Manufacturing Test Engineer – Vehicle Systems

Manufacturing Test Engineer – Vehicle Systems

Full-Time 42000 - 57000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Caterpillar

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Test and improve vehicle systems in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
  • Company: Join Caterpillar, a global leader in construction and mining equipment.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 27 days annual leave, bonuses, and a contributory pension scheme.
  • Other info: Limitless career opportunities and a commitment to sustainability.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable technology and innovative vehicle systems.
  • Qualifications: Engineering knowledge and problem-solving skills are essential.

The predicted salary is between 42000 - 57000 £ 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. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.

The Opportunity

Interested in working hands-on with full vehicle systems in a high-volume manufacturing environment? As a Manufacturing Test Engineer, you will play a key role in end-of-line (EOL) and functional testing, ensuring machines meet defined performance specifications across engine, hydraulic and integrated systems.

Working within a highly skilled Manufacturing Engineering team, you will support production by diagnosing test failures, improving test capability and embedding robust, repeatable processes. You’ll work closely with engineering, maintenance and operations teams to deliver reliable, high-quality products while driving continuous improvement across production systems.

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

  • 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:

  • Level Working Knowledge 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 – 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.

Manufacturing Test Engineer – Vehicle Systems employer: Caterpillar

Caterpillar Inc. is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, where employees are empowered to shape the future of manufacturing in a sustainable way. Located in Desford, Leicestershire, the company offers competitive salaries, generous benefits including 27 days of annual leave, and robust opportunities for professional growth across various sectors. With a commitment to sustainability and community engagement, Caterpillar not only values its employees but also encourages them to contribute to building a better world.

Caterpillar

Contact Details:

Caterpillar Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Manufacturing Test Engineer – Vehicle Systems

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Caterpillar on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the company culture and maybe even a referral!

Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your technical skills. Caterpillar is all about problem-solving, so be ready to showcase how you’ve tackled challenges in past roles. We want to see that analytical thinking in action!

Tip Number 3

Don’t just focus on your qualifications; show your passion for sustainability and innovation. Caterpillar values these traits, so let’s highlight any relevant projects or experiences that align with their mission.

Tip Number 4

Finally, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re always looking for candidates who are proactive and eager to join our team.

We think you need these skills to ace Manufacturing Test Engineer – Vehicle Systems

End-of-Line (EOL) Testing
Vehicle Systems Knowledge
Fault Diagnosis
Root Cause Analysis
Data Analysis
Manufacturing Engineering Principles
Continuous Improvement

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Manufacturing Test Engineer role. Highlight your relevant experience with vehicle systems, EOL testing, and problem-solving skills. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for!

Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your skills – demonstrate them! Use specific examples from your past work that showcase your analytical thinking and ability to improve manufacturing processes. This helps us see how you can contribute to our team.

Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make it easy for us to understand your qualifications and experiences.

Apply Early:We start reviewing applications as soon as they come in, so don’t wait too long! If you’re interested in joining us at Caterpillar, get your application in soon through our website to ensure you don’t miss out on this opportunity.

How to prepare for a job interview at Caterpillar

Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of vehicle systems, especially engines and hydraulics. Caterpillar is looking for someone who can diagnose test failures and improve processes, so be ready to discuss your experience with these systems in detail.

Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills

Prepare to share specific examples of how you've tackled production test failures in the past. Use structured methodologies like the 5 Why or Fishbone techniques to demonstrate your analytical thinking and problem-solving prowess.

Data is Your Friend

Familiarise yourself with interpreting test data and system outputs. Be prepared to discuss how you've used data-driven insights to validate performance and support root cause investigations in previous roles.

Continuous Improvement Mindset

Caterpillar values innovation and improvement, so come armed with ideas on how you could enhance their production test processes. Think about how you've contributed to continuous improvement in your past roles and be ready to share those experiences.