Rotodynamic Design Engineer

Posted:
2/24/2026, 8:14:15 AM

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

Experience Level(s):
Junior ⋅ Mid Level

Field(s):
Mechanical Engineering

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.

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.

Job Summary

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 for customer projects and developmental work. Use state of the art tools to support existing technologies and develop new ones.
  • Work as part of a cross-functional team to support New Products and development programs.
  • Support complex compressor development and validation tests.
  • Updating Rotordynamic and test documentation, creating standard work.
  • Provide field, test cell and manufacturing support to troubleshoot and solve vibration problems.
  • Support Sales with timely response to complex sales inquiries.

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree with 1-3 years of experience, or a Master’s degree with 0-1 years of experience in a Mechanical or closely related Engineering field.
  • 1-3 years of industry experience related to Turbomachinery products and applications.
  • Understanding of finite element analysis methods for vibration analysis
  • Fundamental knowledge of rotordynamics
  • Proficiency in computer programming
  • Demonstrated ability to develop solutions to variety of turbomachinery problems using standard engineering principles and concepts of mechanical engineering.
  • Clear and effective verbal and written communication skills
  • Strong accountability, teamwork, and interpersonal skills

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with centrifugal compressor rotordynamic analysis

Summary Pay Range:

$77,264.00 - $115,896.00

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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