At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design of hydraulic systems for heavy machinery and solve complex engineering challenges.
- Company: Join Caterpillar's innovative Hydraulic Installation team in Peterlee.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly rate, flexible hours, and hands-on experience with real machines.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth and real-time problem solving.
- Why this job: Make a global impact by designing high-performance hydraulic systems used worldwide.
- Qualifications: 9+ years in engineering, strong Creo skills, and experience in heavy machinery.
The predicted salary is between 53.46 - 53.46 £ per hour.
Location: Peterlee, UK
Hours: 36.5 per week
Rate: £53.46 per hour
Contract: 12 months (likely to extend)
Make an impact on real‑world machines. Build hydraulic systems that power the toughest equipment on earth. Caterpillar's Hydraulic Installation team in Peterlee is growing, and we're looking for an experienced Senior Design Engineer to take ownership of complex hydraulic installation design work across heavy machinery platforms. If you thrive on technical challenge, cross‑functional collaboration, and seeing your designs come to life on machines used worldwide, this role is for you.
What you'll be doing:
- Leading the design and development of hydraulic installation systems that meet performance, durability, quality, cost, and manufacturability targets.
- Creating robust 3D models and assemblies in Creo, plus running FEA / basic structural analysis in Simulate.
- Managing design releases through TeamCenter, following NPI/CPI processes.
- Working closely with global engineering teams, manufacturing, suppliers, and operations to solve problems and drive improvements.
- Supporting new product programs and continuous product improvement initiatives.
- Delivering high‑quality engineering work on time, with strong ownership of your projects.
What you'll bring:
- 9+ years' engineering experience (design, validation, or simulation).
- Strong capability in Creo and hydraulic systems.
- Experience in product development within heavy machinery, automotive fluid systems, industrial equipment, mining/quarry, or similar OEM environments.
- Ability to work across global teams, communicate clearly, and manage complex technical deliverables.
- A degree in Engineering (or extensive experience in lieu of degree).
Why this role stands out:
- Work on high‑impact hydraulic systems used in heavy machinery worldwide.
- Blend of design, simulation, supplier engagement, and cross‑functional collaboration.
- Exposure to NPI and CPI processes within a world‑class OEM.
- Fully onsite - hands‑on access to machines, manufacturing teams, and real‑time problem solving.
- Opportunity to influence product performance, durability, and quality at scale.
Working hours:
Mon-Thu: 08:00-16:30
Fri: 08:00-12:30 (Some flexibility available)
PPE provided
If you're a seasoned design engineer who enjoys hydraulic complexity, Creo mastery, and seeing your work directly impact machine performance, this is a role where your expertise genuinely matters.
Senior Design Engineer in Peterlee employer: 83zero Ltd
Caterpillar's Hydraulic Installation team in Peterlee offers an exceptional work environment where innovation meets real-world application. As a Senior Design Engineer, you'll enjoy a collaborative culture that values technical expertise and provides opportunities for professional growth while working on impactful projects that shape the future of heavy machinery. With a focus on employee development and hands-on access to cutting-edge technology, this role is perfect for those looking to make a meaningful contribution in a dynamic setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Design Engineer in Peterlee
✨Get Your Hands Dirty at Engineering Events
Join local engineering meetups or industry conferences related to mechanical engineering. Whether it's a workshop or a career fair, these events are goldmines for networking and getting a foot in the door. Plus, you can showcase your passion and enthusiasm directly to potential employers like 83zero Ltd.
✨Connect with Professors & Peers
Tap into your university’s resources—professors often have connections in the industry. Don’t be shy to ask about potential openings or recommendations. Your classmates might also know of companies hiring. Often, it’s who you know that gets you in front of the right people!
✨Highlight Your Projects and Practical Experience
When you land those interviews, make sure to talk about your hands-on projects or internships. Whether it's a design project or hands-on experience with CAD software, specific examples will make you stand out. Companies like 83zero Ltd love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of 83zero Ltd and apply directly through there. It shows initiative and interest in their specific values. Plus, you'll often find openings that aren't advertised on job boards, giving you a better chance to land that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Design Engineer in Peterlee
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Expertise:In mechanical engineering, it’s vital to highlight your technical skills and projects. Make sure to include relevant software proficiency (like CAD tools) in your CV. If you've worked on specific engineering projects, detail your key contributions — we want to see how you’ve applied your skills in a practical setting!
Focus on Problem-Solving Examples:Employers in mechanical engineering love to see how you handle challenges. Use your cover letter to share specific instances where you’ve solved a complex problem or improved a design. This will show us you're not just knowledgeable but also capable of applying that knowledge effectively.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Include any relevant certifications or training that can set you apart from the competition. Whether it's coursework from your degree, a recognised certification, or extra training in new technologies, we love to see candidates who continuously improve their skill set. This tells us you're serious about your career in engineering!
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don’t forget to customise your CV for 83zero Ltd and the Senior Design Engineer role specifically. Pull examples from your experience that align with the job description — it shows us you've done your research and are genuinely interested in becoming part of the team. We recommend applying through our website to ensure your application gets to the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at 83zero Ltd
✨Brush Up on Your CAD Skills
Since mechanical engineering often involves design processes, be ready to showcase your proficiency in CAD software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD. Bring along a digital portfolio or even some sketches that demonstrate your design capabilities — it’s a great way to show what you can bring to the table at 83zero Ltd.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that test your understanding of engineering principles and problem-solving skills. You might get hypothetical scenarios where you need to design a component or troubleshoot a mechanical system. Practising these types of questions will give you the confidence to tackle whatever comes your way!
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a full-time mechanical engineer, collaboration is key! Be ready to share examples of past team projects or any experiences where you contributed to solving a complex problem with others. Demonstrating your ability to work in a team will resonate well with the interviewers at 83zero Ltd.
✨Discuss Your Future Goals
Since this is a full-time position, your long-term vision is important. Be open about your career aspirations, whether it’s mastering a specific tool or leading projects. This shows that you're committed not just to learning but also to growing with 83zero Ltd, making you a more appealing candidate.
