Materials Engineer

Career Area:EngineeringJob 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 DescriptionSolar 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 SummaryWe are seeking a highly motivated Materials Engineer to provide technical leadership and engineering support for metallic materials used across gas turbines and gas compressor products. The successful candidate will possess expertise in the selection, qualification, processing, performance evaluation, and failure analysis of ferrous alloys, including stainless steels, precipitation-hardened stainless steels, and carbon/low-alloy steels used in demanding industrial environments.This role will support the full product lifecycle, from new product development and supplier qualification to field issue resolution and continuous product improvement. The engineer will work closely with design engineering, manufacturing, quality, procurement, suppliers, and service teams to ensure material reliability, performance, and compliance.Principal Accountabilities:Provide materials engineering support for gas turbine and gas compressor components, including rotating and stationary hardware.Evaluate, select, and qualify metallic materials such as:SS410 and related martensitic stainless steels17-4 PH and other precipitation-hardened stainless steelsCarbon steels and low-alloy steelsOther ferrous alloys used in turbomachinery applicationsDevelop material specifications, technical requirements, and qualification plans.Support component design teams through material selection and mechanical property assessments.Investigate material-related failures using metallographic, mechanical, chemical, and fractographic analysis techniques.Lead root cause analysis and corrective action activities for manufacturing, supplier, and field issues.Assess material performance under:Elevated temperaturesHigh-pressure environmentsCorrosion and erosion conditionsCyclic loading and fatigueWear and surface degradation mechanismsCollaborate with suppliers and laboratories on material development, testing, and process qualification programs.Review and approve material certifications, manufacturing processes, heat treatments, welding procedures, and inspection requirements.Support repair development and life assessment activities for critical turbomachinery components.Generate technical reports and present findings to engineering leadership, customers, and cross-functional teams.Monitor industry trends, standards, and emerging material technologies relevant to turbomachinery applications.Basic Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in Materials Science & Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.Minimum 8+ years of relevant industrial experienceStrong knowledge of ferrous metallurgy, including:Martensitic stainless steelsPrecipitation-hardened stainless steelsCarbon and low-alloy steelsExperience with heat treatment processes and resulting microstructural transformations.Knowledge of mechanical testing methods and material behavior including:Tensile propertiesFatigueFracture mechanicsCreepHardnessExperience performing metallographic evaluations and failure investigations.Familiarity with manufacturing processes such as forging, casting, machining, welding, and heat treatment.Ability to interpret industry specifications, material standards, and engineering drawings.Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.Top candidates Have:Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Materials Science, Metallurgy, or a related field.Experience supporting industrial gas turbines, compressors, turbomachinery, energy, oil & gas, or hydrogen infrastructure products.Knowledge of ASME, AMS, ASTM, ISO, API, NACE, and related industrial standards.Experience with corrosion mechanisms including stress corrosion cracking, hydrogen-assisted cracking, hydrogen embrittlement, and sulfide stress cracking.Experience with finite element-based life assessment, damage tolerance, or structural integrity evaluations.Familiarity with additive manufacturing and advanced repair technologies for metallic components.Preferred: Hydrogen Service ExperienceExperience evaluating and qualifying metallic materials for hydrogen-containing environments is highly desirable, including:Hydrogen embrittlement assessment.High-pressure gaseous hydrogen applications.Materials compatibility and degradation mechanisms in hydrogen service.Material selection and qualification for hydrogen compression, transportation, storage, or combustion systems.Testing and characterization of steels and stainless steels exposed to hydrogen environments.Key CompetenciesMetallurgical expertiseRoot cause analysisTechnical leadershipCross-functional collaborationSupplier qualification and developmentData-driven decision makingWritten and verbal communicationContinuous improvement mindsetSummary Pay Range:$120,600.00 - $180,900.00Compensation 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 benefitsLife InsuranceParental leaveAdoption benefitsTuition Reimbursement* These benefits also apply to part-time employeesRelocation is available for this position.Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.Posting Dates:October 6, 2026 - October 19, 2026Any 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.SummaryLocation: San Diego, CaliforniaType: Full time