Senior Associate Engineer in Peterborough

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.

Salary: £41,593 + per annum depending upon experience

Location: Peterborough UK

Benefits:

• 25 days annual leave + 8 Bank Holidays
• Up to 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
• Optional flexible benefits including access to health and dental care plans, EV car lease, holiday purchase

About IPSD: Caterpillar’s Industrial Power Systems Division (IPSD) designs, tests and manufactures 0.5 to 18L Cat® and Perkins engines that power over 5000 applications including Marine, Petroleum, Industrial Applications, Electric Generators, and Locomotives. Caterpillar’s company strategy includes sustainability as one of four focus areas and IPSD is engaged and actively preparing green energy solutions for the future.

Job Summary: We are currently seeking a Design Engineer to join the Component Engineering 400 series Base Engine Team. This role will be focused on designing solutions to address challenging requirements, from projects within New Product Introduction, New Technology or updates to existing platforms for a variety of Caterpillar and 3rd Party applications. The successful candidate will serve as a contributor on assignments that are complex in nature, working with individuals and teams across global manufacturing sites, suppliers and customers.

What You Will Do: As a Design Engineer in the team, you will be expected to have relevant design experience, knowledge of IC engines and be able to lead, plan and execute tasks and projects. Tasks will include:

• Design and packaging engine components such as major aluminium and cast iron castings, geartrain, valvetrain, drivetrain and in‑cylinder components
• Working in a multi‑disciplined global team to ensure solutions meet customer, durability and functional requirements
• Technical issue resolution, diagnose issues to root cause, put in place containment actions, and develop permanent corrective actions
• Conducting FMEA on components and systems to identify and address design risks, determining validation needs
• Conducting component and system design reviews
• Keeping peers, team leader and management up to date with progress against planned activities
• Work with suppliers using APQP methodology and keep stakeholders informed of progress and decisions

What You Have Skills:

• Information Capture: Knowledge of the methods, channels and processes to obtain needed information; ability to identify, capture and document relevant business information in an auditable, organized, understandable and easily retrievable manner.
• Standard Operating Procedures: Knowledge of established standard operating procedures (SOP); ability to design, implement and evaluate standard operating procedures affecting daily and strategic business operations in order to increase operational efficiency.
• Analytical Thinking: Knowledge of techniques and tools that promote effective analysis; ability to determine the root cause of organizational problems and create alternative solutions that resolve these problems.
• Effective Communications: Understanding of effective communication concepts, tools and techniques; ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through the application of appropriate communication behaviors.
• Design for Manufacturability (DFM): Knowledge of design for manufacturability guidelines, methodologies, and use cases; ability to use this knowledge to optimize product designs and manufacturing operations.
• Engineering - MFG: Knowledge of processes, techniques and methods of engineering in a manufacturing environment; ability to design and implement materials, structures, machines, devices, systems and processes that safely realize a desired objective or invention.
• Product Testing: Knowledge of product testing approaches, techniques and tools; ability to design, plan and execute testing strategies and tactics to ensure product quality at all stages of manufacturing.

Essential requirements:

• Design experience of mechanical components and systems using CAD (CREO)
• Technical background (HNC or technical degree preferred in mechanical or automotive engineering) though other qualifications or experience are equally valued
• Good understanding of manufacturing principles & processes
• Self‑motivation and an ability to manage and deliver tasks to meet established commitments
• Excellent communications skills & teamwork

Desirable requirements:

• Design knowledge of industrial engines in diesel or alternative fuel operation.
• Knowledge in one or more of the following Core Engine Systems: Rotating Systems, Valvetrain, Castings, Lubrication, Breather and Cooling Systems, Bolted Joint and Sealing
• 8D problem solving, creation and maintenance of DVP&R and FMEA’s
• Knowledge and usage of Team Centre or similar data management software
• Familiarity with Microsoft O365 including Teams
• Experience in component and engine validation & verification
• Experience gained in the off‑highway diesel or machine sector

What You Will Get: You will have the opportunity to work on the latest engine platforms, playing a key role in delivering projects that support the future direction of the business. Working as part of a dedicated engineering team, you will collaborate across multiple functions to design, develop, and optimise core engine components, helping to deliver world‑class industrial diesel engines.

About Caterpillar: Caterpillar Inc. 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. For nearly 100 years, we’ve been helping customers build a better, more sustainable world and are committed and contributing to a reduced‑carbon future. Our innovative products and services, backed by our global dealer network, provide exceptional value that helps customers succeed.

NB. The panel cannot make assumptions when shortlisting therefore please demonstrate your qualifications and experience on your CV relevant to the criteria outlined. Pending the number of applications, the criteria for the position may be enhanced to facilitate shortlisting.