Caterpillar, Inc

Principal Heat Transfer Engineer

Caterpillar, Inc$145K — $180K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field plus 6 years' experience, or Bachelor's degree plus 7 years' experience in Turbomachinery Heat Transfer and Secondary Flow.
  • Experience in Heat Transfer Design of Advanced Cooling Systems for Turbomachinery.
  • Proficiency in creating 2D axisymmetric whole engine FE models of gas turbines using ANSYS APDL.
  • Knowledge of gas turbine secondary flow systems and validating analytical models with experimental rig data.
  • Skilled in Ansys Mechanical APDL, Workbench, and 3D CAD applications like Star CCM+, Pro-Engineer/Creo, or NX.
  • Familiarity with 1-D flow network simulation tools.

Responsibilities

  • Define, analyze, and validate turbine cooling systems through experimental techniques.
  • Design and analyze secondary flow circuits and various turbine components.
  • Manage thermal management and conduct transient thermal analysis for engine components.
  • Develop advanced cooling techniques and design methods for efficiency improvement.
  • Lead heat transfer and secondary flow qualification test efforts for engines.
  • Mentor junior team members in design fundamentals while leading a small thermal analysis team.
  • Provide technical leadership for core product improvements and resolve product issues.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
  • Paid time off, including vacation, holidays, and volunteer time.
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan.
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) options.
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) available.
  • Health lifestyle programs to promote wellness.
  • Employee Assistance Program for personal support.
  • Career development opportunities and incentive bonuses.
  • Disability insurance and life insurance coverage.
  • Parental leave and adoption benefits.
  • Tuition reimbursement for further education support.
Full Job Description
Solar Turbines Incorporated seeks Principal Heat Transfer Engineer at its facility located at 2200 Pacific Hwy, San Diego, CA 92101. Provide preliminary details of definition, analysis and experimental validation of turbine cooling systems. Work with design and analysis of secondary flow circuits, turbine disks, turbine diaphragms, and cooled airfoils. Manage engine thermal management and transient thermal analysis including seal and rotor tip behavior, development of advanced cooling techniques, and design methods. Design and analyze existing and new uprated turbine cooling systems. Create advanced finite element analysis predictive models of gas turbine equipment. Part of cross-functional design team meeting on turbine enhancement program. Lead heat transfer and secondary flow engine qualification test efforts. Mentor less experienced team members on design fundamentals and act in in a leading role on a small team of thermal analysts. Responsible for thermal management of Solar's gas turbine products and use advanced design and analysis tools to improve turbine efficiency and durability. Provide technical leadership for core product improvement efforts including product problem resolutions, product inquiries, field failures, engine uprates, and any other customer needs. Develop finite element (FE) and computation fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling best practices, implement quality control procedures, and create standard work for others to follow. Responsible for 1D flow network simulation tools. Utilize engineering and analytical skills to apply relevant principles, theories, and concepts while collaborating within the team. Up to 20% domestic & international travel to universities to design experimental rigs, and to company facilities to supervise engine tests. REQS: This position requires a master's degree or foreign equivalent in Mechanical Engineering or a related field, plus 6 years of experience in Turbomachinery Heat Transfer and Secondary Flow or related occupation. In the alternative will accept bachelor's degree or foreign equivalent in Mechanical Engineering or a related field, plus 7 years of experience in Turbomachinery Heat Transfer and Secondary Flow or related occupation. Additionally, the applicant must have employment experience with: (1) Heat Transfer Design of Advanced Cooling Systems for Turbomachinery; (2) 2D axisymmetric whole engine FE models of gas turbines using ANSYS APDL; (3) Gas turbine secondary flow systems; (4) Validating analytical models with experimental rig and engine data for cooled turbine airfoils; (5) Ansys Mechanical APDL and Workbench, Star CCM+ Pro-Engineer/Creo, NX, Space claim or other 3D CAD application equivalent; and (6) 1-D flow network simulation tools. Travel Requirements: Summary Pay Range: $145,642.00 - $ 180,900.00 per year. Compensation and benefits 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. 344 Medical, dental, and vision benefits* 344 Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)* 344 401(k) savings plans* 344 Health Savings Account (HSA)* 344 Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)* 344 Health Lifestyle Programs* 344 Employee Assistance Program* 344 Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts* 344 Career Development* 344 Incentive bonus* 344 Disability benefits 344 Life Insurance 344 Parental leave 344 Adoption benefits 344 Tuition Reimbursement * These benefits also apply to part-time employees Applicants who are interested in this position should apply via www.caterpillar.com/careers, search [Principal Heat Transfer Engineer / R0000367705 # - LI-DNI]. This position requires working onsite five days a week. Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position. Posting Dates: May 2, 2026 - August 29, 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.

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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