Manufacturing Engineer - Robotics/Automation - 20m Contract in Desford

Overview

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.

Job Details

• Salary: £42,000 - £57,000 dependent on skill level demonstrated
• Contract: 20 months
• Location: Desford, Leicestershire
• Full Time: 37.50 hours per week

The Opportunity

Are you passionate about driving innovation and leading the introduction of advanced robotics into manufacturing? We are seeking proactive Manufacturing Engineers to deliver automation solutions into production, working as part of a focused team responsible for deploying the latest technologies and machinery. You will lead multimillion pound projects, collaborating cross functionally to ensure new robotic systems, equipment, and processes are implemented safely, efficiently, and seamlessly into our world class production environment.

What You Will Do

As Manufacturing Engineer, your accountabilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Proactively spot opportunities for robotic or automated solutions and lead them through to successful implementation.
• Develop, implement, and maintain robotics and automation standards across manufacturing operations to ensure consistency, safety, and scalability.
• Program, configure, and optimise ABB and KUKA robotic systems, including commissioning, offline programming (simulation), and cycle‑time improvement.
• Train and mentor junior team members on safe operation, troubleshooting, and best‑practice programming.
• Lead the design, planning, and execution of Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) for new robotic systems and automation equipment.
• Manage automation and manufacturing improvement projects end‑to‑end, including capital justification, complex problem resolution, process development (PFMEA, control plans, process flows), supplier coordination, and project delivery to achieve PQVC targets.

What You Can Demonstrate

Extensive Experience In:

• Manufacturing Processes: Knowledge of existing product manufacturing methods, technologies and processes; ability to execute, plan, manage and monitor the entire manufacturing process.
• Project Management: Knowledge of effective project management strategies and tactics; ability to plan, organise, monitor, budgets and control projects, ensuring efficient utilisation of technical and administrative resources to achieve project targets.
• Manufacturing Safety: Knowledge of manufacturing safety; ability to identify work-related hazards and perform necessary activities to meet regulatory requirements for the safety and protection of workers, environment and site.
• Judgment and Decision Making: Knowledge of process; ability to carefully evaluate the impact of emerging business situations and choose the best path forward communicating actions and activities that maximise organisational performance.
• Problem Management Process - MFG: Knowledge of manufacturing problem management processes, methodologies and techniques; ability to use a disciplined approach to bringing that problem to a successful resolution.
• Lean Manufacturing: Knowledge of the philosophy, fundamentals and implementation approaches of lean manufacturing; ability to integrate and implement lean manufacturing philosophy into existing production and management processes.

What You May Have

• Able to apply an understanding of assembly, test, and finish processes for construction or heavy equipment to support effective robotics integration.
• Skilled in programming and adjusting industrial or autonomous robots for assembly, welding, or paint applications.
• Competent in using 8D, 5‑Why, fishbone analysis and other quality tools to drive root‑cause resolution.
• Applies Six Sigma methods to improve processes, supported by a relevant technical qualification or equivalent capability.

Interview Process

You will complete a telephone interview at stage one, followed by a face‑to‑face skills‑based interview at stage two.

Notice

We start reviewing applications as soon as they come in, so if you’re interested, don’t wait too long. We may close the advert early if we feel we’ve got a strong pool of potentially suitable applicants.

What You Will Get

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.

Our Sustainability Commitment

Caterpillar has a long-standing commitment to sustainability, one of our five Values in Action. 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.
• Travel: up to 5% with this role within the UK may include other facilities as and when required.

Posting Dates

January 27, 2026 - February 12, 2026

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.