Principal Rotordynamics Engineer

Posted:
8/12/2026, 8:08:20 AM

Location(s):
California, United States ⋅ San Diego, California, United States

Experience Level(s):
Expert or higher ⋅ Senior

Field(s):
Mechanical Engineering

Workplace Type:
On-site

Pay:
$121k–$150k/yr

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, headquartered in San Diego, California, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Caterpillar Inc. Solar manufactures the world’s most widely used family of mid-sized industrial gas turbines ranging from 1 to 35 megawatts. Solar is also a leading provider of energy solutions, featuring an extensive line of gas turbine-powered compressor sets.

The Rotordynamics Design Engineer position is a challenging assignment for candidates who aspire to excel in rotordynamics of turbomachinery. This role is part of a team which supports a broad range of activities and high-profile development initiatives within Solar. The successful candidate will support in developing new rotordynamic solutions to expand offerings in Solar’s gas compressor product line. They will also evaluate and provide rotordynamic solutions to meet customer requirements from field and sales organizations. This role will work with cross-functional teams to support high-value product solutions and help bring them to completion including manufacturing and testing. This is a highly collaborative environment that offers ample opportunities to grow professionally.

What you will do:

  • Lateral rotordynamic analysis of gas compressors. Use state of the art tools to support existing technologies and develop new ones.

  • Support improvement in rotordynamic prediction capabilities through CFD analysis.

  • Work as part of a cross-functional team to support New Products and development programs.

  • Support complex compressor development and validation tests.

  • Provide field, test cell and manufacturing support to troubleshoot and solve vibration problems.

  • Support validation testing of rotordynamic technologies.

This position requires working onsite five days a week.

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Targeted Salary: $120, 600.00 - $150,374.00

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

  • Extensive work experience in turbomachinery design

  • Advanced knowledge of lateral and torsional rotordynamics

  • Advanced knowledge steady-state and transient CFD analysis, preferably with application to rotordynamics

  • Clear and effective verbal and written communication skills

  • Strong accountability, teamwork, and interpersonal skills

Top candidates will also have:

  • Graduate or Post-graduate degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

  • Intermediate to advanced knowledge of Fortran programming

  • Strong understanding of finite element analysis methods

  • Familiarity with vibration measurement, analysis and diagnosis; preferably in testing, commissioning, and/or field service applications

 

 

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.

Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.

Solar Turbines Incorporated

Website: https://www.solarturbines.com/

Headquarter Location: San Diego, California, United States

Employee Count: 5001-10000

Year Founded: 1927

IPO Status: Private

Industries: Energy ⋅ Manufacturing ⋅ Oil and Gas

Visa Sponsorship: Sponsors work visas