San Diego, California, United States
Onsite
Not Available
Career Area:
EngineeringJob 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.
Sr. Principal Gas Turbine Performance Engineer — AI‑Accelerated Engineering
Why this role
If you love the rigor of thermodynamics and the satisfaction of making models match reality—and you’re excited about using modern AI tools to amplify engineering impact—this role is built for you. You’ll sit at the crossroads of engine physics, product decisions, and real operating data, building performance models and software that influence everything from new product definition to test cell execution to fielded fleet operations.
What the Performance Group does
The Gas Turbine Performance Group leads concept and advanced cycle studies and delivers calibrated performance predictions for new and upgraded engines. We oversee performance during engine development, support production and acceptance testing, and enable product support teams worldwide with the tools needed to analyze, predict, and guarantee engine performance.
A core part of our mission is building and maintaining the ecosystem (models, workflows, automation, and data pipelines) that turns thermodynamics + test + field data into decisions. Increasingly, our transient cycle models and calibrated physics tools are the foundation for AI‑enabled digital twins—unlocking longer service intervals, better cycle‑count capability, and improved efficiency through operational flexibility.
What you will do
Turn data into engineering decisions.
Analyze acceptance test and fleet/field datasets to trend performance, troubleshoot issues, and monitor aeromechanical/operability behavior across product lines.
Own high‑stakes performance predictions.
Build, calibrate, and defend steady‑state and transient performance models for new products, upgrades, and investigations—where accuracy matters and assumptions must be explicit.
Build the tools engineers rely on.
Develop and maintain the internal software used across design, sales/applications, customer services, overhaul, and customer sites—improving usability, automation, traceability, and confidence in results.
Accelerate engineering with AI.
Apply modern AI techniques:
Collaborate across disciplines.
Work shoulder‑to‑shoulder with design, controls, test, operations, and digital teams to solve urgent problems quickly while also building long‑term capability.
What you’ll love about the work
What you will bring (required)
What sets top candidates apart (preferred)
Tools & technologies (typical, not exhaustive)
About Caterpillar
Caterpillar is a global leader in construction and mining equipment, engines, industrial gas turbines, and diesel-electric locomotives. For nearly 100 years, we’ve helped customers build a better, more sustainable world—committed to innovation and a reduced‑carbon future.
Summary Pay Range:
$128,470.00 - $192,710.00Compensation 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
This position requires working onsite five days a week.
Relocation is available for this position.
Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.
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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