Senior Test Engineer

About the position

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 Incorporated seeks Sr. Test Engineer at its facility located at 215 Centre Park Blvd, Desoto, TX 75115. Plan, schedule, coordinate, conduct and document moderately complex development test programs typically involving newly developed and untested turbomachinery products which may include a variety or complex features. Provide technical leadership-to lower-level Test Engineers. Work on or in support of a wide variety of testing programs, many of which involve complex test procedures, equipment, instrumentation and facilities, often not fully developed and previously qualified. Significant gaps typically exist for resolution of critical program challenges, requiring substantial modification and adaptation of the standard testing methods available. Work with minimal direct supervision, while providing comprehensive technical direction to subordinate engineers, Experiment Shop and Test Lab personnel. Exercise independent technical judgment within area of testing expertise. There is supervisory approval on proposed plans for test programs. Work is reviewed upon completion for adequacy in meeting overall objectives, schedules and budgets. Conduct development test programs of varying complexity, including involvement with complex major programs requiring significant interdepartmental coordination and detailed conceptual test, equipment and facilities planning and provisioning. Propose and specify resources, direct moderately complex testing or support operations, and analyze and communicate test results. Activities typically involve costly test articles and test facilities in a potentially hazardous test cell environment. Technical leader on assignment with responsibility for monitoring work of others. Perform major role in coordination of all activities for assigned test programs with personnel from a variety of departments and occasionally with vendors and customers. Represent the group in providing solutions to moderately complex technical problems associated with specific testing programs. Test work results contribute to achievement of overall product development or improvement program goals. Hardware oriented test programs are inherently costly and demand careful allocation and efficient utilization of resources.

Responsibilities

• Plan, schedule, coordinate, conduct and document moderately complex development test programs.
• Provide technical leadership to lower-level Test Engineers.
• Work on or in support of a wide variety of testing programs.
• Exercise independent technical judgment within area of testing expertise.
• Conduct development test programs of varying complexity.
• Propose and specify resources for testing.
• Analyze and communicate test results.
• Coordinate all activities for assigned test programs with personnel from various departments.
• Represent the group in providing solutions to technical problems.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering or a related field.
• 5 years of experience as a Gas turbine test engineer or in the oil and gas and power generation industry.
• Experience with programming control systems and PLCs (ladder and function block logic) and RSLogix5 and Studio Designer 5000.
• Experience with precision instrumentation and pressure transmitters.
• Experience with generator control including excitation and voltage regulation.
• Experience with variable frequency drive control and VFD devices.
• Experience with dynamic vibration and interpreting common dynamic vibration plots.
• Experience with rotor trim balance and calculation of trim balance solutions.
• Experience with tuning combustion flame temperature with fuel and air.
• Experience with aerothermal performance and energy transfer via thermodynamics.

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