Principal Mechanical Design Engineer

Career Area:

Engineering

Job Description:

Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.

When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other.  We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.

Job Description:

This position in Solar Turbine’s Package NPI team offers a rare opportunity to join a collection of high performing individuals who are working together to develop the most innovative and in-demand turbomachinery products in the energy market today. Meeting the challenges of the world’s growing energy needs, this team is tasked with developing turbomachinery products serving utilities, data centers and the Oil & Gas industry.  The Package NPI team is focused on delivering innovative, next generation solutions and broadening Solar’s product portfolio to establish dominance in new and competitive markets.  Individuals looking to challenge the status quo and work in a dynamic and exciting environment will find a rewarding place on our team where design concepts turn into real world solutions.

Position Overview: 

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Mechanical Design Engineer to join our Package & Systems Development and New Product Introduction (NPI) team. In this role, you will be responsible for the design, development, and implementation of package systems for industrial gas turbine products. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure the successful delivery of high-quality, innovative solutions that meet customer requirements and industry standards.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Design & Development: Develop and maintain detailed 3D models, engineering drawings, and Bills of Material (BOM) to support design implementation and documentation accuracy.   
• New Product Introduction (NPI): Participate in the NPI process, from concept to production, including prototyping, testing, and validation of new designs.
• Technical Support: Provide technical support and expertise during the installation, commissioning, and maintenance of gas turbine packages.
• Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities for design improvements and cost reductions, and implement changes to enhance product performance, reliability, and serviceability.
• Documentation: Prepare and maintain detailed engineering documentation, including design specifications, drawings, and test reports.
• Compliance: Ensure all designs comply with relevant industry standards, safety regulations, and company policies.

Degree Requirement
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field. A Master's degree is a plus. 

Requirements candidates will have

• Mid level 7-12 years of experience in mechanical design, engineering and manufacturing.  Experience working in Agile Scrum teams is a plus.

• Proficiency in 3D modeling (eg: Creo)

•Proficiency with ANSYS Space Claim and analysis methodologies to support simulation‑driven design decisions.  

• Proficiency in FEA and CFD analysis  
 

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:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues.
• Approaches a situation or problem by defining the problem or issue and determining its significance.
• Makes a systematic comparison of two or more alternative solutions.

• Chooses among a diverse set of analytical tools according to the nature of the situation
• Uses flow charts, Pareto charts, fish diagrams, etc. to disclose meaningful data patterns.
• Uses logic and intuition to make inferences about the meaning of the data and arrive at conclusions.
• 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:
• Applies an assigned technique for critical thinking in a decision-making process.
• Identifies, obtains, and organizes relevant data and ideas.
• Participates in documenting data, ideas, players, stakeholders, and processes.
• Recognizes, clarifies, and prioritizes concerns.
• Assists in assessing risks, benefits and consideration of alternatives.

Effective Communications: Understanding of effective communication concepts, tools and techniques; ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through the application of appropriate communication behaviors.
Level Working Knowledge:

Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams and present technical information to stakeholders.
• Delivers helpful feedback that focuses on behaviors without offending the recipient.
• Listens to feedback without defensiveness and uses it for own communication effectiveness.
• Makes oral presentations and writes reports needed for own work.
• Avoids technical jargon when inappropriate.
• Looks for and considers non-verbal cues from individuals and groups.

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 Working Knowledge:

• Ability to plan and prioritize daily tasks to align with overall team objectives.  A proven track record of meeting deadlines and delivering high-quality results.
• Recognizes changing demands and priorities; validates changes with management.
• Obtains information about how current assignments contribute to organizational goals.
• Completes current work according to assigned priorities.
• Responds to day-to-day operational priorities while still making progress on project work.
• Performs at least 2-3 concurrent activities without reducing productivity.

Technical Excellence: Knowledge of a given technology and various application methods; ability to develop and provide solutions to significant technical challenges.
Level Extensive Experience:  

• Mid level 7-12 years of experience in mechanical design, engineering and manufacturing.  Experience working in Agile Scrum teams is a plus.

• Proficiency in 3D modeling (eg: Creo)

•Proficiency with ANSYS Space Claim and analysis methodologies to support simulation‑driven design decisions.  

• Proficiency in FEA and CFD analysis  
• Provides effective technical solutions to routine functional challenges via sound technical competence, effectively examining implications of events and issues.
• 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.

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 Working Knowledge:

• A creative and innovative mindset, with a passion for developing cutting-edge solutions that drive industry advancements and challenge existing paradigms.
• Assists in the development of design concepts and solutions.
• Participates in design reviews and provides constructive feedback.
• Utilizes design software and tools to create and modify designs.
• Documents design decisions and communicates them to relevant stakeholders.
• Follows established design standards and procedures to ensure quality and consistency.

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 Working Knowledge:
• Builds two-dimensional schematics and three-dimensional models to vet concepts.
• Communicates with professionals to understand various requirements of product design.
• Tests and evaluates alternative means of production being considered for use.
• Uses automated tools to design or modify the design of a product.
• Assists in building a complex prototype of product.

 

 

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.

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities.  Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.

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