Demo

Principal Quality Engineer

Solar Turbines
San Diego, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 5/18/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 6/17/2026
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.

KNOWLEDGE: A thorough knowledge of Quality Engineering principles, theories, and concepts. A thorough working knowledge of practices, methods, and techniques required for compliance to ISO 9001 : 2005 requirements

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

  • Responsible for program, product, or projects of moderate to significant complexity that might involve several organizations. At times, functions as a technical lead and monitors work of others. Leads internal audits and is the primary contact during external audits by third parties.
  • Determines the feasibility of goals and sets project priorities. Incorporates complex and diverse requirements into workable quality standards, methods to Improve products and our means of assuring quality is built into the manufacturing process. Identifies employee training needs to support quality programs. Develops and delivers training programs. Frequent interorganizational and/or customer contacts.
  • Impacts overall project or section objectives to directly affect quality, timeliness, and cost effectiveness. Researches and develops documents supplier standards, evaluates supplier performance, advises vendors as to Solar requirements, and assists suppliers In improving quality. Documents receiving Inspection processes and criteria.
  • Directs programs to assure accurate and state of the art methods and devices. Develops long range programs to build quality Into product and eliminate separate inspections steps. provides technical advice and direction to inspection staff.
  • Participates in product engineering from the concept of new products to full production to assure that specifications and standards will result in the highest quality, competitive articles.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • A Bachelors or Science degree in Manufacturing Engineering / Mechanical Engineering or closely related degree with 3 or more years of experience in Quality Assurance or 8 years of hands on Quality Management System (QMS) experience.
  • This individual should possess a fundamental knowledge of quality management systems and manufacturing processes.
  • Must be a proactive self-starter with strong communication skills who gets along well with others and demonstrates a high sense of urgency when needed.
  • This position also requires multi-tasking skills balanced with the ability to pay attention to detail.
  • Ability to read Engineering Drawings, understand design intent, read and interpret results from CMM, ATOS, and similar reports
  • Experience in the review and dispositioning of discrepant material

Summary Pay Range:

$120,600.00 - $180,900.00

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:

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.

Salary : $120,600 - $180,900

If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets

What is the career path for a Principal Quality Engineer?

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the Principal Quality Engineer career path by checking the boxes next to the positions that interest you.
Income Estimation: 
$159,276 - $189,136
Income Estimation: 
$106,451 - $133,778
Income Estimation: 
$83,806 - $99,902
Income Estimation: 
$101,442 - $121,314
Employees: Get a Salary Increase
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Job openings at Solar Turbines

  • Solar Turbines Metairie, LA
  • Career Area: Product Support Job Description: Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc. When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who ca... more
  • 16 Days Ago

  • Solar Turbines San Diego, CA
  • Career Area: Operations Job Description: Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc. When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares n... more
  • 16 Days Ago

  • Solar Turbines San Diego, CA
  • Career Area: Operations Job Description: Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc. When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares n... more
  • 16 Days Ago

  • Solar Turbines San Diego, CA
  • Career Area: Technology, Digital and Data Job Description: Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc. When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a globa... more
  • 16 Days Ago


Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Principal Quality Engineer jobs in the San Diego, CA area that may be a better fit.

  • Mainstay Medical San Diego, CA
  • Please note this is an onsite position in San Diego, CA. Mainstay Medical Mainstay Medical is a medical device company focused on marketing an innovative i... more
  • 1 Month Ago

  • Leica Biosystems Vista, CA
  • Bring more to life. Are you ready to accelerate your potential and make a real difference within life sciences, diagnostics and biotechnology? At Leica Bio... more
  • 8 Days Ago

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!