Solar Turbines

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.

About the Role

Solar Turbines Combustion Department is seeking an Entry Level Gas Turbine Combustion Engineer with a Ph.D. (or completing a Ph.D. before Sept 2025) in a relevant field to join our innovative team. The ideal candidate will bring expertise in combustion kinetics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and analytical and experimental methods applicable to the development of lean-premixed combustion systems. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the development of more efficient next-generation gas turbines that are fuel-flexible, sustainable, and reliable.

Areas of Responsibility

• Contribute to the advancement of chemical kinetics, oscillations, and other combustion system modeling tools and experimental methods employed to optimize emissions, stability, and operational flexibility.
• Design and analyze injectors and combustor liners to enhance fuel-air mixing and thermal performance.
• Investigate axial staging development to improve combustion stability and turbine efficiency.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to integrate combustion system advancements into turbine products.
• Utilize computational and experimental techniques to validate design concepts and optimize performance.
• Stay informed on industry trends, regulatory requirements, and emerging technologies in gas turbine combustion.

Qualifications & Experience

• In the process of completing, or have completed a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline with a focus on combustion.
• Less than 2 years of industry experience.
• Proven expertise in combustion fundamentals.
• Experience with CFD modeling, chemical kinetics simulations, and/or experimental validation techniques.
• Familiarity with combustion-related regulatory standards and emissions compliance.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to develop innovative combustion solutions.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.

Summary Pay Range:

$87,456.00 - $131,184.00

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.

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

Relocation is available for this position.

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 www.caterpillar.com/careers.

Posting Dates:

May 30, 2025 - June 13, 2025

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.

Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.