Demo

Sr Principal Engineer

Solar Turbines
San Diego, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 1/8/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 2/14/2026
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.

About the Role:

The Turbine Production Engineering (TPE) department provides our manufacturing, operations, and supply chain partners with technical engineering support related to Solar’s gas turbine components and assemblies. TPE engineers are expected to support all engine model lines with respect to their accountable part family.

This position requires extensive collaboration with internal customers within manufacturing, operations, supply chain, and design engineering to address component quality, cost, and velocity. TPE engineers must be able to interpret functional design requirements, detailed engineering specifications, and manufacturing methods for a wide range of component types including castings, forgings, machining, and fabrications. The individual is responsible for executing projects through structured approaches such as Six Sigma and Lean methodologies. Engineers are expected to work closely with multi-disciplinary engineering teams to promote the product’s quality and durability. Ability to be proactive and work in fast-paced manufacturing environment is mandatory. Some travel may be required.

The TPE Product Quality Engineer primary roles are:

  • Be a first responder to provide technical support for all new manufacturing operations.
  • Be the authoritative body for dispositioning discrepant material (MRB Non-conformances).
  • Be responsible for dimensional & process integrity when reviewing and approving PPAP qualifications.
  • Drive process rigor for sustained long term manufacturing and quality improvements.

What You Need To Have

A Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering / Manufacturing Engineering or closely related degree with engineering-related experience is required. This individual should possess a fundamental knowledge of design practices, quality management systems, and manufacturing processes. Must be a proactive self-starter with strong communication skills who works well with teams and demonstrates a high sense of urgency when needed. This position requires consistent time & priority management skills balanced with attention to detail. Top candidates need to have a strong desire to learn and expand their process knowledge and collaboratively lead diverse skillsets across the organization. Individual provides technical leadership.

Education & Experience Background:

  • A Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering / Manufacturing Engineering or closely related degree with over 10 years of engineering-related experience is required.

Effective Communications:

  • Must be a proactive self-starter with strong communication skills who works well with others.
  • Demonstrates a high sense of urgency when needed.

Managing Multiple Priorities:

  • This position also requires multi-tasking skills balanced with attention to detail.

Project Management & Communication skills:

  • Leads and works well with diverse skillset teams
  • Excellent written & verbal communication, project management, and leadership skills are highly desirable.
  • Ability to organize & execute assigned tasks in team environment to meet expected deliverables.

Technical Excellence:

  • Provides technical leadership
  • This individual should possess knowledge of design practices, quality management systems, and manufacturing processes.
  • Fundamental knowledge and experience with quality systems and processes such as:
  • RCCA, BIQ, COR/CAR, PPAP, RN/RTA, etc.
  • Ability to lead & collaborate with teams of diverse skillset
  • Ability to read Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T ASME-Y 14.5M-1994)
  • Ability to read and interpret results from CMM, ATOS, and similar inspection reports.
  • Basic knowledge of Pro-E CREO, or similar CAD systems
  • Basic knowledge of machining and NDT inspection processes

Top Candidates Will Have:

Technical Excellence:

  • Knowledge of Turbomachinery Design, Manufacturing and/or Supplier Technical Experience
  • Knowledge of mechanical design engineering methodologies
  • Basic knowledge of Manufacturing Processes for some or most processes involving:
  • Investment / sand castings, forgings, sheet metal forming, precision machined components, plating/coating, heat treatments, brazing/welding
  • Experience in the review and disposition of discrepant material
  • 6Sigma Black Belt & DMAIC training & experience
  • Demonstrated capability to perform data analytics and creating digital solutions

Proactiveness:

  • Candidate should be capable of working effectively, under their own initiative, with minimal direction.
  • Candidate should be able to think outside the box and develop creative solutions on their own with collaboration from SME’s in relevant areas.

Summary Pay Range:

$125,925.00 - $188,887.00

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.

Relocation is available for this position.

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position. This employer is not currently hiring foreign national applicants that require or will require sponsorship tied to a specific employer, such as, H, L, TN, F, J, E, O. As a global company, Caterpillar offers many job opportunities outside of the U.S which can be found through our employment website at www.caterpillar.com/careers.

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 : $125,925 - $188,887

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