Rotodynamic Test Engineer

Solar Turbines•San Diego, CA

1d•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. Job Description 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 Development Test Engineer position is a challenging assignment for candidates who aspire to work both in Rotordynamics and Development Testing. 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 provide support in Rotordynamics topics related to design and operation of centrifugal gas compressors, lead development testing of gas compressors and provide support to test facilities, including data acquisition systems and instrumentation. 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.

Requirements

Extensive work experience related to turbomachinery operations
Advanced knowledge of test facilities with ability to troubleshoot and assist in test setup.
Advanced knowledge in vibration measurements, spectrum analysis and diagnosis of vibration issues and configuring Data Acquisition Systems
Clear and effective verbal and written communication skills
Strong accountability, teamwork, and interpersonal skills

Nice To Haves

Intermediate to advanced knowledge of PLC based control systems
Familiarity with development testing processes and documentation
Familiarity with gas turbine and/or centrifugal compressor operation
Familiarity with lateral rotordynamics

Responsibilities

Designing, planning and leading complex compressor development tests, managing resources and writing detailed test agendas and reports.
Interacting closely with project management, gas compressor engineering groups and test facilities to come up with detailed test plans.
Updating Rotordynamic and test documentation, creating standard work
Field support when needed, including traveling to site for data gathering
Test facility support, setup of data acquisition systems and instrumentation and assisting with test cell troubleshooting.
Lateral rotordynamic analysis of compressors.