At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a skilled team to implement automation and control systems in manufacturing.
- Company: Caterpillar Inc., a global leader in construction and mining equipment.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days annual leave, a bonus, and a contributory pension scheme.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with limitless career opportunities and a commitment to sustainability.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable manufacturing while developing your engineering skills.
- Qualifications: Basic understanding of automation, robotics, and manufacturing engineering principles.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 57000 £ per year.
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. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.
The Opportunity: Interested in working hands‐on with automation and control systems within a manufacturing engineering environment? As a Controls Engineer within manufacturing automation, you will operate within a highly skilled Manufacturing Engineering team, supporting the specification, integration and rollout of PLC‐based control solutions across production. Through close collaboration on capital investment and continuous improvement initiatives, you will help embed robust, standards‐compliant control systems that enable safe, efficient and high‐quality manufacturing operations.
As a Controls Engineer, you are accountable for, but not limited to:
- Identify and support the implementation of automation and robotics solutions, including PLC‐based control systems, applying automation principles to improve manufacturing safety, quality, efficiency and cost.
- Configure, standardise and support Siemens and Mitsubishi PLC and HMI systems, enabling effective diagnosis of production issues and acting as an escalation point for complex controls challenges.
- Support the introduction of new manufacturing technologies and equipment by contributing to controls‐related specifications and supporting installation, FAT, SAT and commissioning activities in line with manufacturing and engineering standards.
- Apply lean manufacturing principles and improvement tools to support technology, efficiency and quality initiatives, promoting standardised workflows and continuous improvement practices within production environments.
- Work collaboratively with engineering, manufacturing, facilities and suppliers to support the delivery of automation and improvement activities through to effective production handover.
- Ensure controls and automation solutions align with manufacturing safety, regulatory and engineering requirements, supporting structured problem solving, safe operation and reliable handover to manufacturing teams.
- Coach and mentor others in applying standardised processes and workflows, while providing controls support for manufacturing technology implementations and acting as the escalation point for complex controls issues.
What You Can Demonstrate:
- Collaborative Automation: Using an understanding of automation and robotics to support manufacturing activities, recognising benefits and limitations to help introduce solutions such as material handling, inspection or assembly automation safely and effectively.
- Engineering – Manufacturing (MFG): Using manufacturing engineering principles to specify, install, commission and support equipment and control systems, ensuring they meet engineering, safety and quality standards and perform reliably in production.
- Lean Manufacturing: Driving efficiency and waste reduction by using lean manufacturing principles and basic improvement tools to support continuous improvement across manufacturing processes.
- Manufacturing Processes: Operating within defined manufacturing processes to support production planning, execution and monitoring, helping integrate new technologies and process changes smoothly into live operations.
What You May Have:
- Supporting assembly, test and finishing operations by understanding how processes, equipment and control systems interact to deliver safe, consistent and efficient production.
- Contributing to the integration and operation of industrial automation technologies, including PLC‐controlled systems, robotics, AGV or AMR solutions, with a focus on safe and effective use in manufacturing environments.
- Using structured problem‐solving techniques such as 8D, 5‐Why or Fishbone analysis to identify root causes, support corrective actions and prevent the recurrence of manufacturing or quality issues.
- Interpreting technical documentation, drawings and system data to support engineering and manufacturing activities, including working within PLM systems such as Siemens Teamcenter where required.
What You Will Get: One Company, Limitless Opportunities. Caterpillar is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. Careers at Caterpillar are limitless, we have opportunities in Engineering, Human Resources, Manufacturing, Marketing, Sales, Supply Chain and so much more. You can create the career you want. It’s your time and talent, make it count.
Our Sustainability Commitment: Caterpillar has a long-standing commitment to sustainability, one of our five Values in Action. It is part of who we are and what we do. We actively lead sustainable green initiatives to preserve the environment, help reduce poverty with the Caterpillar Foundation and stay involved in the communities we help build.
Benefits: 27 days annual leave + bank holidays, opportunity to buy additional holiday, 10% Bonus, contributory pension scheme - Caterpillar will double the employee's contribution up to 10%, contributory share scheme - Caterpillar will match 50% of the employee's contribution, Employee Support Networks – join groups that offer support, connection, and a sense of community, optional flexible benefits including access to private health and dental care plans, EV car lease etc.
Travel: Up to 5% UK travel may be required, including visits to other facilities as needed. This position requires working onsite five days a week.
Controls Engineer - Manufacturing Automation - Fixed Term Contract in Desford employer: Caterpillar Brazil
Caterpillar Inc. is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and growth of its employees, offering a collaborative work culture in Desford, Leicestershire. With a strong commitment to sustainability and innovation, employees benefit from extensive career development opportunities, competitive salaries, and a comprehensive benefits package including generous annual leave, a contributory pension scheme, and employee support networks. Join us to be part of a global team dedicated to building a better world through meaningful work in manufacturing automation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Controls Engineer - Manufacturing Automation - Fixed Term Contract in Desford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or use online platforms to get comfortable with common questions. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel when it’s time to shine in front of the hiring panel.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Get your application in soon!
We think you need these skills to ace Controls Engineer - Manufacturing Automation - Fixed Term Contract in Desford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Controls Engineer role. Highlight your experience with PLC systems, automation, and lean manufacturing principles. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of how you've improved processes or solved complex problems in previous roles. This helps us see the impact you can make.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and concise. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role. We appreciate straightforward communication that gets to the point, so we can quickly understand your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do – just follow the prompts!
How to prepare for a job interview at Caterpillar Brazil
✨Know Your Automation Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of PLC-based control systems, especially Siemens and Mitsubishi. Be ready to discuss how you've applied automation principles in past roles, as this will show you're not just familiar with the theory but can also implement it effectively.
✨Lean Manufacturing Principles Are Key
Familiarise yourself with lean manufacturing concepts and be prepared to share examples of how you've used these principles to drive efficiency or reduce waste. This will demonstrate that you understand the importance of continuous improvement in a manufacturing environment.
✨Collaboration is Crucial
Caterpillar values teamwork, so think of instances where you've worked closely with engineering, manufacturing, or suppliers. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively and resolve issues collaboratively, as this will resonate well with their team-oriented culture.
✨Structured Problem Solving
Be ready to discuss structured problem-solving techniques like 8D or 5-Why analysis. Prepare a specific example where you identified a root cause and implemented a solution, as this will showcase your analytical skills and proactive approach to challenges.
