Senior Mechanical Engineer

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.

Benefits:

• 25 days annual leave
• Up to 12% 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
• Employee Referral Scheme

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:

Within the Industrial Power Systems Division of Caterpillar, Test and Development Engineering is responsible for the execution of power system development programmes. This role will support the Test Facilities Engineering department in our dedicated state of the art Europe Research & Development Centre at the Caterpillar Business Park, Peterborough, UK. Reporting to the Engineering Manager, this senior‑level position plays a critical role in the design, optimisation, and strategic development of test facilities supporting current and next-generation drivetrain systems. The successful candidate will provide technical leadership across mechanical systems within test environments, with a strong focus on test cell infrastructure, services, and safety systems. The role requires ownership of complex engineering challenges, driving both operational excellence and future capability development across the facility.

What You Will Do:

• Lead evaluation, specification, and implementation of advanced powertrain and test cell technologies
• Design, develop, and optimise mechanical systems and associated services (cooling, fuel, exhaust, safety etc.)
• Provide technical leadership on facility upgrades to support future testing (ICE, hybrid, EV)
• Oversee and approve design modifications for facilities, test rigs, and equipment
• Lead cross‑functional project delivery with internal teams, suppliers, and contractors
• Conduct complex fault finding and root cause analysis across test facilities
• Develop, standardise, and improve engineering processes, procedures, and documentation
• Produce and review technical reports, clearly communicating risks and recommendations
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and regulatory standards
• Plan and manage deliverables, conduct risk assessments (FMEA), lead design reviews, and maintain stakeholder communication
• Provide coaching and mentoring support for technical development of the team

What You Have:

Basic requirements:

• Significant experience in engine, powertrain, or electrified (EV/Hybrid) test facilities, including test cell infrastructure and associated safety systems
• Strong systems‑level thinking with the ability to integrate mechanical, thermal, and safety requirements
• Proven ability to lead technical projects and deliver complex engineering solutions
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills, with experience handling complex technical challenges
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and provide clear technical direction
• Good understanding of manufacturing principles, including component production and assembly processes
• Broad design knowledge of engine and mechanical systems
• Proficiency in the use of CAD design using CREO (or equivalent 3D modelling tools)
• Ability to manage and deliver tasks independently to meet commitments
• Strong technical background. Degree‑qualified in Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent), or extensive relevant industry experience

Desirable requirements:

• Demonstrated expertise in facility design, upgrade, and optimisation within a test or R&D environment
• High level of ownership, initiative, and continuous improvement mindset
• Proficiency with engineering tools, software, and data analysis platforms
• Experience in strategic facility planning or capital project delivery
• Strong understanding of core engine systems (rotating systems, valvetrain, lubrication, cooling, sealing, bolted joints)
• Experience collaborating with and managing suppliers to deliver high‑quality, cost‑effective solutions

Skills Required:

• Technical Excellence
• Product Design and Development
• Project Management
• Decision Making and Critical Thinking
• Effective Communication
• Managing Multiple Priorities

This is a fantastic opportunity to work as a part of a dedicated team in the Test and Development Engineering, collaborating with multiple cross functional areas to design, optimise and deliver solution to test Current and future product platforms in a world class testing facility.

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.

This position requires working onsite five days a week.