INTERNSHIP DETAILS

Internship – Power Generation Project Applications Engineer (PAE) Coordinator

CompanySolar Turbines
LocationSan Diego
Work ModeOn Site
PostedNovember 11, 2026
Internship Information
Core Responsibilities
The PAE Coordinator assists senior engineers with the sale of new turbomachinery packages by reviewing bid specifications and preparing technical proposals. They also participate in customer meetings and utilize AI tools to implement process improvements.
Internship Type
full time
Salary Range
$26 - $43
Company Size
7854
Visa Sponsorship
No
Language
English
Working Hours
40 hours
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About The Company
Headquartered in San Diego, California, USA, Solar Turbines Incorporated, a subsidiary of Caterpillar Inc., is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of industrial gas turbines, with more than 16,000 units and over 3 billion operating hours in over 100 countries. Products from Solar Turbines play an important role in the development of oil, natural gas and power generation projects around the world. Solar Turbines’ products include gas turbine engines (rated from 1,590 to 52,500 horsepower), gas compressors, and gas turbine-powered compressor sets, mechanical-drive packages and generator sets (ranging from 1 to 39 megawatts). 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, founded in 1927, is comprised of a dedicated and multi-talented workforce of more than 8,000 employees with decades of experience working as a global team.
About the Role

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.

The Project Applications Engineer (PAE) Coordinator assists PAEs with Solar’s internal activities associated with supporting the sale of new turbomachinery packages for the Power Generation market. The position involves working with senior applications engineers, field sales and a wide cross section of other departments to help plan, develop, and execute technical and commercial solutions to successfully compete for new equipment business. 

Job Responsibilities include:

  • Developing a basic understanding of turbomachinery and Balance of Plant equipment selection criteria for typical Power Generation applications, including Datacenters, Utilities, and Combined Heat and Power.
  • Becoming well-versed in Solar product and service offerings.
  • Becoming knowledgeable about Solar manufacturing and test processes.
  • Assisting with reviewing, interpreting and commenting to customer bid specifications.
  • Preparing and submitting supplier quotation requests.
  • Supporting the selection, optimization, pricing of custom features, and proposal preparation for Solar’s turbomachinery and Balance of Plant equipment offerings.
  • Helping book and transition projects to Business Management with clear technical and commercial definition to support efficient execution, while also gaining exposure to departments that regularly interface with PAE.
  • Preparing and giving technical presentations.
  • Participating in customer technical clarification meetings.
  • Using AI tools to develop and implement process improvements.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Currently in the process of receiving or have already received a B.S. or higher in Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical Engineering, or related degree.
  • 2.8 GPA or higher on a 4.0 scale.
  • 0-3 years of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications: 

  • Internship(s) in an engineering role.
  • Proficiency in Excel, macros programming languages and functions.
  • Proficiency in MS applications (Word, PowerPoint, CoPilot, etc.).
  • Demonstrated communication skills (verbal and written).
  • Sense of urgency and organizational skills to work with multiple projects and competing priorities. 
  • Ability to effectively communicate with internal and external customers, suppliers with proficiency in communicating technical information.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and complete assigned tasks in a timely manner.
  • Collaborative mindset.

Summary Pay Range:

$26.00 - $43.00

Intern Hourly Rate:

An intern's hourly rate is based on the major/degree being pursued and the number of completed academic hours achieved before the start of the internship.

 

Intern Benefits:

The total rewards package, beyond base salary, may include if eligible:

  • Accrued Paid Time Off (PTO)

  • Paid Holidays

  • Paid Volunteer Day

  • Housing Stipend 

  • Relocation Assistance

  • Medical coverage

  • Voluntary benefits

This position requires working onsite five days a week.

  

 

Relocation is available for this position.

 

 

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Posting Dates:

November 11, 2026 - December 30, 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.

Key Skills
TurbomachineryBalance of Plant equipmentProject managementTechnical presentationsData analysisExcelMacros programmingMicrosoft OfficeCoPilotCommunication skillsOrganizational skillsProcess improvementBid specification reviewProposal preparationTechnical clarification
Categories
EngineeringEnergyManufacturingData & Analytics
Benefits
Paid Time OffPaid HolidaysPaid Volunteer DayHousing StipendRelocation AssistanceMedical CoverageVoluntary Benefits