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. As a Principal Heat Transfer Engineer at Solar Turbines, you will join a diverse group of technical experts in the Heat Transfer Applications team as part of the Technology & New Product Development organization. The Heat Transfer Applications team provides preliminary and detailed definition, analysis and experimental validation of turbine cooling systems which include secondary flow circuits, turbine disks, turbine diaphragms, and cooled airfoils. Other areas of responsibility include overall engine thermal management, transient thermal analysis and product support. Opportunities exist to develop advanced cooling techniques and improve design methodology. The Heat Transfer engineer applies in-depth technical expertise to the design and analysis of turbine cooling systems while collaborating with a cross-functional team to ensure all design objectives of the product are achieved. What You Will Do: Apply and Collaborate: Utilize engineering and analytical skills to actively apply relevant principles, theories, and concepts while collaborating within a close-knit team. Innovate and Implement: Take the initiative to propose, promote, and implement innovative ideas and solutions. Engage and Contribute: Participate actively and contribute meaningfully to team discussions and brainstorming sessions. Collaborate Across Teams: Collaborate efficiently within both interdisciplinary and intradisciplinary team environments. Work Locally: Be prepared to work in person from the San Diego, California office. What You Need To Have: Educational Background: A BS degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or equivalent Effective Communication: Ability to clearly communicate verbally and in writing. Be able to bring assigned tasks to clear and concise closure Managing Multiple Priorities: Willingness to handle multiple complicated and challenging tasks efficiently Technical Excellence: Direct experience performing advanced thermal analysis with application to high temperature turbomachinery at a leading gas turbine OEM or equivalent Top Candidates Will Have: Educational Background: An advanced degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering with an emphasis in thermal/fluid systems Product Design and Development: Knowledge of advanced heat transfer design for turbomachinery. Experience creating 2D axisymmetric whole engine finite element (FE) models of gas turbines with Ansys Mechanical APDL. Familiarity with gas turbine secondary flow system design and 1D flow network analysis. Technical Excellence: Ability to validate analytical models (steady-state and transient FEA, CFD) with experimental test data. Experience performing thermal FE analysis of cooled turbine blades and vanes. Product Testing: Experience developing FE modeling best practices, implementing quality control procedures, and creating standard work for others to follow Effective Communication: Strong communication skills with ability to mentor and lead a small team of analysts Experience with the following software tools is highly desirable: Ansys Mechanical APDL and Workbench 1-D flow network simulation tools Pro-Engineer/Creo, NX, Spaceclaim or other 3D CAD application equivalent Star CCM+ About Caterpillar Caterpillar Inc. is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. For nearly 100 years, we’ve been helping customers build a better, more sustainable world and are committed and contributing to a reduced-carbon future. Our innovative products and services, backed by our global dealer network, provide exceptional value that helps customers succeed. 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. Relocation is available for this position. Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position. Posting Dates: August 25, 2026 - September 8, 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. Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community .