Principal Engineer (Nondestructive Testing)

Caterpillar · San Diego · $120,600–$180,900 (stated in the posting)

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Career Area:

Job Description:

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’ GCE Mechanical and Electrical Analysis (MEA) Group is seeking a Principal Engineer specializing in Non Destructive Testing/Examination (NDT/NDE) to support our current gas compressor production and our strategic expansion into advanced product capabilities, including hydrogen compression.

Job Functions:

• Partner with suppliers to develop and implement NDE inspection processes for cast austenitic stainless‑steel housings, including method selection, calibration, acceptance criteria, validation, and documentation.
• Review and enhance NDE processes for low‑carbon steel welds, including acceptance criteria and documentation.
• Evaluate and improve NDE inspection processes across manufacturing plants for cast compressor housings, cast/forged/brazed impellers, stub‑shafts, endcaps, and other critical components.
• Review and update NDE inspection notes on new and legacy engineering drawings to ensure technical necessity, accuracy, and consistency across documentation.
• Work closely with suppliers and Solar’s Supply Chain organization to implement process improvements.
• Review supplier NDE results to accept or reject non‑conforming parts, identify process gaps, and drive corrective actions.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Civil, Electrical, or Materials Engineering.
• Minimum of eight years of direct work experience in non‑destructive testing.
• Practical experience with contact and immersion Ultrasonic Testing, Radiographic Testing, MPI, FPI, and LPI.
• Familiarity with UT beam‑tool simulation for scan‑plan design and validation.
• Working knowledge of ASTM and ASME NDE standards on UT, RT, MPI, FPI and LPI.
• Strong theoretical understanding of ultrasonic and radiographic testing.
• Understanding of defect types and failure mechanisms in steels and alloys, including carbon and low‑alloy steels, austenitic and martensitic stainless steels, nickel alloys, etc.  

Preferred Requirements

• Master’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Civil, Electrical, or Materials Engineering.
• Four years of direct NDE work experience.
• Deep knowledge of Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing.
• Experience with linear accelerators and computed tomography (CT).
• Familia with steel and alloy manufacturing processes.
• Familia with welding and brazing processes.  
• Experience performing stress analysis using Ansys

Summary Pay Range:

Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar. 

Benefits:

Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of 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

Posting Dates:

Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities.  Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.

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