Entry Level Thermal Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Career Area: Engineering 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.

Job Summary: Solar Turbines Inc. has an opportunity within the Custom Solutions Engineering group for a motivated, creative, high performing Mechanical Design Engineer to join an elite team and work in a fast-paced project execution environment.

The successful candidate will be responsible for creating the Creo design of the turbo machinery package systems and components in accordance with the project ACS (Application Check Sheet) definition. This includes fuel, lube, start and other sub-systems that support the package. In addition, design of custom piping, hoses and bracketry will also be a deliverable of this role. The role has accountability for the content, accuracy, and timeliness of the Mechanical Interface Drawing (MID) and overall mechanical definition provided to production and our customers. The candidate may also be responsible for the creation of bills of materials and drawings to support production. They will provide a high level of support, coordination, and communication to other design and support organizations. This may involve coordination with purchasing and suppliers to specify custom components and assist in the resolution of technical issues from the field. Support of inter-departmental and corporate process improvement initiatives such as Lean is also expected. This position requires excellent organization and time management abilities, effective problem solving and communication skills, as well as the ability to work effectively in a team environment. The engineer will apply analysis techniques to design structures, piping systems, and other package components and should have a basic understanding of structural analysis, system design, and turbine applications and installation.

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering
• Minimum GPA 2.8
• Top Candidates Have: Experience with Gas Turbine Systems and their operation
• Knowledge of Linked / Configurable Data
• Experience with Creo Parametric and Windchill
• Ability to work in a fast paced, team environment, capable of handling multiple projects with competing priorities, while meeting project deadlines and commitments

Summary Pay Range: $72,360.00 - $108,540.00 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.

• 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: August 28, 2026 - September 11, 2026

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.

Powering the future through innovative, sustainable energy solutions.

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 39 megawatts.

More than 16,000 Solar units are operating in more than 100 countries with more than 3 billion operating hours.

Solar is a leading provider of energy solutions, featuring an extensive line of gas turbine-powered compressor sets, mechanical drive packages, and generator sets.

Solar’s customers put the company’s products to work in many areas, including production, processing and pipeline transmission of natural gas and crude oil, and generation of electricity and thermal energy for processing applications, such as manufacturing chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and food products.

Solar’s foundation is people and Solar’s culture is one where individual contributions are valued, diversity in the workplace is encouraged, and safety is emphasized in all aspects of the business.

Solar Turbines is comprised of a dedicated and multi-talented workforce of more than 9,000 employees with decades of experience working as a global team.