Senior Principal Engineer (Product Certification)

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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.

Senior Principal Engineer – Marine Certification

Location: Kearny Mesa, San Diego, California

Department: Product Certification Engineering

About Solar Turbines

Solar Turbines, a Caterpillar company, designs and manufactures industrial gas turbine systems used in Oil & Gas, Marine, and Power Generation applications worldwide. Our Product Certification Engineering team ensures products meet global safety, regulatory, and certification requirements while supporting market access across diverse industries and geographic regions.

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Senior Principal Engineer to provide technical leadership for marine certification activities supporting Solar's global product portfolio.

In this role, you will serve as the technical authority for marine certification requirements, working closely with engineering, manufacturing, project teams, customers, and marine classification societies. You will help define certification methodologies, resolve complex regulatory challenges, and support successful deployment of Solar products in marine and offshore applications worldwide.

This position combines deep technical expertise with strategic leadership and provides an opportunity to shape certification practices across a global organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership for marine and offshore certification activities.
• Interpret and apply marine classification society requirements, applicable regulations, and industry standards.
• Develop and maintain certification methodologies, engineering guidance, and compliance processes supporting marine applications.
• Serve as a technical authority for marine certification matters across engineering and business organizations.
• Support product development and project execution teams in the application of marine certification requirements.
• Lead technical interactions with marine classification societies and certification organizations, including DNV, ABS, Lloyd's Register, Bureau Veritas, RINA, and similar bodies.
• Evaluate evolving regulations, classification requirements, and industry standards and determine impacts to products and certification approaches.
• Resolve complex technical and regulatory issues involving marine and offshore applications.
• Mentor engineers and facilitate development of marine certification expertise within the organization.
• Participate in industry committees, technical working groups, and certification-related initiatives.
• Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, field services, and business teams to support successful product certification and market access.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Industrial, Marine, or related Engineering discipline.
• Minimum 12 years of relevant engineering experience.
• Experience with marine certification, regulatory compliance, marine systems, offshore applications, industrial equipment, or related technical fields.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply technical standards, regulations, and certification requirements.
• Proven technical leadership experience within a cross-functional engineering environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with marine classification societies such as DNV, ABS, Lloyd's Register, Bureau Veritas, RINA, or similar organizations.
• Experience supporting certification of marine propulsion systems, power generation equipment, electrical systems, control systems, machinery, or related industrial products.
• Expertise in one or more disciplines including:
  • Hazardous Locations Safety
  • Machinery Safety
  • Pressure Equipment Safety
  • Electrical Safety
  • Functional Safety
  • Chemical & Material Safety
• Experience developing engineering procedures, technical standards, or compliance methodologies.
• Experience mentoring engineers and leading technical initiatives.
• Experience actively participating in standards-development activities,