Senior Principal Engineer at Solarturbines — Houston, TX

Career Area:

Engineering

Job Description

Responsibilities

• This position is intended as an experienced engineering position expecting a minimum of 8 years industry experience.
• Primary role is to fulfill the mechanical engineering needs for Oil & Gas facilities engineering in the support of sales and execution for Solar Turbines products.
• Provides design/analytical mechanical engineering for projects and proposals to assure that design and equipment meets customer specifications and industry codes and standards.
• Will handle drawing specification, creation and modification, P&ID creation and review and equipment specification (vessels, shell & tube, fin fan coolers, valves, piping, electric heaters, etc).
• Will provide mentorship to junior engineers.
• Travels to fabrication sites, installation sites, and customer facilities as needed to support project requirements
• Position requires flexibility with personal schedule to meet deadlines and support occasional business travel
• Ability to work in the United States and able to travel internationally. Prefer he/she has a current US passport

Degree requirement:

Minimum of Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering.

What you need to have:

Technical Excellence:

• Applicant’s background should include familiarity with API, ASME, ANSI, and other codes and standards as applied to mechanical balance of plant equipment..
• Demonstrated proficiency in problem solving and troubleshooting.
• Experience in pipe stress analysis is a plus.
• Experience in using HYSYS is a plus
• 6-Sigma background is a plus.

Effective Communications:

• Effective communication skills, both written and oral, in the English language.

Managing Multiple Priorities:

• Sense of urgency and good organizational skills are required to work with multiple projects and competing priorities.

PROBLEM COMPLEXITY:

Assignments cover a variety of mechanical design problems related to facilities engineering. Must be able to perform detailed analysis and calculations required and document results. Projects range from 1 to 24 months in length, occasionally longer.

WORK DIRECTION AND LATITUDE:

• Works under the direction of project engineer on assigned proposal or project.
• Reports organizationally to Project Execution Engineering Group Manager (Construction Services).
• Performs design engineering, and specifies equipment related to discipline, on assigned proposals and projects under general supervision.
• Follows established processes and procedures without exception.
• Work is generally reviewed for soundness of technical judgment and overall adequacy and accuracy.
• Can initiate and recommend design changes.
• Can initiate and recommend departmental process changes.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work entails active contributions to the development of project drawings such as PFDs, P&IDs, General Layouts, Piping Plans & Elevations, and Piping Isometrics
• Active participation in the preparation and monitoring of project schedule for equipment purchase and engineering deliverables on the project.
• Designs and specifies mechanical equipment and systems as required, typically including pressure vessels, heat exchangers, electric circulation heaters, pumps, compression systems, restriction orifices, manual valves, mechanical in-line devices, spring cans, and spring hangers.
• Creates and issues requisitions for quotation and purchase of all mechanical equipment on a project
• Participates in project design reviews and HAZOP reviews
• Interfaces with suppliers during the definition of equipment scope and throughout project execution
• Assists in design of system operating logic
• Provides field support during fabrication, commissioning, and start-up of designed systems
• Recommends design changes affecting areas of direct responsibility
• Prepares proposal manhours and cost estimates and keep track of the manhours and equipment cost during the project execution.

LIAISON:

• Frequent contact with engineers, supervisors, quality, purchasing, and fabrication to obtain information and give technical advice and direction, after proper review, related to assigned projects and proposals.
• Occasional contact with suppliers and customers regarding technical and documentation expediting issues.

BUSINESS CONTRIBUTION:

Completes assigned tasks in a timely and professional manner, thus contributing to organizational effectiveness

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Meets customer and company expectations for a quality product
• Provides technical expertise on assigned projects
• Identifies cost reduction opportunities for Solar’s activities
• Assist in the development of departmental standards, processes and Solar Specifications.
• Resolve complex mechanical problems as they arise.
• Project deliverables (documents, calculations and equipment) delivered on time

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS:

• Spanish language a plus but not required.

About Caterpillar

Caterpillar Inc. is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. For nearly 100 years, we’ve been helping customers build a better, more sustainable world and are committed and contributing to a reduced-carbon future. Our innovative products and services, backed by our global dealer network, provide exceptional value that helps customers succeed.

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Summary Pay Range:

$128,470.00 - $192,710.00

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

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Posting Dates:

July 20, 2026 - July 26, 2026