Principal NPI Mechanical Engineer
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. Solar Turbines is looking for a motivated team member to work on New Product Introduction (NPI) using the agile development process. The Principal NPI Mechanical Engineer is responsible for driving the development and delivery of new turbomachinery products from concept through beneficial use. This role leads mechanical design efforts, evaluates and refines design solutions, and ensures they are safe, high-quality, and cost-effective. Success in this position requires strong analytical skills, hands-on engineering expertise, and close collaboration with cross-functional teams throughout the product lifecycle.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
- 10+ years of engineering experience
- Strong foundation in structural mechanics and mechanical design principles
- Proficiency with CAD tools (e.g., Creo) and PLM systems (e.g., Windchill)
- Experience with engineering analysis tools (FEA and/or CFD)
- Knowledge of engineering drawing standards and GD&T
- Familiarity with Agile development processes
- Experience performing stress, torsional, or lifting analyses
Nice To Haves
- Master’s in Mechanical Engineering or related field
- Experience with gas turbine systems and their operation
- Advanced proficiency with analysis tools (e.g., ANSYS, RISA, STAR-CCM+)
- Experience with Ansys SpaceClaim and configurable/linked data structures
- Knowledge of the Agile/Scrum -Process
Responsibilities
- Partner with Product Owners, Scrum Masters, and cross-functional stakeholders to translate business needs into actionable design requirements and engineering solutions
- Develop innovative design concepts, perform trade studies, and execute detailed mechanical design (3D modeling and drawings) to deliver optimized solutions
- Perform engineering analyses (structural, torsional, lifting, and CFD) to validate designs and ensure performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness
- Create and maintain BOMs and product documentation to support accurate manufacturing and product traceability
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and suppliers to ensure manufacturability, quality, and successful procurement, fabrication, and first-article builds
- Investigate field issues, conduct root cause analysis, and drive continuous improvement through corrective actions, design reviews, and technical presentations
- Optimize subsequent designs for manufacturability, durability, quality, and cost
Benefits
- Partial relocation assistance may be offered
- 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
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Principal
