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2026 Entry Level Project Applications Engineer

Solar Turbines, Inc.

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$34.79-52.18 /h
PAY RATE
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San Diego, CA
LOCATION

Job Description

As posted by the hiring company

Job Overview:

Career Area:

Technology, Digital and Data

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.

Project Applications Engineers (PAE) and Systems Analysis Engineers (SAE) assist in the direction of Solar’s internal activities associated with supporting the sale of new turbomachinery packages for the Oil and Gas market. The position involves working with senior applications engineers, field sales and a wide cross section of other departments to plan, develop, and execute technical and commercial strategies to successfully compete for new equipment business.

Job Responsibilities include:

  • Assisting with the review of customer specifications
  • Selection and optimization of Solar’s turbomachinery equipment offering pricing custom features, proposal preparation and turning the job over to business management with good technical and commercial definition so that it can be executed efficiently.

Training plan includes:

  • Spending approximately 6 months in systems analysis learning to analyze customer specification, application requirements, and process gas properties for Oil and Gas upstream and midstream compression applications.
  • Understanding process requirements for typical oil and gas upstream and midstream applications
  • Provide compressor set selections and equipment performance predictions by applying state of the art programs and a good overall knowledge of the capabilities and limitations of Solar's turbomachinery products; compressor set selections involve the proper selection of compressor models and Solar standard impellers to meet operating conditions defined, based on the understanding of compressor aerodynamics and thermodynamics.
  • Additional time in other departments will also be spent to understand the functions of the groups that a PAE/SAE interfaces with on a regular basis.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Currently in the process of receiving or have already received a B.S. or higher in Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical Engineering, or related degree.
  • 2.8 GPA or higher on a 4.0 scale.
  • 0-3 years of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Internship(s) in an engineering role.
  • Proficiency in Excel, macros programming languages and functions.
  • Demonstrated communication skills (verbal and written).
  • Sense of urgency and organizational skills to work with multiple projects and competing priorities.
  • Ability to effectively communicate with internal and external customers, with proficiency in communicating technical information.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and complete assigned tasks in a timely manner.

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.

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.

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:

July 15, 2026 - July 29, 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.

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