Caterpillar, Inc

Associate Controls Engineer - Entry Level 2026

Caterpillar, Inc$72K — $108K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Science in Engineering
  • GPA of 2.8 or above
  • Exposure to electrical equipment design and PLC control software
  • Direct experience with PLC programming is a plus
  • Knowledge of turbomachinery electrical schematics is highly desired

Responsibilities

  • Design electrical hardware and control systems for gas turbines and generators
  • Create electrical schematic drawings and control software for PLCs
  • Coordinate with various teams and interface with external customers
  • Support field personnel during commissioning and safety assessments
  • Attend design review and hazard meetings, with opportunities for travel

Benefits

  • Annual incentive bonus plan
  • Medical, dental and vision coverage starting day 1
  • Paid time off including vacation, holidays, and volunteer days
  • 401(k) savings plan with company match
  • Flexible spending accounts
  • Short and long-term disability coverage
  • Life insurance
  • Parental leave
  • Employee assistance programs and discounts
  • Career development opportunities
Full Job Description
Career Area:

Job Description:

Job Description

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:

Solar Turbines Inc. is looking for a motivated, creative, high performing entry-level engineer to join the Custom Solutions Engineering Value Stream team.

The Engineering Value Stream is a dynamic project execution environment where you, and your Mentor, will collaborate with multiple engineering disciplines with the goal of supporting our Customers and Manufacturing.

The ideal candidate for this position would be an early talent Electrical Engineer, Computer Engineer or Mechanical Engineer, with an interest in electrical equipment design and software programming/testing to control electro-mechanical systems.

Job Accountabilities:
Job duties include the design of electrical hardware and control systems for gas turbines, power generators, natural gas compressors, and methane emissions reduction systems. Primary deliverables include electrical schematic drawings and control software (ladder logic) for programmable logic controllers (PLCs).

Initial accountabilities may include Software Test whereby candidate would be exposed to how the system operates via simulation software. This position requires coordinating with various organizations within Solar Turbines, including direct interface with external customers. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are imperative.

The successful candidate will collaborate in an Engineering Value Stream with up to 10 other engineering disciplines. Having the ability to work well with a team, paying attention to detail with a focus on quality, and the drive to deliver on time is critical to this position. A sense of urgency and organizational skills are required to work with multiple projects and competing priorities.

Additional duties include supporting field personnel during commissioning and the resolution of safety critical risk assessments. This position provides opportunities to travel to support Customer Design Review meetings, Hazard and Operability Study (HAZOP) meetings, and support installed equipment in the Field.

Basic Qualifications:
  • Bachelor of Science in Engineering
  • GPA 2.8 or above


Top Candidates Have:
  • The successful candidate will have educational and/or experience-based exposure to electrical equipment design and control software for PLC applications.
  • Direct experience with programming PLCs and Windows-based Human Machine Interface (HMI) systems is a plus. Knowledge of Turbomachinery Electrical Loop Schematics, Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs) and Control Systems is highly desired.


Compensation & Benefits

Actual salary will be based on experience. The total rewards package, beyond base salary includes:
  • Annual incentive bonus plan*
  • Medical, dental and vision coverage starting day 1
  • Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holiday, Volunteer, Etc.)
  • 401(k) Savings Plan including company match
  • Health savings account (HSA)
  • Flexible spending accounts (FSAs)
  • Short and long-term disability coverage
  • Life Insurance
  • Parental leave
  • Employee Assistance Programs
  • Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts
  • Career Development


Summary Pay Range:

$72,360.00 - 108,540.00

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.

This position requires working onsite five days a week.

Relocation is available for this position.

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Posting Dates:
July 1, 2026 - July 7, 2026

About Caterpillar, Inc

Progress Rail Services Corporation, a Caterpillar company, is one of the largest integrated and diversified suppliers of railroad and transit system products and services worldwide. Since its acquisition by Caterpillar Inc. in 2006, Progress Rail has used the Caterpillar international footprint to gain quick and widespread notice and approval across the globe. Product technology, reliability and durability, along with legendary aftermarket parts and service support, have been their keys to success. Caterpillar is the world's leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines and industrial gas turbines. The technology and world reach of Caterpillar, combined with the service standard and historical reliability of Progress Rail, ensures their products and services make a growing impact on the world rail industry. With their acquisition of Electro-Motive Diesel (EMD), Progress Rail is the world's largest builder of diesel-electric locomotives for all commercial railroad applications including freight, intercity passenger, commuter, switching, industrial and mining. EMD is also a global provider of diesel power engines for marine propulsion, offshore and land based oil well drilling rigs and stationary power generation. Electro-Motive is the only diesel engine manufacturer of its size to have produced more than 70,000 engines. This success stems from product reliability, serviceability, load acceptance capability, low operating costs and ease of maintenance with standardized components.

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Make a great first impression. Prepare for your interview at Caterpillar by reviewing common questions and practicing your responses. Tailor your resume to highlight the experiences and skills that make you the ideal candidate for the position you are applying for. At Caterpillar, Inc., every role offers the chance to make an impact. Come be a part of our team and drive the future of our global industries. Your career at Caterpillar is not just about what you'll accomplish, but how you'll grow and the innovation you'll lead. Join us and build a career that matters.
Learn more about Caterpillar, Inc
Size
107,700 employees
Market Cap
$125.3 billion
Industry
Net Income
$2.9 billion
Founded
1925
5 Year Trend
+5.8%
Revenue
$41.7 billion
NASDAQ

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