NPI Mechanical Design Engineer

Caterpillar•San Diego, CA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

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 Platforms, Technologies, and NPI group at Solar Turbines is driving the development of innovative, next‑generation products that enable customer success across a wide range of industries. We are seeking a technically strong and detail‑oriented Mechanical Design Engineer to join an agile, collaborative engineering environment, focused on delivering high‑impact mechanical solutions. Because NPI work often involves new ideas, evolving requirements, and early‑stage problem‑solving, this role is a great fit for someone who enjoys shaping direction, exploring possibilities, and bringing clarity to emerging designs. Engineers on this team work with general direction, communicate openly, and help move designs from concept through implementation. This role is ideal for someone who likes hands‑on design work, learning quickly, and partnering closely with other teams in a fast‑moving environment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
Some demonstrated experience with Creo for 3D modeling and Windchill for data/configuration management.
Ability to work independently on assigned engineering tasks and deliver reliable results.
Effective communicator with experience in cross-functional collaboration and external customer interaction.
Familiarity with Solar technical documentation and industry standards.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated experience producing and maintaining accurate P&IDs in Promis‑E (V8i), with the ability to work independently on revisions and system updates.
Demonstrated mechanical design expertise with proven, hands‑on experience using Creo for complex modeling and Windchill for configuration and data management.
Experience using ANSYS SpaceClaim and basic analysis tools to support design decisions.
Experience working in Agile development environments and familiarity with DevOps practices, as the team emphasizes iterative design, cross-functional collaboration, and continuous integration to accelerate innovation and delivery.

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain detailed 3D models, engineering drawings, and Bills of Material (BOM) to support design implementation and documentation accuracy.
Develop and maintain Process & Instrumentation Diagrams in Promis-E (V8i), as needed.
Help the Product Owner, Scrum Master, and team translate business needs and design requirements into actionable items to develop and improve product design.
Collaborate closely with a cross-functional team, including mechanical, hydromechanical, software, and electrical, to ensure seamless integration of systems within the overall gas turbine package.
Work with teams across the organization—including Field Service, Supply Chain, and Business Development—to understand technical challenges and contribute to effective solutions.
Apply mechanical engineering knowledge to ensure designs meet performance, safety, and manufacturability requirements.
Utilize engineering tools and analysis methods in complex applications and projects.
Evaluate difficult problems and provide complete, timely solutions using innovative techniques.
Contribute to risk identification and mitigation strategies to ensure program and customer deliverables are met.
Ensure all designs comply with relevant industry standards, safety regulations, and company policies.
Identify opportunities for design improvements and cost reductions, and implement changes to enhance product performance, reliability, and serviceability.
Prepare and maintain detailed engineering documentation, including design specifications, drawings, and test reports.
Provide mentorship to less experienced engineers and contribute subject matter expertise within the team.
Willingness to take on new challenges and acquire cross-functional skills to enhance team capabilities.