Principal Heat Transfer 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.

Solar Turbines Incorporated seeks Principal Heat Transfer Engineer at its facility located at 2200 Pacific Hwy, San Diego, CA 92101.

Provide preliminary details of definition, analysis and experimental validation of turbine cooling systems. Work with design and analysis of secondary flow circuits, turbine disks, turbine diaphragms, and cooled airfoils. Manage engine thermal management and transient thermal analysis including seal and rotor tip behavior, development of advanced cooling techniques, and design methods. Design and analyze existing and new uprated turbine cooling systems. Create advanced finite element analysis predictive models of gas turbine equipment. Part of cross-functional design team meeting on turbine enhancement program. Lead heat transfer and secondary flow engine qualification test efforts. Mentor less experienced team members on design fundamentals and act in in a leading role on a small team of thermal analysts. Responsible for thermal management of Solar's gas turbine products and use advanced design and analysis tools to improve turbine efficiency and durability. Provide technical leadership for core product improvement efforts including product problem resolutions, product inquiries, field failures, engine uprates, and any other customer needs. Develop finite element (FE) and computation fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling best practices, implement quality control procedures, and create standard work for others to follow. Responsible for 1D flow network simulation tools. Utilize engineering and analytical skills to apply relevant principles, theories, and concepts while collaborating within the team. Up to 20% domestic & international travel to universities to design experimental rigs, and to company facilities to supervise engine tests.

REQS: This position requires a master’s degree or foreign equivalent in Mechanical Engineering or a related field, plus 6 years of experience in Turbomachinery Heat Transfer and Secondary Flow or related occupation. In the alternative will accept bachelor’s degree or foreign equivalent in Mechanical Engineering or a related field, plus 7 years of experience in Turbomachinery Heat Transfer and Secondary Flow or related occupation. Additionally, the applicant must have employment experience with: (1) Heat Transfer Design of Advanced Cooling Systems for Turbomachinery; (2) 2D axisymmetric whole engine FE models of gas turbines using ANSYS APDL; (3) Gas turbine secondary flow systems; (4) Validating analytical models with experimental rig and engine data for cooled turbine airfoils; (5) Ansys Mechanical APDL and Workbench, Star CCM+ Pro-Engineer/Creo, NX, Space claim or other 3D CAD application equivalent; and (6) 1-D flow network simulation tools. Travel Requirements:

Summary Pay Range:

$145,642.00 – $ 180,900.00 per year.

Compensation and benefits 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

Applicants who are interested in this position should apply via www.caterpillar.com/careers, search [Principal Heat Transfer Engineer / R0000367705 # - LI-DNI].

This position requires working onsite five days a week.

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Posting Dates:

May 2, 2026 - August 29, 2026

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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