At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and optimise manufacturing processes to enhance safety, quality, and productivity.
- Company: Join Caterpillar, a global leader in sustainable engineering and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 25 days leave, bonuses, and flexible benefits.
- Other info: Dynamic team culture focused on personal development and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on world-class manufacturing while developing your engineering skills.
- Qualifications: Strong engineering knowledge and project leadership experience required.
The predicted salary is between 41595 - 50000 £ 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.
Location: Peterborough, United Kingdom
Salary: £41,595 – £50,000 depending on experience
Benefits:
- 25 days annual leave
- Up to 10% Bonus
- Contributory pension scheme - Caterpillar company 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. 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.
The Opportunity: We are seeking a Manufacturing Test Engineer to drive the development, optimisation and delivery of manufacturing processes across our Production Test facilities. You will play a key role in improving safety, quality, productivity and cost performance, while supporting New Product Introduction (NPI), manufacturing projects and continuous improvement initiatives.
What You Will Do: As a Manufacturing Test Engineer, you will lead and support a range of manufacturing engineering activities focused on process capability, equipment performance, product industrialisation and operational excellence. You will work closely with Operations, Product Engineering, Quality and suppliers to develop robust, efficient and safe manufacturing processes.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide technical leadership and support for manufacturing projects across Production Test facilities, driving improvements in safety, quality, productivity and cost.
- Lead process development and NPI activities, ensuring manufacturing readiness and successful product launches.
- Develop and maintain PFMEAs, control plans, standard work and manufacturing documentation.
- Deliver process, equipment and tooling improvements that enhance performance, reliability and efficiency.
- Analyse manufacturing, quality and equipment data to identify trends, solve problems and drive continuous improvement.
- Support prototype, pilot and validation builds, ensuring issues are resolved and risks are effectively managed.
- Partner with Product Engineering to optimise Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and manage engineering changes.
- Monitor process and equipment performance, investigating root causes and implementing sustainable corrective actions.
- Work with suppliers and cross‑functional teams to implement best practices, automation solutions and innovative manufacturing technologies.
Who are we looking for? The successful candidate will have strong engineering and manufacturing knowledge, with a proven track record of delivering projects in a production environment. They will demonstrate effective project leadership, stakeholder management, and communication skills, alongside strong organisational, financial, and planning capabilities. The ability to influence without direct authority, overcome challenges creatively, and adapt to changing priorities is essential.
What You Will Have:
- Manufacturing Engineering Knowledge: Knowledge of processes, techniques and methods of engineering in a manufacturing environment; ability to design and implement materials, structures, machines, devices, systems and processes that safely realize a desired objective or invention.
- Lean Manufacturing Knowledge: Knowledge of the philosophy, principles and implementation approaches of lean manufacturing; ability to integrate and implement lean manufacturing philosophy into existing production and management processes.
- Manufacturing Processes Knowledge: Knowledge of existing product manufacturing methods, technologies and processes; ability to execute, plan, manage and monitor the entire manufacturing process.
- Decision Making and Critical Thinking: Knowledge of the decision‑making process and associated tools and techniques; ability to accurately analyze situations and reach productive decisions based on informed judgment.
- Problem Solving: Knowledge of approaches, tools, techniques for recognizing, anticipating, and resolving organisational, operational or process problems; ability to apply knowledge of problem solving appropriately to diverse situations.
Top Candidates Will have:
- Experience in the application of lean methodologies such as Six Sigma and Kaizen improvement tools.
- Good understanding of combustion Engine Assembly, Test or Finish processes and production Project management qualifications (APM, Prince2 or PMI).
- Basic understanding of collaborative automation technologies, including the application of collaborative robots (cobots) to support and improve manufacturing processes through automation.
- Basic understanding of Robotic Process Automation (RPA) principles and technologies, with an awareness of how RPA solutions can be applied to improve efficiency, streamline processes, and support operational performance within a manufacturing environment.
This role is based in the Peterborough facility 5 days a week.
What You Will Get: We look forward to welcoming the successful candidate to our dynamic, diverse and friendly team. We have a culture of openness, autonomy, support, personal development as well as a continuous drive for 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 over 100 years, we’ve been helping customers build a better, more sustainable world and are committed and contributing to a reduced‑carbon future.
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 Engineer in Peterborough employer: Caterpillar Inc.
Caterpillar is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Desford, Leicestershire, where the EHS Supervisor role plays a crucial part in fostering a culture of safety and compliance. With competitive benefits such as a generous annual leave policy, a contributory pension scheme, and opportunities for professional growth through employee support networks, we prioritise the well-being and development of our team members. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a supportive and innovative workplace that values collaboration and continuous improvement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Manufacturing Engineer in Peterborough
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Caterpillar Inc., apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Manufacturing Engineer in Peterborough
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.
