Principal Thermal Engineer

Career Area:

Job Description:

Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.

When you join Caterpillar yourejoining 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 dontjust 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 GCE Mechanical and Electrical Analysis (MEA) Group is seeking a Principal Engineer specializing in thermal modeling and analysis to advance the thermal capability of Solars gas compressor product line. This role focuses on expanding compressor operating envelopes to cover highdischargetemperature and lowsuctiontemperature applications through advanced modeling simulation and testing.

Job Functions:

• Integrate sealsupplier flow/heatloss data and Solar closedloop test data to build and refine flow and heattransfer cosimulation models. Map thermal profiles across dischargeside subassemblies including balance pistons dry gas seals separation seals and surrounding cavities.
• Perform analytical calculations and when required CFD simulations to validate supplier flow/loss data. Develop guidelines for extrapolating predictions across seal sizes types and field operating conditions.
• Conduct Conjugate Heat Transfer simulations of rapid decompression events to characterize temperature evolution in compressor casings and internal components. Provide recommendations for material selection based on thermal response.
• Establish temperature limits flow requirements and pressuresetting guidelines to support integration of new seal technologies and new suppliers to expand compressor operating envelope.
• Partner with software vendors to enhance cosimulation tool capabilities and evaluate new tools for improved flexibility accuracy and efficiency.
• Work with Rotordynamics Aerodynamics and GCB CLTF testing teams to develop highdischargetemperature test plans implement loop modifications and execute testing in the GCB closedloop facility.

Minimum Requirements

• Masters degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering.
• Six years of direct work experience on thermal modeling and analysis.
• Hands on experience with flow and heat transfer co-simulation and conjugate heat transfer simulation.
• Strong Foundation in Thermodynamics Heat Transfer and Computational Fluid Dynamics.
• Familiar with compressor thermal test instrumentation including RTD thermal couples flow transmitters flow regulators and control valves.
• Proficiency with Ansys Mechanical Flownex Ansys Fluent Ansys CFX and Matlab.
• Knowledge of various types of steel and alloys for example carbon and low alloy steels stainless steel (austenitic and martensitic) and Nikel alloys and their behavior across extreme temperatures.

Preferred Requirements

• PhD in mechanical and aerospace engineering
• Four years of additional direct work experience on thermal modeling and analysis.
• Familiar Dry Gas Seal and Separation Seals technologies.
• Understanding of polymers used in seal technology.
• Experience reading and interpreting pipeline compression station P&IDs.
• Proficiency with Siemens Star-CCM.
• Experience with Python Coding and Stress analysis using Ansys.

Summary Pay Range:

Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors job level market locationjob-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:

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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