Caterpillar, Inc

Principal NPI Mechanical Engineer

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

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering or related field
  • 10+ years of engineering experience
  • Strong foundation in structural mechanics and mechanical design principles
  • Proficiency with CAD tools (e.g., Creo) and PLM systems (e.g., Windchill)
  • Experience with engineering analysis tools (FEA and/or CFD)
  • Knowledge of engineering drawing standards and GD&T
  • Familiarity with Agile development processes

Responsibilities

  • Partner with Product Owners and stakeholders to translate business needs into design requirements
  • Develop innovative design concepts and execute detailed mechanical design
  • Perform engineering analyses to validate designs for performance and reliability
  • Create and maintain BOMs and documentation for manufacturing traceability
  • Collaborate with teams and suppliers to ensure manufacturability and quality
  • Investigate field issues and drive continuous improvement through root cause analysis
  • Optimize designs for manufacturability, durability, quality, and cost

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 is looking for a motivated team member to work on New Product Introduction (NPI) using the agile development process. The Principal NPI Mechanical Engineer is responsible for driving the development and delivery of new turbomachinery products from concept through beneficial use. This role leads mechanical design efforts, evaluates and refines design solutions, and ensures they are safe, high-quality, and cost-effective. Success in this position requires strong analytical skills, hands-on engineering expertise, and close collaboration with cross-functional teams throughout the product lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

  • Partner with Product Owners, Scrum Masters, and cross-functional stakeholders to translate business needs into actionable design requirements and engineering solutions
  • Develop innovative design concepts, perform trade studies, and execute detailed mechanical design (3D modeling and drawings) to deliver optimized solutions
  • Perform engineering analyses (structural, torsional, lifting, and CFD) to validate designs and ensure performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness
  • Create and maintain BOMs and product documentation to support accurate manufacturing and product traceability
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and suppliers to ensure manufacturability, quality, and successful procurement, fabrication, and first-article builds
  • Investigate field issues, conduct root cause analysis, and drive continuous improvement through corrective actions, design reviews, and technical presentations
  • Optimize subsequent designs for manufacturability, durability, quality, and cost

What You Need To Have:

Educational Background:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Technical Excellence:

  • 10+ years of engineering experience
  • Strong foundation in structural mechanics and mechanical design principles
  • Proficiency with CAD tools (e.g., Creo) and PLM systems (e.g., Windchill)
  • Experience with engineering analysis tools (FEA and/or CFD)
  • Knowledge of engineering drawing standards and GD&T
  • Familiarity with Agile development processes
  • Experience performing stress, torsional, or lifting analyses

Top Candidates Will Have:

Educational Background:

  • Master’s in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Technical Excellence:

  • Experience with gas turbine systems and their operation
  • Advanced proficiency with analysis tools (e.g., ANSYS, RISA, STAR-CCM+)
  • Experience with Ansys SpaceClaim and configurable/linked data structures
  • Knowledge of the Agile/Scrum -Process

Stipend Relocation:

Partial relocation assistance may be offered.

This position requires a 5-days in office schedule.


 

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:

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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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.

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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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