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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 Description

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 a leading provider of energy solutions, featuring an extensive line of gas turbine-powered compressor sets, generator sets and mechanical drives.  When you join Solar, 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.  Along with our customers and the communities we work and live in, we are building a better world for tomorrow.

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated Materials Engineer to support the development, qualification, and application of advanced high-temperature metallic materials for industrial gas turbine and energy applications. The successful candidate will provide technical leadership in the areas of nickel-based superalloys, cobalt-based superalloys, high-temperature steels, and related manufacturing processes.

This role involves alloy development, materials characterization, failure analysis, supplier qualification, and process development to improve component durability, reliability, and performance in demanding environments. The engineer will work closely with design, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and external research partners to solve complex materials challenges.

Principal Accountabilities

Lead materials engineering activities related to high-temperature alloys used in turbine hot-section and structural components.

• Develop and evaluate nickel-based and cobalt-based alloy systems for improved mechanical properties, oxidation resistance, corrosion resistance, and microstructural stability.
• Conduct materials characterization using optical microscopy, SEM, EDS, EBSD, XRD, DSC, and related analytical techniques.
• Analyze microstructure-property-process relationships and provide recommendations for alloy selection and lifecycle improvement.
• Support alloy development activities including:
  • Melting and remelting trials
  • Forging and thermomechanical processing
  • Heat treatment development
  • Mechanical property testing
  • Qualification and implementation
• Collaborate with suppliers and research organizations to evaluate new alloy chemistries and manufacturing routes.
• Investigate material failures and service-related degradation mechanisms including creep, fatigue, oxidation, corrosion, wear, and environmental attack.
• Support materials and process qualification activities for cast, forged, welded, additive-manufactured, and coated components.
• Develop technical reports, engineering specifications, and qualification plans.
• Apply computational tools such as Thermo-Calc, JMatPro, or related software to support alloy design and process optimization.
• Provide technical mentorship and serve as a subject matter expert on high-temperature materials.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or related discipline.
• 10+ years of industrial experience in metallic materials engineering.
• Strong knowledge of:
  • Physical metallurgy
  • Mechanical metallurgy
  • Phase transformations
  • Heat treatment
  • Materials characterization
  • Microstructure-property relationships
• Experience with nickel-based and/or cobalt-based superalloys.
• Experience interpreting metallographic and mechanical test data.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams.

Top Candidates Have:

• Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Materials Science, Metallurgy, or related field.
• Experience with industrial gas turbines, aerospace engines, power generation, or other high-temperature applications.
• Experience with alloys such as:
  • IN718
  • Waspaloy
  • Alloy 939
  • Rene 41
  • Haynes 188
  • Haynes 230
  • Mar-M alloys
• Knowledge of forging, casting, powder metallurgy, welding, brazing, and additive manufacturing processes.
• Experience with creep, low-cycle fatigue (LCF), high-cycle fatigue (HCF), thermo-mechanical fatigue (TMF), and life prediction methodologies.
• Familiarity with oxidation and hot-corrosion resistant coatings.
• Experience supporting supplier qualification and manufacturing process development.
• Knowledge of Six Sigma, root-cause analysis, and continuous improvement methodologies.

Desired Characteristics

• Passion for solving complex materials challenges.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.
• Curiosity, innovation, and a desire to develop next-generation materials technologies.
• Demonstrated ability to translate technical findings into practical engineering solutions.

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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