At a Glance
- Tasks: Assemble and inspect small engines, learning hands-on skills in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join Caterpillar, a global leader in sustainable innovation and community building.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, bonuses, pension schemes, and flexible benefits.
- Other info: Great career growth opportunities with training and support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your skills in engine production.
- Qualifications: Experience in assembly or mechanical work and teamwork skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc. When you join Caterpillar, you are 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.
Career Area: Operations
Salary: £15.74
Location: Shrewsbury
Benefits:
- 25 days annual leave
- Up to 6% 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. 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.
Job Opportunity: As a Small Engines Operator, you may be working on both new and remanufactured products for both British and international customers. You will be learning to strip or build Small Engines as the business needs. Taking a dirty used unit and dismantling it or building new from bare castings and individual components into a finished product. You will have the opportunity to expand your experience and knowledge of the Small Engines product line up with both in-house and formal training.
Job Responsibilities and Duties:
- Strip and vet of Small Engines
- The inspection and vet of castings and components
- The use of gauges and measuring equipment
- The safe use of heat and freezing techniques during product assembly
- Prepare sub-assemblies for main build
- Perform Small Engines main build once training has been completed
- Use a laptop to set up various sensors within Small Engines
- Perform IPV and quality gates within the Small Engines build process
- Diagnose problems and apply corrective actions
- When required support hot test to rectify issues within the test cell
Skills and Experience: Candidates will have gained the following skills and experience through previous roles:
- Experience of assembly or mechanical work following a complex written instruction to high quality standards
- Experience of using hand tools and measuring equipment such as DTIs, Micrometres and Thread Gauges
- Ability to work well within a team
- Self-discipline to follow simple instructions in Health & Safety and Quality
- Knowledge of Small Diesel Engines
Additional Skills:
- A knowledge of Caterpillar Production Systems
- Basic use of Microsoft applications
NB: The panel cannot make assumptions when shortlisting therefore please demonstrate your qualifications and experience on your CV relevant to the criteria outlined.
Additional Information: Pending the number of applications, the criteria for the position may be enhanced to facilitate shortlisting. This job is subject to U.S. and U.K. rules concerning the export and protection of controlled or protected technologies or information, including, but not limited to, U.S. State Department regulations at International Traffic in Arms (ITAR), 22 C.F.R. 120 et. seq.; the Export Administration Regulation, 15 C.F.R. 730-774; and the Foreign Assets Control Regulations, 31 C.F.R. 500-598, and the United Kingdom Official Secrets Act 1989 (collectively, “Export Control and Protection of Information Laws”), and you may be subjected to additional security screening / checking.
Posting Dates: January 13, 2026 - January 18, 2026
Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.
Production Operative in Shrewsbury employer: Caterpillar Inc.
Caterpillar Inc. is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture in Wimborne that prioritises employee growth and development. With a strong focus on safety and compliance, employees benefit from comprehensive training programs and the opportunity to lead innovative projects in logistics and materials management. The company values teamwork and encourages a collaborative environment, making it a rewarding place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Operative in Shrewsbury
✨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!
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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 Production Operative in Shrewsbury
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.