Prin Engineer

Posted:
4/13/2026, 11:33:54 PM

Location(s):
Houston, Texas, United States ⋅ Texas, United States

Experience Level(s):
Senior

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.

JOB DESCRIPTION

• Intended for an experienced mechanical engineer with 8–15+ years of industry experience in facilities and BOP engineering.
• Primary role is to lead proposal engineering for oil & gas and energy facilities utilizing Solar Turbines products, leveraging execution experience and lessons learned to improve front‑end engineering quality and project outcomes.
• Provide design and analytical mechanical engineering to ensure facilities, equipment, and systems meet industry codes, Solar standards, and customer requirements.
• Develop, review, and approve mechanical scope documents, including specifications, P&IDs, layouts, and equipment data sheets.
• Apply sound engineering judgment in early‑stage and ambiguous design environments, typical of proposals and FEED.
• Provide technical mentorship and guidance to junior engineers.
• Position requires flexibility to support fast‑paced proposal schedules and occasional business travel.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline (Master’s degree a plus).
• Minimum 8–15 years of experience in mechanical facilities or Balance‑of‑Plant engineering for oil & gas, pipeline, and energy infrastructure projects.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license strongly preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of ASME, API, ANSI, and related codes and standards as applied to pressure equipment, piping systems, and facilities.
• Demonstrated ability to apply engineering judgment to balance code compliance, safety, operability, cost, and schedule, particularly during proposal or front‑end phases.
• Experience developing equipment specifications, issuing RFQs, and technically evaluating vendor proposals.
• Proficiency in problem solving, troubleshooting, and technical decision making.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Ability to manage multiple proposals and projects with competing priorities.
• Experience performing and reviewing pipe stress analysis (e.g., CAESAR II or equivalent) strongly preferred.
• Experience with process simulation and hydraulic modeling tools (e.g., Aspen HYSYS, ProMax, or equivalent) strongly preferred.
• Authorization to work in the United States and ability to travel internationally; valid U.S. passport preferred.

PROBLEM COMPLEXITY

Assignments involve a wide range of mechanical and facilities engineering challenges, often with incomplete or evolving information. The engineer must independently perform detailed analyses, develop defensible engineering justifications, and clearly document assumptions and decisions. Projects range from early‑stage proposal efforts with limited definition to fully scoped, executable technical bids.

WORK DIRECTION AND LATITUDE

• Works under general direction of a proposal manager, with significant autonomy within assigned proposals.
• Serves as technical authority for assigned Balance‑of‑Plant and facilities systems.
• Performs mechanical design and specification activities in accordance with established Solar processes and standards.
• Work is reviewed primarily for overall technical soundness, completeness, and alignment with Solar sales strategy.
• Authorized to initiate and recommend design changes affecting areas of responsibility.
• Actively contributes recommendations for improvements to departmental standards, specifications, and engineering processes.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Engineering & Design

• Develop and review proposal deliverables including PFDs, P&IDs, general arrangements, piping plans and elevations, and 3D models.
• Design and specify mechanical equipment and facility systems, including but not limited to:

  • Pressure vessels
  • Heat exchangers (shell & tube, fin‑fan)
  • Electric circulation heaters
  • Pumps and compression systems
  • Valves and mechanical in‑line devices
  • Piping systems, spring cans, and spring hangers
    • Support development of system operating logic with process, controls, and electrical disciplines.
    • Perform and review pipe stress analysis and mechanical calculations for facilities piping systems.
    • Leverage process simulation to establish PFDs and confirm compliance with Solar fuel and seal gas requirements as part of front‑end and proposal engineering.

Procurement & Vendor Interface

• Prepare and issue RFQs and requisitions for mechanical equipment.
• Technically evaluate vendor proposals and support commercial bid tabulation.
• Review vendor drawings, data sheets, and calculations for compliance with project and Solar requirements.

LIAISON

• Frequent coordination with engineering, proposal management, quality, purchasing, fabrication, and construction teams to obtain information and provide technical guidance.
• Occasional interaction with suppliers and customers to support technical alignment, clarification, and documentation expediting.

BUSINESS CONTRIBUTION

Completes assigned work in a timely and professional manner, contributing directly to proposal success, project execution quality, and overall organizational effectiveness. Actively identifies opportunities to reduce technical risk, cost, or schedule impact through early engineering involvement.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Delivers high‑quality, safe, and operable engineering solutions that meet customer and Solar expectations.
• Provides technical leadership and expertise for assigned proposals.
• Identifies and recommends cost‑effective design solutions and standardization opportunities.
• Assists in development and continuous improvement of Solar modular standard offerings, departmental standards, specifications, and processes.
• Resolves complex mechanical and facilities‑level engineering issues.
• Ensures engineering deliverables, calculations, and equipment are completed accurately and on schedule.

MISCELLANEOUS

• Spanish language skills are a plus but not required.

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:

April 14, 2026 - April 27, 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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