Principal Project Engineer

Posted:
2/20/2026, 3:39:38 AM

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

Experience Level(s):
Mid Level ⋅ Senior

Field(s):
Business & Strategy

Workplace Type:
On-site

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.

The Customer Services Upgrades Project Engineer is responsible for managing the technical aspects of Controls Retrofit and Package System Upgrades projects by defining and clarifying project scope internally with the project team and externally with the customer, making sure the as shipped hardware and software design complies with the project definition.

The PE serves as the primary point of contact for technical issues and represents the Regional Project Manager to the San Diego-based project team members and other Solar Turbines disciplines such as Engineering, Manufacturing and Field Services. Exercises technical leadership from booking of the PRU Project through installation and commissioning of equipment. Develops solutions to technical problems of moderate complexity.  Collaborates directly with Project Manager, PRU Engineering team and Project team to ensure all customer technical requirements are understood and any risk is highlighted and mitigated to ensure a successful project.

Principal Accountabilities:

  • Lead Project Technical teams in the supply of PSU and Controls Retrofits
  • Identify and clarify project technical ambiguities, maintaining project schedule and cost
  • Prepare and lead project technical discussions with customers, engineers, manufacturing, certification, compliance and other internal organizations.
  • Lead process improvement programs which improve the efficiency of the Project Engineer role.
  • Contributes to overall quality of the project

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor degree in Engineering or related field; or equivalent technical experience
  • 5-7 yrs of Solar product experience
  • Ability to develop and lead project technical meetings with customers in their time and space, engineers and suppliers
  • Some travel may be required

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Strong technical knowledge of Solar Turbines products, problem solving skills, and excellent written/verbal communication skills
  • Good understanding of the basic theory of industrial control system applications, design, and operation including concepts of power generation, gas compressors, gas processes and surge control systems
  • Demonstrated self-starter with the ability to independently analyze project technical information, identify missing information and remedy, such that complete, clear direction can be provided to the Solar and Customer engineering teams
  • Sensitive and responsive to both internal and external customer needs, flexible and willing to assist others in performance of engineering related tasks

Summary Pay Range:

$120,299.00 - $180,449.00

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. This employer is not currently hiring foreign national applicants that require or will require sponsorship tied to a specific employer, such as, H, L, TN, F, J, E, O. As a global company, Caterpillar offers many job opportunities outside of the U.S which can be found through our employment website at www.caterpillar.com/careers.

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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