financial resources is required (ability to lead, coach and teach).
  • Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational, and motivational skills to operate in a cross functional teaming environment.
  • Strong sense of urgency and ability to manage multiple priorities is essential with ability to make practical, risk-balanced decisions.
  • Champion continuous process improvements in Lean workflow management and design process-rigor to improve execution and velocity.
  • Planning, monitoring, and control of the annual APDM budget for product improvement, durability, and sustaining initiatives.
  • Customer-focus with working knowledge of Solar's business processes and enterprise organizational accountabilities (Customer Services, Overhaul, Package Systems, Sales & Marketing, Manufacturing, Supply-chain, etc.)

 

Top Candidates Have:

  • Group manager/Leadership experience
  • MS in engineering or MBA degree
 

Summary Pay Range:

$147,760.00 - $221,640.00

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 22, 2026 - July 6, 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

  • BS degree in Mechanical Engineering or related Engineering discipline
  • At least 8 years direct-experience in a gas turbine related field
  • Comprehensive knowledge of gas turbine design and analysis
  • Comprehensive knowledge of gas turbine operating cycles and engineering design principles
  • Familiarity with materials and processes, manufacturing methods and test procedures
  • Experience leading technical people and financial resources (lead, coach, teach)
  • Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational, and motivational skills for cross-functional teaming
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and make practical, risk-balanced decisions
  • Champion continuous process improvements in Lean workflow management and design process rigor
  • Planning, monitoring, and control of the annual APDM budget for product improvement and sustaining initiatives
  • Customer-focus with working knowledge of Solar's business processes and enterprise accountabilities
  • Conduct performance appraisals, mentor, coach, direct and review the work of 8-15 Design Engineers; participate in hiring and promotion decisions
  • Willingness to work onsite five days a week
  • Successful completion of a drug screen
  • Group manager/leadership experience
  • MS in engineering or MBA degree
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