Caterpillar, Inc

Principal Thermal Engineer

Caterpillar, Inc$120K — $180K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Master's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering
  • 6+ years of hands-on experience in thermal modeling and analysis
  • Proficient in flow & heat transfer co-simulation and conjugate heat transfer
  • Strong foundation in thermodynamics, heat transfer, and CFD
  • Familiar with compressor thermal test instrumentation
  • Proficient in Ansys suite, Matlab, and others
  • Knowledge of steel and alloy behavior under extreme temperatures

Responsibilities

  • Integrate supplier and test data to enhance thermal models
  • Perform calculations and CFD simulations to validate data
  • Conduct heat transfer simulations to analyze temperature changes
  • Establish thermal limits and guidelines for new technologies
  • Collaborate with vendors to improve simulation tools
  • Coordinate testing strategies with multiple engineering teams

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Generous paid time off including vacation and holidays
  • 401(k) savings plans with company contributions
  • Flexible spending accounts for healthcare needs
  • Employee assistance programs for personal support
  • Career development opportunities
  • Incentive bonuses for performance
  • Tuition reimbursement for continued education
  • Parental and adoption leave benefits
  • Disability and life insurance coverage
Full Job Description
Career Area:
Engineering

Job Description:

Solar Turbines' GCE Mechanical and Electrical Analysis (MEA) Group is seeking a Principal Engineer specializing in thermal modeling and analysis to advance the thermal capability of Solar's gas compressor product line. This role focuses on expanding compressor operating envelopes to cover high-discharge-temperature and low-suction-temperature applications through advanced modeling, simulation, and testing.

Job Functions:
  • Integrate seal-supplier flow/heat-loss data and Solar closed-loop test data to build and refine flow and heat-transfer co-simulation models. Map thermal profiles across discharge-side subassemblies including balance pistons, dry gas seals, separation seals, and surrounding cavities.
  • Perform analytical calculations and, when required, CFD simulations to validate supplier flow/loss data. Develop guidelines for extrapolating predictions across seal sizes, types, and field operating conditions.
  • Conduct Conjugate Heat Transfer simulations of rapid decompression events to characterize temperature evolution in compressor casings and internal components. Provide recommendations for material selection based on thermal response.
  • Establish temperature limits, flow requirements, and pressure-setting guidelines to support integration of new seal technologies and new suppliers to expand compressor operating envelope.
  • Partner with software vendors to enhance co-simulation tool capabilities and evaluate new tools for improved flexibility, accuracy, and efficiency.
  • Work with Rotordynamics, Aerodynamics, and GCB CLTF testing teams to develop high-discharge-temperature test plans, implement loop modifications, and execute testing in the GCB closed-loop facility.


Minimum Requirements
  • Master's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering.
  • Six years of direct work experience on thermal modeling and analysis.
  • Hands on experience with flow and heat transfer co-simulation and conjugate heat transfer simulation.
  • Strong Foundation in Thermodynamics, Heat Transfer, and Computational Fluid Dynamics.
  • Familiar with compressor thermal test instrumentation including RTD, thermal couples, flow transmitters, flow regulators and control valves.
  • Proficiency with Ansys Mechanical, Flownex, Ansys Fluent, Ansys CFX and Matlab.
  • Knowledge of various types of steel and alloys, for example, carbon and low alloy steels, stainless steel (austenitic and martensitic), and Nikel alloys, and their behavior across extreme temperatures.


Preferred Requirements
  • PhD in mechanical and aerospace engineering
  • Four years of additional direct work experience on thermal modeling and analysis.
  • Familiar Dry Gas Seal and Separation Seals technologies.
  • Understanding of polymers used in seal technology.
  • Experience reading and interpreting pipeline compression station P&IDs.
  • Proficiency with Siemens Star-CCM+.
  • Experience with Python Coding and 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.

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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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