Caterpillar, Inc

Principal Engineer

Caterpillar, Inc$120K — $180K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Civil, Electrical, or Materials Engineering.
  • Minimum of eight years of direct work experience in non-destructive testing.
  • Practical experience with various NDE techniques (UT, RT, MPI, FPI, LPI).
  • Familiarity with UT beam-tool simulation for scan-plan design and validation.
  • Strong theoretical understanding of ultrasonic and radiographic testing.

Responsibilities

  • Partner with suppliers to create NDE inspection processes for stainless-steel housings.
  • Enhance NDE processes for low-carbon steel welds and improve documentation.
  • Evaluate NDE inspection processes across all manufacturing plants.
  • Update NDE inspection notes for clarity and consistency in engineering drawings.
  • Collaborate with the Supply Chain to implement process improvements.
  • Analyze supplier NDE results to manage non-conforming parts.

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
Full Job Description
Career Area:
Engineering

Job Description:

Solar Turbines' GCE Mechanical and Electrical Analysis (MEA) Group is seeking a Principal Engineer specializing in Non Destructive Examination (NDE) to support our current gas compressor production and our strategic expansion into advanced product capabilities, including hydrogen compression.

Job Functions:
  • Partner with suppliers to develop and implement NDE inspection processes for cast austenitic stainless-steel housings, including method selection, calibration, acceptance criteria, validation, and documentation.
  • Review and enhance NDE processes for low-carbon steel welds, including acceptance criteria and documentation.
  • Evaluate and improve NDE inspection processes across manufacturing plants for cast compressor housings, cast/forged/brazed impellers, stub-shafts, endcaps, and other critical components.
  • Review and update NDE inspection notes on new and legacy engineering drawings to ensure technical necessity, accuracy, and consistency across documentation.
  • Work closely with suppliers and Solar's Supply Chain organization to implement process improvements.
  • Review supplier NDE results to accept or reject non-conforming parts, identify process gaps, and drive corrective actions.


Minimum Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Civil, Electrical, or Materials Engineering.
  • Minimum of eight years of direct work experience in non-destructive testing.
  • Practical experience with contact and immersion UT, RT, MPI, FPI, and LPI.
  • Familiarity with UT beam-tool simulation for scan-plan design and validation.
  • Working knowledge of ASTM and ASME NDE standards on UT, RT, MPI, FPI and LPI.
  • Strong theoretical understanding of ultrasonic and radiographic testing.
  • Understanding of defect types and failure mechanisms in steels and alloys, including carbon and low-alloy steels, austenitic and martensitic stainless steels, nickel alloys, etc.


Preferred Requirements
  • Master's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Civil, Electrical, or Materials Engineering.
  • Four years of direct NDE work experience.
  • Deep knowledge of Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing.
  • Experience with linear accelerators and computed tomography (CT).
  • Familia with steel and alloy manufacturing processes.
  • Familia with welding and brazing processes.
  • Experience performing stress analysis using Ansys


Summary Pay Range:

$120,600.00 - $180,900.00

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:

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.

Work You’ll Do

At Caterpillar, Inc., you will have the opportunity to contribute to a variety of groundbreaking projects that extend across the globe. Our commitment to leadership in the industry is unwavering, and we achieve it through a culture that fosters diversity and leadership development.

Explore Job Opportunities and Growth

Caterpillar offers a wide range of job opportunities and career paths, providing a platform for professional growth and development. Whether you're interested in engineering, sales, marketing, or management, Caterpillar has a position that will utilize your unique skills and talents. We are continuously hiring innovative minds to propel our mission forward and maintain our status as industry leaders.

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Benefits and Culture

Choosing a career at Caterpillar means more than just having a job. It means you're part of a team that values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment. We offer competitive benefits to ensure the health and well-being of our employees and their families. These benefits include health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off, alongside unique perks like professional development and diversity training programs.

Innovation and Leadership

Drive innovation and industry leadership as part of the Caterpillar team. We empower our employees to lead from their first day on the job, encouraging continuous improvement and career advancement. At Caterpillar, your ideas will shape the future of our business and the industries we serve.

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Prepare for Your Interview

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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