Caterpillar, Inc

Principal Heat Transfer Engineer

Caterpillar, Inc$120K — $180K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • BS degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or equivalent experience.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple complex tasks efficiently.
  • Direct experience in thermal analysis for high-temperature turbomachinery.
  • Advanced degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering preferred, with a focus on thermal/fluid systems.

Responsibilities

  • Utilize engineering and analytical skills to apply relevant principles and concepts.
  • Propose and implement innovative engineering solutions.
  • Actively participate and contribute in team brainstorming sessions.
  • Collaborate within interdisciplinary teams effectively.
  • Work onsite in the San Diego office.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits
  • Paid time off including vacation and holidays
  • 401(k) savings plan
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Tuition reimbursement
Full Job Description
Career Area:
Engineering

Job Description:

As a Principal Heat Transfer Engineer at Solar Turbines, you will join a diverse group of technical experts in the Heat Transfer Applications team as part of the Technology & New Product Development organization. The Heat Transfer Applications team provides preliminary and detailed definition, analysis and experimental validation of turbine cooling systems which include secondary flow circuits, turbine disks, turbine diaphragms, and cooled airfoils. Other areas of responsibility include overall engine thermal management, transient thermal analysis and product support. Opportunities exist to develop advanced cooling techniques and improve design methodology. The Heat Transfer engineer applies in-depth technical expertise to the design and analysis of turbine cooling systems while collaborating with a cross-functional team to ensure all design objectives of the product are achieved.

What You Will Do:
  • Apply and Collaborate: Utilize engineering and analytical skills to actively apply relevant principles, theories, and concepts while collaborating within a close-knit team.
  • Innovate and Implement: Take the initiative to propose, promote, and implement innovative ideas and solutions.
  • Engage and Contribute: Participate actively and contribute meaningfully to team discussions and brainstorming sessions.
  • Collaborate Across Teams: Collaborate efficiently within both interdisciplinary and intradisciplinary team environments.
  • Work Locally: Be prepared to work in person from the San Diego, California office.


What You Need To Have:
  • Educational Background: A BS degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or equivalent
  • Effective Communication: Ability to clearly communicate verbally and in writing. Be able to bring assigned tasks to clear and concise closure
  • Managing Multiple Priorities: Willingness to handle multiple complicated and challenging tasks efficiently
  • Technical Excellence: Direct experience performing advanced thermal analysis with application to high temperature turbomachinery at a leading gas turbine OEM or equivalent


Top Candidates Will Have:
  • Educational Background: An advanced degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering with an emphasis in thermal/fluid systems
  • Product Design and Development: Knowledge of advanced heat transfer design for turbomachinery. Experience creating 2D axisymmetric whole engine finite element (FE) models of gas turbines with Ansys Mechanical APDL. Familiarity with gas turbine secondary flow system design and 1D flow network analysis.
  • Technical Excellence: Ability to validate analytical models (steady-state and transient FEA, CFD) with experimental test data. Experience performing thermal FE analysis of cooled turbine blades and vanes.
  • Product Testing: Experience developing FE modeling best practices, implementing quality control procedures, and creating standard work for others to follow
  • Effective Communication: Strong communication skills with ability to mentor and lead a small team of analysts


Experience with the following software tools is highly desirable:
  • Ansys Mechanical APDL and Workbench
  • 1-D flow network simulation tools
  • Pro-Engineer/Creo, NX, Spaceclaim or other 3D CAD application equivalent
  • Star CCM+


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.

Relocation is available for this position.

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Posting Dates:
August 25, 2026 - September 8, 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.

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.

Internship Programs

Kickstart your career with a Caterpillar internship. Our internships provide invaluable workplace experience and networking opportunities that often lead to full-time employment at our company. As an intern, you will work alongside experienced professionals and gain insights that will benefit you as you advance in your career.

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.

Join Our Team

Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We are looking for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players. Ready to start your journey at Caterpillar, Inc.? Explore our career portal for the latest job opportunities.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with company news, career tips, and industry insights—all from the people who work here. Subscribe to our careers blog and personalize your subscription to receive updates that align with your career interests.

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

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Caterpillar, Inc

More Aerospace & Defense Jobs

Find similar Principal Heat Transfer Engineer jobs: