Principal Mechanical Design Engineer
Solar TurbinesAbout the role
Career Area:
EngineeringJob 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.
The NPI Mechanical Integration Team is part of the NPI Design Engineering organization responsible for developing gas turbine solutions for our customers. The team is accountable specifically for engine-to-package integration, engine section to section integration, new engines concept development, design of external hardware, and engine validation phase facilitation.
This role will be primarily focused on the design and standardization of compressor actuation system. Additionally, this role will be providing support to Rotodynamics team on RCA's and development test investigations, developing and coordinating solutions to engine/package interfacing, designing external hardware and participating in engine validation through development testing.
The successful candidate will have the skills necessary to define, lead and execute projects starting from root cause analysis or concept through validation, and implementation.
Candidates must have
- BS or BEng degree in Mechanical Engineering or closely related degree with a mid-level of applied mechanical design work experience
- Gas turbine component / systems mechanical design and analysis experience
- Experience collaborating on cross-functional design teams, presenting on design reviews and documenting design per NPI (New Product Introduction) tollgate process
- Familiarity with gas turbine components / systems, functionality as well as its manufacturing and assembly processes.
- Experience with interpreting, defining, and reviewing manufacturing and assembly drawings
- Basic 2D/3D CAD modeling capabilities (2D concept creation, 3D model creation / modifying)
Top candidates will have
- Experience in design / Finite Element structural analysis (FEA) of components / systems. (i.e., stress, deflection, modal, leakage, harmonic, transients, etc.)
- Experience interacting with external suppliers through concurrent engineering
- Ability to evaluate gas turbine components / systems to prove they meet manufacturing, assembly, durability and functional requirements.
- Exposure to development engine testing (defining instrumentation, supporting engine build and testing)
- Knowledgeable on gas turbine systems operability (start system, lube oil system, control system, secondary cooling flow, etc.)
- Experience defining and implementing engineering procedures for product / process improvements or design engineering guidelines.
- Risk assessment, Failure Mode and Effects Analysis, and Root Cause Analysis expertise.
Skill Descriptors
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.
Level Working Knowledge:
- Approaches a situation or problem by defining the problem or issue and determining its significance.
- Makes a systematic comparison of two or more alternative solutions.
- Uses flow charts, Pareto charts, fish diagrams, etc. to disclose meaningful data patterns.
- Uses logic and intuition to make inferences about the meaning of the data and arrive at conclusions.
- Identifies the major forces, events, and people impacting and impacted by the situation at hand.
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.
Level Extensive Experience:
- Differentiates assumptions, perspectives, and historical frameworks.
- Evaluates past decisions for insights to improve decision-making process.
- Assesses and validates decision options and points and predicts their potential impact.
- Advises others in analyzing and synthesizing relevant data and assessing alternatives.
- Uses effective decision-making approaches such as consultative, command, or consensus.
- Ensures that assumptions and received wisdom are objectively analyzed in decisions.
Effective Communications: Understanding of effective comm
Apply for this role
Generate a tailored application kit with a matched cover letter, interview prep, and CV highlights — in under 60 seconds.
Apply Now →Generate Application KitFree account required — sign up in 30s