Rotodynamic Test Engineer

Career Area

Engineering

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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.

The Rotor dynamics Development Test Engineer position is a challenging assignment for candidates who aspire to work both in Rotor dynamics 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 Rotor dynamics 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.

• 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.

• Extensive work experience related to turbo machinery 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

• 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 rotor dynamics

$ - $

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.

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. Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position. This employer is not currently hiring foreign national applicants that require or will require sponsorship tied to a specific employer, such as, H, L, TN, F, J, E, O. As a global company, Caterpillar offers many job opportunities outside of the U.S which can be found through our employment website at

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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