At a Glance
- Tasks: Support innovative manufacturing projects and collaborate on cutting-edge engineering solutions.
- Company: Join Caterpillar, a global leader in construction and mining equipment.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, and 27 days annual leave.
- Other info: Gain hands-on experience with mentorship and potential fast-track to graduate roles.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Must be in your penultimate year of study in relevant engineering disciplines.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ 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.
12 Month Industrial Placement Scheme
Discipline: Manufacturing Engineering
Location: Desford, UK
Salary: £26,000, Share Scheme, Pension, Flexible working, and 27 days annual leave (plus bank holidays)
At Caterpillar, you build what matters—whether it’s the career you want, crucial work skills, strong relationships, or new technologies. Our work is powered by our people.
Eligibility: In order to be eligible to complete a 12-Month Industrial Placement commencing July 2027, you must be in your penultimate year of study unless enrolled in an integrated master’s program.
What do we do? 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.
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.
What experiences can we offer you? During our yearlong scheme, we place an emphasis on multiple diverse projects. You will have the opportunity to work and collaborate with people in Caterpillar facilities worldwide and bring fresh, innovative ideas to solve complex technical problems. You will be a fully involved team member with responsibility and accountability for key project deliverables. Our placement roles have the additional benefit of a workplace mentor who will support you throughout your time at Caterpillar.
Job duties and responsibilities may include but are not limited to:
- Support manufacturing improvement projects on our Electric and Combustion powered vehicles, driving Safety, Quality, Velocity & Cost using 6 Sigma Methodologies.
- Work with the latest Manufacturing Engineering Technologies to introduce our New Products, evaluating design for assembly & automation feasibility, generating manufacturing processes and documentation.
- Utilise CAD software to design new equipment, complete virtual builds and develop facility layouts in line with Caterpillar's Production System.
- Implement new equipment/tooling to production, including Design, budgeting, evaluation, procurement, implementation, training and sign off.
- Create and review associated process risk documentation; PFMEA, Control Plans and SFMEA’s to drive safety improvements.
- Work with Additive Manufacturing, Robotics & Automation, AI, Digital Twins, Measurement Analysis & Machine Validation Equipment.
- Complete root cause analysis for quality improvement opportunities and implement robust process containment measures.
- Support and implement sustainability projects within the manufacturing process, ensuring alignment with Caterpillar’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
- Adhere to the company's Health and Safety policy and safe working practices.
- Adhere to Caterpillar's Values in Action: Integrity, Commitment, Excellence, Teamwork, & Sustainability.
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.
Who are we looking for? 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.
Applicants will be on target to achieve a minimum of 2:1 honour degree level in one of the following disciplines:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Mechatronics/Robotics
- Automation and Control Engineering
- Systems Engineering
- Automotive Engineering
Desirable Skills:
- Data analysis and reporting
- Statistics and data science
- Data visualisation
- Computing technology
- Software development
Recruitment Process Guidelines: Below is an overview of our Early Careers recruitment process and what you can expect at each stage.
- Step 1 – Online Application: Complete our online application form and upload your CV before the advertised closing date.
- Step 2 – Online Assessments & Video Interview: If selected, you’ll be invited to complete some online assessments, followed by a video interview.
- Step 3 – In Person Assessment Centre: Our Assessment Centre is designed to help you showcase your potential through a range of interactive activities.
- Step 4 – Offer: Following the Assessment Centre, the Caterpillar team will review all feedback to make hiring decisions.
Placement students will begin their placement on 5th July 2027.
NOTE: Only one application is required, please do not apply for multiple roles. This position requires working onsite five days a week.
Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.
Manufacturing Engineering (12 Month Placement Scheme) in Desford employer: Caterpillar Inc.
Caterpillar Inc. in Peterborough is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. Employees benefit from comprehensive growth opportunities, including professional development and mentorship programmes, while contributing to impactful projects that drive global performance improvement. With a commitment to employee well-being and a focus on strategic initiatives, working here means being part of a team that values your insights and contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Manufacturing Engineering (12 Month Placement Scheme) in Desford
✨Get Hands-On Experience
Look for opportunities to volunteer or intern at local manufacturing firms. This not only boosts your CV but also gives you a chance to network with industry insiders who can point you towards placements like the one at Caterpillar Inc..
✨Attend Industry Events
Check out local manufacturing trade shows or exhibitions. These events are goldmines for networking and can help you chat with recruiters face-to-face, potentially getting you a leg up on placements.
✨Leverage University Resources
Your university's career services can be a fantastic resource. They often have exclusive connections with companies in the manufacturing sector, like Caterpillar Inc., and can help you prepare for interviews and placements.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Make sure to have your CV and portfolio ready to show what you've got. If you’ve worked on any projects related to manufacturing or production, highlight those when you apply. And remember, you can apply directly through our website for roles like the Manufacturing Engineering (12 Month Placement Scheme) at Caterpillar Inc.!
We think you need these skills to ace Manufacturing Engineering (12 Month Placement Scheme) in Desford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production world, it's essential to highlight any technical skills you have. If you've got experience with specific machinery or tools, or if you know how to read technical drawings, make sure these are front and centre in your CV. Employers like Caterpillar Inc. want to see exactly what you're capable of!
Highlight Teamwork and Communication:Production environments are all about working well in a team, so be sure to reference any group projects or collaborative experiences in your application. Whether it's in the classroom or during previous work, showcasing your ability to communicate effectively will make you stand out to Caterpillar Inc.. You might even want to include specific examples of how you solved problems as a team.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Showcase Your Learning Potential:Since this is a placement, make sure your cover letter reflects your eagerness to learn and grow. Talk about how this opportunity at Caterpillar Inc. fits into your career goals and what you hope to gain from the experience. Being genuinely enthusiastic will go a long way!
Include Any Relevant Certifications or Courses:If you have any certifications or have taken any courses related to manufacturing or production methods, make sure to mention them. These little badges can give you an edge over other candidates. Attach copies of your certificates if you can; it shows you're serious about the industry and ready to hit the ground running at Caterpillar Inc.!
How to prepare for a job interview at Caterpillar Inc.
✨Get Hands-On with the Tools
In manufacturing and production, familiarity with tools and machinery is key. Brush up on any specific equipment you might encounter at Caterpillar Inc.. If the job involves specific software, like CAD programs, make sure you can show your basic proficiency – maybe even look at doing a quick online refresher course if you feel a bit rusty!
✨Show Your Problem-Solving Skills
Employers in this field love a good problem-solving mindset. Prepare to share examples from previous experiences, maybe from school projects or past jobs, where you identified a manufacturing issue and how you tackled it. It’s all about showing how you can think on your feet!
✨Emphasise Your Teamwork Spirit
Production is all about working as part of a team. Be ready to chat about how you’ve worked collaboratively in the past. Whether it was group projects in school or team sports, highlighting your ability to communicate and cooperate will resonate well with your interviewers at Caterpillar Inc..
✨Prepare for Practical Assessments
Since this is a placement, there might be practical assessments or hands-on tasks to evaluate your skills. Don’t stress! Just remember to stay calm and systematic during any practical tests—it's all about demonstrating your capability to follow protocols and safety measures.
