Caterpillar, Inc

Sr Principal Engineer - Mechanical Design

Caterpillar, Inc$128K — $192K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or Materials Science
  • 5-7 years of experience in design and engineering
  • Strong technical expertise in gas turbine components
  • Experience in project management and leading teams
  • Demonstrated ability in problem-solving and analytical thinking

Responsibilities

  • Lead design efforts for complex gas turbine components
  • Develop project scopes to address business challenges
  • Implement engineering procedures for product reliability and efficiency
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams for effective design solutions
  • Mentor junior engineers and guide project teams

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits
  • Generous paid time off plan including vacation and holidays
  • 401(k) savings plan with potential employer match
  • Offer of health savings accounts (HSAs)
  • Career development opportunities including tuition reimbursement
  • Flexible spending accounts (FSAs) available
  • Employee assistance program for personal support
  • Incentives and bonuses for performance
  • Life insurance and disability benefits
  • Parental leave and adoption benefits
Full Job Description
Career Area:
Engineering

Job Description:

Nature and Scope:
The incumbent will be part of the Gas Turbine Product Engineering Group (GTPE) and will be responsible for providing technical input to a multi-disciplined engineering team engaged in R&E programs focused on the Taurus 70 and Titan 250 Gas Turbines. The programs involve all aspects from market understanding through concept development, detail design, release of options and variances, first article build and field trials. The position is expected to utilize lean engineering and focus on quality, product problem resolution, lifecycle cost, product performance, durability, serviceability, maintainability, and time to market. This position will interface closely with the other groups within GTPE, Technology & NPI, Turbomachinery Operations, Global supply chain, Marketing, Solutions. Platforms. Engineered., Project Application Engineering, Test Engineering, Overhaul build and test, and Customer Services. Direct interface with external customers will be occasionally required.

Role Definition
Designs, develops, builds, and implements new components, products, or technologies in a self directed manner. Technical expertise with ability to lead projects and mentor others.

Responsibilities
• Leads new designs and teams resolving manufacturing or operational issues, for complex components and systems. Responsibility for design acceptance, manufacturing producibility, and validation. Develop project scope to address business challenges and opportunities.
• Guiding the evolution of new technologies and process improvements to achieve greater efficiency, cost reduction and quality improvement.
• Define and implement engineering procedures to make the product or process more reliable, efficient and cost-effective. Understanding functional requirements and translating into detail design documents.
• Leading collaboration with all functional areas to provide a design solution that meets the requirements of the enterprise partners and customers.
• Requires a degree in an accredited Engineering, Computer Science, or Materials Science curriculum.

Degree Requirement
Degree required

Skill Descriptors
Analytical Thinking: Knowledge of techniques and tools that promote effective analysis; ability to determine the root cause of organizational problems and create alternative solutions that resolve these problems.
Level Extensive Experience:
• Seeks discrepancies and inconsistencies in available information; explains variances.
• Organizes and prioritizes the sequence of steps to be taken to remedy the situation.
• Identifies many possible causes for a problem based on prior experience and current research.
• Approaches a complex problem by breaking it down into its component parts.
• Chooses among a diverse set of analytical tools according to the nature of the situation.
• Quantifies the costs, benefits, risks, and chances for success before recommending a course of action.

Decision Making and Critical Thinking: Knowledge of the decision-making process and associated tools and techniques; ability to accurately analyze situations and reach productive decisions based on informed judgment.
Level Extensive Experience:
• Differentiates assumptions, perspectives, and historical frameworks.
• Evaluates past decisions for insights to improve decision-making process.
• Assesses and validates decision options and points and predicts their potential impact.
• Advises others in analyzing and synthesizing relevant data and assessing alternatives.
• Uses effective decision-making approaches such as consultative, command, or consensus.
• Ensures that assumptions and received wisdom are objectively analyzed in decisions.

Managing Multiple Priorities: Knowledge of effective self-management practices; ability to manage multiple concurrent objectives, projects, groups, or activities, making effective judgments as to prioritizing and time allocation.
Level Extensive Experience:
• Clarifies and handles multiple concurrent and diverse activities.
• Shifts focus among several efforts as required by changing priorities.
• Addresses potential conflicts that impact current delivery commitments.
• Works with or leads others to re-prioritize work and reschedule commitments as necessary.
• Responds to shifting priorities while maintaining progress of regularly scheduled work.
• Demonstrates an expectation that there will be ongoing shifts in demands and priorities.

Technical Excellence: Knowledge of a given technology and various application methods; ability to develop and provide solutions to significant technical challenges.
Level Working Knowledge:
• Provides effective technical solutions to routine functional challenges via sound technical competence, effectively examining implications of events and issues.
• Effectively performs the technical job aspects, continuously building knowledge and keeping up-to-date on technical and procedural job components.
• Applies technical operating and project standards based on achieving excellence in delivered products, technologies and services.
• Applies current procedures and technologies to help resolve technical issues in one's general area of technical competence.
• Helps others solve technical or procedural problems or issues.

Project Management: Knowledge of effective project management strategies and tactics; ability to plan, organize, monitor, and control projects, ensuring efficient utilization of technical and administrative resources to achieve project objectives.
Level Working Knowledge:
• Provides input for Gantt or PERT charts or their equivalent to track project progress and status.
• Under guidance, plans and estimates simple projects.
• Assists in detailed project plans including cost, schedule, and resource requirements.
• Obtains information from stakeholders during the planning stage of a project.
• Produces standard project status reports.

Design Engineering: Knowledge of designing and engineering products and systems; ability to use principles of mathematics, science, and engineering to develop, analyze, and improve product or system specifications, functionality, and performance.
Level Extensive Experience:
• Develops detailed engineering designs and specifications.
• Evaluates and selects materials, equipment, and suppliers.
• Conducts feasibility studies and cost analyses to determine project feasibility.
• Designs and develops prototypes and tests to validate design concepts.
• Analyzes and interprets test data to identify design flaws and recommend improvements.
• Collaborates with cross-functional teams to ensure design meets project requirements and timelines.

Product Testing: Knowledge of product testing approaches, techniques and tools; ability to design, plan and execute
testing strategies and tactics to ensure product quality at all stages of manufacturing.
Level Extensive Experience:
• Coordinates execution of test plans, including resources, strategy, schedules, processes and tools.
• Collaborates with design team to ensure testing considerations are incorporated into system design.
• Recommends tools and techniques for automating, simplifying and enhancing product testing.
• Compares and contrasts alternative testing methodologies and tools.
• Matches testing methodology and tools to product being tested; develops test scenarios and scripts.
• Estimates time, effort and resources required for thorough testing.
Product Design and Development: Knowledge of product features; ability to design, build, and develop a new product, technology, or service from concept through to production.

Level Extensive Experience:
• Develops organizational standards and processes in order to maximize complex product services' efficiency and effectiveness.
• Creates and introduces new techniques that expedite or simplify the development process.
• Supervises the management of multiple and diverse types of products or services.
• Develops proof-of-concept exercises to prove or disprove validity of proposed products.
• Advises on the appropriate solutions to complex product design and development problems.
• Designs working prototypes of a variety of proposed products or services.

Summary Pay Range:

$128,470.00 - $192,710.00

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:
July 15, 2026 - July 29, 2026

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.

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.

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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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