Principal Technician

Career Area:

Manufacturing 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. Requires full proficiency in most every aspect of a specific job role classification Works largely independently in support of project objectives of those requesting assistance Develop approaches beyond established procedures Typically works in a leadership role of a technical support function, or a major development project Requires expert mechanical, instrumentation, calibration and/or materials and processes evaluation technical support skills (i.e. fabrication, setup, installation, instrumentation, calibration, testing, trouble shooting) Contacts are primarily with group management, peers and team members (including cross-functional), and those being supported within engineering. Often consulted by group management for advice / technical input. Consistently demonstrates refined communications and interpersonal skills. Provides constructive feedback. Has demonstrated leadership skills in prior roles, and will typically be directing the work of others. Working independently, or as a key member of a development or support team, routinely applies advanced technical training, procedures and equipment to support the technology and product development and test of Solar's turbomachinery products.

Problem Assignments:

Full proficiency in planning, scheduling, organizing and executing complex technical support assignments involving development of solutions to difficult technical problems. Work often involves new product / process development, requiring new techniques and equipment, which may involve first-article hardware, equipment or processes. Performs complex fabrication, setup, installation, calibration and/or evaluation functions in support of engineering projects. May apply basic engineering analytical procedures to validate data and work task results. Expected to deliver consistent, high quality results, make sound judgements, define and implement corrective actions. Can easily transition to other related work areas / functions.

Impact:

Erroneous decisions or failure to achieve results will adversely impact key development projects or support functions, involving significant delays and cost over-runs. Depending on the nature of the specific job assignment, there could be serious damage to test articles and support equipment, and negative impact on work environment safety.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

The Principal Technician will coordinate efforts between the Aero Test Facility (ATF), Mechanical & Electrical Analysis (MEA) group and Test Engineering as applicable.

Job responsibilities include:

Aero Test Facility:

Ability to run the Aero Test Facility single stage test rig, perform pre-lube checks Check instrumentation, ability to hook up instruments to PLCs Ability to calibrate instruments Coordinate w Metrology/Test Systems for periodic instrument calibrations and test cell control system updates Coordinate with vendors (seals, o-rings, valves, etc.) to ensure consummables are replenished, and parts are overhauled as needed Coordinate with Facilities for the ATF rig upgrade Coordinate with Shipping/Receiving when parts need to come in to ATF (and inventory management)

Mechanical & Electrical Analysis:

Have excellent soldering skill for both surface mount and through hole type components and able to build multistage signal conditioning circuits on perf boards and modify control circuits on purchased PCBs. Have experience with various measurement devices: oscilloscope, current probe, accelerometer, multimeter, LCR meter, bench tope power supplies, power meter, etc. and able to set up test rigs for measuring board level and subsystem level performance including bandwidth, harmonic content, impulse response, and frequency response. Able to read complex system level and board level electric circuit diagram and able to build, maintain, improve and troubleshoot multiple high speed industrial PC based control systems consisting of real-time controllers, analog input and output cards, digital input and output cards, network cards, low/high DC power suppliers, high power switching amplifiers, and various displacements, current, temperature sensing devices. Have knowledge of electrical safety and able to perform log out tag out of high energy electrical equipment up to 480Vac and 500kw. Have the ability to operate lab overhead crane, jib crane and handheld power tools to support assembly and disassembly of mechanical systems up to a few thousand pounds weight. Maintain electrical measurement instrumentation and mechanical measurement tools, including software updates, hardware repairs and upgrades, tracking calibration cycles, and proper storage. Handle lab parts packaging, shipping and receiving.

Gas Compressor Test:

Coordinate test efforts for PTC-10 and air tests for production compressors Coordinate efforts for development tests for Aero as applicable Setup, install and perform pre-checks for mag exciter components during development testing

Minimum Qualifications:

2-3 years of hands-on experience working with electrical or mechanical industrial equipment Basic understanding of PLC systems Experience with soldering

Summary Pay Range:

$77,264.00 - $115,896.00 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

Posting Dates:

May 6, 2026 - May 20, 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. Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community. 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.