Lead Technician in Peterborough

Job Description

Lead Technician role at Caterpillar Inc. (Peterborough, United Kingdom)

Job Title: Lead Technician

Salary: From £34,450 (depending on experience)

Location: Peterborough

Benefits

• 25 days annual leave
• 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. The division focuses on sustainability and green energy solutions.

What Is Test Facilities & Engineering (TF&E)

The TF&E mechanical maintenance team provides expert technical support to the state‑of‑the‑art engine test facility, ensuring quality data output. They are responsible for manufacturing, implementing and upgrading test facility support systems and rigs, commissioning the multi‑million pound engine test facility, and collaborating across departments.

Role Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled Mechanical Principal Technician to lead key projects and drive continuous improvement across mechanical maintenance operations within the Test Development & Engineering facility. Responsibilities include improving equipment service schedules, leading breakdown mitigation, overseeing team‑led projects, and acting as the technical lead for continuous improvement.

What You Will Do

• Coordinate technician responses to facility breakdowns using fault diagnostic techniques.
• Lead small teams to investigate root causes, drive improvement projects, eliminate waste, and propose changes. Present findings through regular technical updates.
• Perform duties including breakdown metric analysis, report preparation and delivery, and general team support.
• Conduct local quality audits and work inspections to ensure high work standards and compliance.
• Lead and support initiatives to reduce breakdown frequency, optimise service schedules and improve asset management.
• Apply Lean tools and techniques (e.g., 5S, Root Cause Analysis, Standard Work) to identify inefficiencies and implement corrective actions.
• Lead collaborations with technicians and engineers to trial and embed new maintenance practices.
• Analyse maintenance data and trends to identify recurring issues and propose long‑term solutions.
• Support the development and implementation of preventive and predictive maintenance strategies.
• Contribute to the creation and refinement of standard operating procedures and technical documentation.
• Provide technical mentorship to peers, sharing knowledge and building team capability.
• Promote and maintain a safe working environment by identifying and eliminating unsafe practices and fostering a positive safety culture.

What You Will Have

• Troubleshooting technical problems – strong understanding of mechanical maintenance systems, fault diagnosis and structured fault‑finding techniques.
• Technical excellence – proven experience leading or contributing to improvement projects, ideally using Lean principles.
• Decision making and critical thinking – demonstrated leadership, organisational skills, and data‑driven analysis.
• Accuracy and attention to detail – high standards, meticulous checking, continuous improvement mindset.
• Effective communicator – strong collaboration skills, ability to adapt messaging across audiences.
• Solid grasp of maintenance processes, tools and equipment, with awareness of operational and quality objectives.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and general PC applications.

Top Candidates Will

• Hold a degree or NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent) in a mechanical discipline, with relevant experience.
• Possess Lean or Six Sigma training (e.g., Green Belt) – desirable.
• Have experience in a test facility or factory environment.
• Have experience developing or implementing preventive maintenance strategies.
• Possess maintenance planning and supervisory experience – desirable.

Additional Info

• Working Hours: 37 hrs per week, Monday – Thursday 08:00 – 16:30, Friday 08:00 – 13:00. Based at Peterborough facility.

What You Will Get

We look forward to welcoming the successful candidate to our dynamic, diverse, friendly team with a culture of openness, autonomy, support, personal development, and continuous improvement.

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 100 years we’ve helped customers build a better, more sustainable world and are committed to a reduced‑carbon future.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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