Design and Development Engineering (Graduate Scheme) in Desford

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.

New graduates are critical to the success of our business. You power our success, and we are committed to empowering yours. After all, when your work can impact the entire world, it’s important to do work that matters. We are looking for talented, ambitious people from various backgrounds who are interested in setting out on the road to success and in return, we will provide you the training, mentoring, and support you need to have a successful career at Caterpillar.

Caterpillar Inc. is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines, and diesel-electric locomotives. Since 1925, we’ve been driving sustainable progress and helping customers build a better world through innovative products and services. Throughout the product life cycle, we offer services built on cutting-edge technology and decades of product expertise. These products and services, backed by our global dealer network, provide exceptional value to help our customers succeed.

We have a clear vision to be the global leader in providing customer value in the markets in which we operate. Our core values (Integrity, Excellence, Teamwork, Commitment and Sustainability) are key to our success.

Caterpillar Desford (near Leicester) is part of the Building Construction Products (BCP) division, manufacturing a range of world class Backhoe Loaders and Compact Wheel Loaders, as part of the wider BCP range. Products that are reliable, cost effective, versatile, and adaptable. Leicester is more than just a production facility - it is a full product design and development centre with global responsibility for our products.

Diversity at Caterpillar: When we leverage our people’s experiences, backgrounds, and cultures in an inclusive environment, we enable every individual to achieve their full potential, which drives business success. We are proud to be active partners with both the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) & Women’s Engineering Society (WES). We also have numerous well supported employee resource groups. Caterpillar is an equal opportunity employer, and we welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds.

From day one, you’re set up to thrive at Caterpillar: helpful training, relatable mentors, global experience, competitive salary package, work-life balance, and the growth opportunities you expect with global business. Your two-year Graduate Development Programme will be tailored to ensure you gain a broad understanding of your chosen field and build the foundations of a successful career. You will get the support, guidance and training you need to be successful at Caterpillar. You will also have opportunity to gain experience working with our global Caterpillar customers.

You will have the opportunity to work with other facilities across our global organisation and you will be directly involved, and at the heart of our business, participating on strategic projects.

Job duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• New graduates are critical to the success of our Research & Development engineering teams. From day one you will engage in challenging work, solving real-world engineering problems through collaboration with our global team.
• Your first 2 years will consist of 4 rotations on our IMechE MPDS accredited scheme - the first will be with your home engineering department then there will be 3 further rotations tailored to give you a broad understanding of our product development processes and build the foundations of a successful career.
• There can also be opportunities to rotate outside of engineering for a placement to gain a wider understanding of other areas of the business.
• Rotation areas and home departments may include:

• Design – Use your engineering knowledge to design, analyse and improve engine installations, powertrain or hydraulic components and systems, HVAC and ducting systems, operator ergonomics or machine structures.
• Simulation – Develop simulation models to predict the durability and performance of engines, powertrains, hydraulics, fabricated structures, components, and systems (FEA, CFD and others).
• Test and Validation - Design tests, test rigs, run test programs and analyse the data.
• Performance – Create simulation models of entire power systems, develop control strategies and deploy them on machines.
• Analytics – Take the vast quantity of data we record every day and interrogate it for insights.

In addition, we offer you a mentor to support your professional development and help you achieve Chartered or Incorporated Engineer status with your chosen institution. Our professional development scheme is accredited and highly regarded by the IMechE and the IET.

Upon successful completion of the scheme, you will progress into a key role where you will directly contribute to the operational and project activity that is at the heart of our business. We will provide you with the training and support you need to have a successful career at Caterpillar, in a global organisation there are so many possibilities!

As the type of roles within our business are becoming more diverse, we are looking for people who are open minded, excellent problem solvers and who have an ability to learn quickly. You will be motivated, hard-working, and will embrace change. In return for your dedication and hard work, you will be provided with excellent career opportunities and strong support for your personal and career development to pursue a career within Caterpillar.

Applicants will be on target to achieve a minimum of 2:2 honours degree level in a relevant discipline: Agricultural, Automotive, Design or Mechanical Engineering.

We hold a Meet and Greet day for all new UK placement students to provide you with an opportunity to meet fellow new starters across the UK before you start your placement.