At a Glance
- Tasks: Execute end-of-line vehicle testing and diagnose test failures across systems.
- Company: Join a leading manufacturer in the automotive industry with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days annual leave, a bonus, and a contributory pension scheme.
- Other info: Flexible benefits and a supportive community await you!
- Why this job: Make a real impact in vehicle systems while enhancing your engineering skills.
- Qualifications: Engineering background with problem-solving and analytical thinking skills.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 57000 £ per year.
Contract: Full time & permanent – 37.5 hours per week
Location: Desford, Leicestershire
Salary: £42,000–£57,000 depending on skills demonstrated
Responsibilities
- Execute and support end-of-line (EOL) vehicle testing across engine, hydraulic and integrated systems, ensuring machines meet defined performance and quality standards.
- Diagnose and resolve test failures across vehicle systems, test equipment and control logic, acting as an escalation point to support production recovery and minimise downtime.
- Analyse test data and system outputs to validate performance and support structured root cause investigations.
- Support and maintain production test systems, ensuring reliable execution, data integrity and effective fault detection.
- Develop and implement improvements to production test processes, diagnostics and fault‑finding methods to enhance robustness, repeatability and first‑time pass rates.
- Support New Product Introduction (NPI) by defining test requirements, validating methods and introducing new test capability into production.
- Ensure test processes and equipment operate in line with safety, quality and environmental standards, supporting compliant and reliable manufacturing operations.
What You Can Demonstrate
- Engineering – Manufacturing (MFG): Applies manufacturing engineering principles to support EOL testing and production systems, ensuring equipment and processes meet performance, safety and quality requirements.
- Problem Solving: Uses structured fault‑finding techniques to diagnose and resolve production test failures across vehicle systems and test equipment.
- Analytical Thinking: Interprets test data, signals and system outputs to validate performance against specifications and support root cause investigations.
- Manufacturing Processes: Operates within and improves production test processes to ensure consistency, repeatability and efficient throughput.
What You May Have
- Applies knowledge of production test systems to ensure reliable execution, maintain data integrity and improve fault detection capability within manufacturing environments.
- Demonstrates practical understanding of vehicle systems (engine, hydraulics, controls) to diagnose behaviour during test and effectively resolve system‑level issues.
- Utilises structured problem‑solving methodologies (e.g., 5 Why, Fishbone, 8D) to identify root causes and implement corrective actions that support production recovery and prevent recurrence.
- Contributes to New Product Introduction (NPI) by supporting the integration of new test methods and enhancing production test capability to meet evolving product requirements.
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 – groups that offer support, connection and a sense of community.
- Optional flexible benefits including access to private health and dental care plans, EV car lease, etc.
Travel
Up to 5% UK travel may be required, including visits to other facilities as needed.
Posting Dates
June 8, 2026 – June 17, 2026
Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.
Manufacturing Test Engineer – Vehicle Systems in Desford employer: Caterpillar Inc.
As a Manufacturing Test Engineer at our Desford location, you will join a dynamic team dedicated to innovation and excellence in vehicle systems. We pride ourselves on fostering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth through continuous learning opportunities and a commitment to safety and quality. With competitive benefits including generous annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and employee support networks, we ensure our team members feel valued and empowered to make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Manufacturing Test Engineer – Vehicle Systems in Desford
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
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We think you need these skills to ace Manufacturing Test Engineer – Vehicle Systems in Desford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Caterpillar Inc. specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Caterpillar Inc.
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Caterpillar Inc., brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Caterpillar Inc. value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
