Associate Controls Engineer - Entry Level 2026

Solar Turbines•San Diego, CA

3d•$72,360 - $108,540•Onsite

About The Position

Solar Turbines Incorporated, a subsidiary of Caterpillar Inc., is seeking a motivated, creative, and high-performing entry-level engineer to join the Custom Solutions Engineering Value Stream team. This dynamic project execution environment involves collaboration with multiple engineering disciplines to support customers and manufacturing. The ideal candidate will be an early talent Electrical, Computer, or Mechanical Engineer with an interest in electrical equipment design and software programming/testing for electro-mechanical systems.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Engineering
GPA 2.8 or above
Educational and/or experience-based exposure to electrical equipment design and control software for PLC applications.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work well with a team.
Attention to detail with a focus on quality.
Drive to deliver on time.
Sense of urgency and organizational skills to work with multiple projects and competing priorities.

Nice To Haves

Direct experience with programming PLCs and Windows-based Human Machine Interface (HMI) systems.
Knowledge of Turbomachinery Electrical Loop Schematics, Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs) and Control Systems.

Responsibilities

Design of electrical hardware and control systems for gas turbines, power generators, natural gas compressors, and methane emissions reduction systems.
Primary deliverables include electrical schematic drawings and control software (ladder logic) for programmable logic controllers (PLCs).
Initial accountabilities may include Software Test, exposing the candidate to system operation via simulation software.
Coordinate with various organizations within Solar Turbines, including direct interface with external customers.
Collaborate in an Engineering Value Stream with up to 10 other engineering disciplines.
Support field personnel during commissioning and the resolution of safety critical risk assessments.
Opportunities to travel to support Customer Design Review meetings, Hazard and Operability Study (HAZOP) meetings, and support installed equipment in the Field.