Manufacturing Engineer - Contract

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.

The Opportunity

Are you a Manufacturing Engineer who enjoys solving real production challenges? Join our Manufacturing Engineering team in Desford, where you’ll apply hands‑on engineering expertise across equipment and manufacturing processes, working cross‑functionally to improve reliability, implement change and ensure safe, efficient and compliant operations.

As a Manufacturing Engineer, you are accountable for, but not limited to:

• Lead the identification, development, and implementation of improvements and modifications to manufacturing equipment and processes to enhance performance and reliability.
• Provide engineering support to manufacturing operations, ensuring production, cost, quality, safety and environmental requirements are met.
• Monitor equipment and process reliability, identify problem areas and support investigation and corrective actions using structured problem‑solving approaches.
• Review and analyse engineering change notices (ECNs), determine part or process impacts and coordinate the implementation of approved changes into manufacturing.
• Provide engineering support across the planning, development, operation and maintenance of manufacturing equipment, processes and facilities.
• Ensure manufacturing activities comply with safety standards, quality requirements, environmental regulations and internal engineering policies and procedures.

What You Can Demonstrate:

• Problem Solving: Use a structured approach to identify, escalate and support the resolution of manufacturing, equipment or process issues, applying recognised problem‑solving tools within a manufacturing environment.
• Lean Manufacturing: Apply an understanding of lean principles and basic improvement tools to support waste reduction, efficiency improvements and continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing operations.
• Engineering – Manufacturing (MFG): Using manufacturing engineering principles to specify, install, commission and support equipment and control systems, ensuring they meet engineering, safety and quality standards and perform reliably in production.
• Manufacturing Processes: Operating within defined manufacturing processes to support production planning, execution and monitoring, helping integrate new technologies and process changes smoothly into live operations.

What You May Have:

• An understanding of assembly, test or finishing environments, enabling you to apply engineering knowledge in support of safe, efficient and reliable production.
• Knowledge of engineering change processes and manufacturing documentation, supporting the effective assessment and implementation of part or process changes in production.
• Familiarity with recognised problem‑solving and quality tools (e.g. 5 Why, Fishbone, 8D) to support the investigation and resolution of manufacturing and equipment issues.
• A manufacturing engineering or related technical background that underpins effective support of equipment, manufacturing processes and facilities.

What You Will Get

Caterpillar 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. We do business on every continent, principally operating through three primary segments – Construction Industries, Resource Industries, and Energy & Transportation – and providing financing and related services through our Financial Products segment.

Careers at Caterpillar are limitless, we have opportunities in Engineering, Human Resources, Manufacturing, Marketing, Sales, Supply Chain and so much more. You can create the career you want. It’s your time and talent, make it count.

Our Sustainability Commitment

Caterpillar has a long-standing commitment to sustainability, one of our five Values in Action. It is part of who we are and what we do. We actively lead sustainable green initiatives to preserve the environment, help reduce poverty with the Caterpillar Foundation and stay involved in the communities we help build.

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 – join 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. This position requires working onsite five days a week.

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