Senior Principal Structural Engineer

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.

Solar Turbines, a wholly owned subsidiary of Caterpillar Inc. is looking for qualified Structural Engineer to provide Balance-of-Plant [BOP] Engineering and Design for projects utilizing Solar’s family of industrial gas turbines.

• This position is intended as an experienced engineering position for candidates with a minimum of 10 years oil & gas industry experience. 
• Primary role is to fulfill the structural engineering needs for prefabricated modular products for oil & gas facilities engineering in the support of sales and execution for Solar Turbines products.
• Structural engineer will be responsible for the civil/structural engineering for balance of plant design of oil & gas projects utilizing gas turbine compressor sets & generators. Typical projects include gas compressor stations, power generation and co-generation facilities, offshore Single Lift Modules for both compression and power generation, and Modular Building Solutions.  “Modular Building Solutions” refers to Solar’s Configurable Modular Prefabricated Building (CMPB). The CMPB is a structural block based building that houses Solar Turbomachinery.
• Provide design/analysis of structural steel projects and proposals to assure that the design meets customer specifications, Solar specifications and industry codes and standards.
• Provide mentorship to junior engineers.
• Assist in meetings necessary to support the lift and transportation (onshore/offshore) of large equipment.
• Travel to fabrication sites, installation sites, and customer facilities as needed to support project requirements.
• Position requires flexibility with personal schedule to meet deadlines and support occasional business travel.
• Work with other disciplines (mechanical, piping, instrumentation, and electrical) to develop efficient structural designs

What you will have:

• Minimum of Bachelor of Science Degree in Structural Engineering
• Master of Science Degree in Structural engineering is a plus
• Professional Engineering License in the State of Texas is required, other states are a plus.
• Applicant’s background should include familiarity with ASTM, ACI, CRSI, ASCE, OSHA, IBC, & AWS.
• Specialty codes:
  • PIP – required.
  • ASCE “Wind Loads for Petrochemical and Other Industrial Facilities  - required.
  • API 2A, NFPA. -  Desirable.
  • Codes used internationally (codes from other countries) – Desirable
• Ability to work in the United States and able to travel internationally.  Current US passport is preferred.
• Demonstrated proficiency in problem solving and troubleshooting.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, in the English language.

• Sense of urgency and good organizational skills are required to work with multiple projects and competing priorities.
• Experience with industry standard software and structural analysis software - STAAD Pro, RAMconnect, MathCAD.
• 6-Sigma background is a plus.
• Experience with working with a fabrication yard or facility is a plus.
• Basic knowledge of mechanical equipment (turbines, compressors, generators, etc.) is a plus

PROBLEM COMPLEXITY:

Assignments cover a variety of structural design problems related to facilities engineering.  Must be able to perform detailed analysis and calculations required and document results. Projects range from 1 to 18 months in length, occasionally longer.

WORK DIRECTION AND LATITUDE:

• Works under the direction of project engineer on assigned proposal or project.
• Reports organizationally to Project Execution Engineering Manager (Construction Services).
• Performs design engineering, and specifies equipment related to discipline, on assigned proposals and projects under general supervision.
• Follows established processes and procedures without exception.
• Reviews engineered products (calculations, drawings, reports, specifications for soundness of technical judgment and overall adequacy and accuracy.
• Initiates and recommends design changes as required.
• Initiates and recommends departmental process changes as required.

What you will do

• Develop structural designs for offshore Single Lift Modules, Modular Building Products, development of civil and foundation designs for land-based compression and power generation equipment, structural skid design for skidded/modular process equipment, preparing project cost estimates, and support of construction activities. 
• Produce Structural Analysis and Design Reports for Modular Building Solutions including connection details and foundation interface loads.
• Actively contribute to the development of project drawings such as Structural Arrangements & Details, Foundation Designs, Civil design, etc.
• Actively participate in the preparation and monitoring of project schedule
• Produce designs and specifications for structural/civil components as found commonly in the oil & gas environment.
• Participate in project design reviews, marine surveys, and various other departmental meetings involving structural issues.
• Interface with suppliers during the definition of equipment scope and throughout project execution
• Assist in the development of documents required for onshore and offshore transportation of large equipment.
• Support the field during fabrication, installation, commissioning, and start-up of designed systems.  Fabrication is normally at Solar’s fabrication facility (TurboFab) in Channelview, TX.

• Recommend design changes affecting areas of direct responsibility
• Prepare proposal manhours and cost estimates and keep track of the manhours and equipment cost during project execution.
• Meets customer and company expectations for a quality product
• Provides technical expertise on assigned projects
• Identifies cost reduction opportunities for Solar’s activities
• Assists in the development of departmental standards, specifications, tools, processes, and equipment.
• Resolves complex structural problems as they arise.
• Ensures project deliverables (documents and equipment) are delivered on time

LIAISON:

• Frequent contact with engineers, supervisors, quality, purchasing, and fabrication to obtain information and give technical advice and direction, after proper review, related to assigned projects and proposals. 
• Occasional contact with suppliers and customers regarding technical and documentation expediting issues.

BUSINESS CONTRIBUTION:

Completes assigned tasks in a timely and professional manner per schedule, thus contributing to organizational effectiveness

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS:

• Ability to read/write in technical Spanish is a plus, not required.

• Minimum of Bachelor of Science Degree in Structural Engineering.
• Professional Engineering License in the State of Texas required
• Applicant’s background should include familiarity with ASTM, ACI, CRSI, ASCE, OSHA, IBC, & AWS.
• Specialty codes:
  • PIP – required.
  • ASCE “Wind Loads for Petrochemical and Other Industrial Facilities - required.
  • Experience with industry standard software and structural analysis software - STAAD Pro, RAMconnect, MathCAD.
  • Ability to work in the United States and able to travel internationally. 
  • Current US passport is preferred.
• Demonstrated proficiency in problem solving and troubleshooting.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, in the English language.
• Sense of urgency and good organizational skills are required to work with multiple projects and competing priorities.

What will set you apart:

• Master of Science Degree in Structural engineering is a plus
• Professional Engineering License in other states is a plus.
• Ability to read/write in technical Spanish is a plus.
• 6-Sigma background is a plus.
• Experience with working with a fabrication yard or facility is a strong plus.
• Basic knowledge of mechanical equipment (turbines, compressors, generators, etc.) is a plus
• Specialty codes:
  • API 2A, NFPA. -  Desirable.
  • Codes used internationally (codes from other countries) – Desirable

 

 

Summary Pay Range:

$128,470.00 - $192,710.00

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.

 

 

 

 

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

 

 

Posting Dates:

July 23, 2026 - August 5, 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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