Caterpillar, Inc

Mechanical Design Engineer

Caterpillar, Inc$89K — $133K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-7 years of mechanical design experience
  • Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering or related field
  • Proficient in concept and detail design principles
  • Background in gas turbine design and analysis
  • Familiarity with Finite Element Analysis (ANSYS) software
  • Experience reviewing engineering drawings

Responsibilities

  • Design and develop gas turbine components for improved performance
  • Conduct mechanical analysis of rotating and static turbine hardware
  • Manage projects from root cause analysis to product implementation
  • Execute component rig or engine tests and analyze data
  • Support cross-functional teams, including customer service and supply chain

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Paid time off (vacation, holidays, volunteer)
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan
  • Flexible spending accounts (HSA and FSAs)
  • Employee assistance program and lifestyle programs
  • Career development opportunities
  • Incentive bonuses and disability benefits
  • Tuition reimbursement and parental leave
  • Life insurance and adoption benefits
Full Job Description
Career Area:
Engineering

Job Description:

Solar Turbines is looking for a mechanical design engineer to join our energized and cross-functional Mechanical Design team responsible for gas turbines that power energy solutions to our customers. The candidate will work closely with various engineering disciplines to design, develop, and implement new component designs and/or improve existing gas turbine hardware for the continuous improvement of product durability and capabilities for our customers. This role will produce leading edge solutions for a diverse range of projects executed in a productive environment that values strong work culture, best-in-class and diversity.

The successful candidate is expected to be a technical generalist able to develop solutions to complex problems using mechanical analysis of rotating and static turbine hardware in addition to being ingenious, creative and applying new concepts. A strong background in gas turbine design fundamentals and secondary cooling flow systems is highly beneficial for this role. The successful candidate will have the skills necessary to successfully define, lead and execute projects starting from root cause analysis, solution concept through validation, and finally product implementation. Additionally, the successful candidate will play an integral role in ensuring that solutions fulfill performance, manufacturing, durability, maintainability, and cost targets.

The successful candidate will perform detailed mechanical design work, and manage workscope and execution to align with time sensitive deliverables performed under DevOps planning. When required, the successful candidate will execute component rig or engine tests by managing required hardware, instrumentation, scheduling, resultant data analysis and post-test hardware inspections. Strong written, oral and presentation communication skills are required. Additionally, the successful candidate will support business operations when necessary with support to customer services, manufacturing, and supply chain.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Directly applicable Mechanical Design work experience


  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or closely related degree


  • Experience with concept and detail design principles


  • Gas turbine design and analysis experience


  • Experience using Finite Element Analysis (ANSYS) software to perform detailed modal and structural analysis


  • Experience with reviewing and checking engineering drawings


Preferred Qualifications:

  • Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering


  • Proficiencies for the following skills and tools:


  • Geometric dimensional and tolerance specifications (ASME Y14.5-2009)


  • Creo (or related CAD system)


  • Design experience with compressor and/or combustion section


  • Practical manufacturing and producibility knowledge including welding and brazing


  • ANSYS Experience in the design and/or analysis of gas turbine components, gas turbine operation and application, materials and processes, manufacturing methods and test procedures


  • Experience with detailed cross-section stack-ups


  • Experience with life prediction methods


  • Experience with turbine blade heat transfer essentials


  • Windchill, Microsoft Office and technical writing


Summary Pay Range:

$89,210.00 - $133,810.00

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:
June 3, 2026 - June 17, 2026

Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.

Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.

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.

Caterpillar, Inc. Careers

Join the robust team at Caterpillar, Inc., a global leader in construction and mining equipment, where innovation drives everything we do. As part of our team, you'll engage in work that improves the world and furthers your career with every project you touch.

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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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