Senior Design Engineer - Hydraulic Systems

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.

Salary: £55,516 - £62,000 (depending on experience)

Location: Peterlee

Benefits:

• 25 days annual leave
• Up to 12% 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 family health and dental care plans, EV car lease, holiday purchase

About Caterpillar Peterlee: Caterpillar Peterlee is the worldwide source of Cat Articulated Trucks, currently producing an 8-model range used in many industries including mining, construction and aggregates. The facility's manufacturing activities use the latest computer analysis techniques, robotic technology and a state-of-the-art paint plant. Machines from the site are shipped to customers around the world.

The Opportunity: Join a dynamic team where you’ll serve as the vital link between hydraulic component experts and the machine product team—enabling the seamless integration of cutting-edge hydraulic solutions into complex vehicle systems. This role is pivotal in driving performance, reliability, and product excellence. Collaborating with global colleagues, you’ll leverage shared knowledge and diverse perspectives to innovate, learn, and lead in delivering world-class engineering solutions.

What You Will Do:

• Design and develop hydraulic systems for Articulated Trucks, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.
• Select appropriate hydraulic components (valves, cylinders, pumps, motors, etc.) to meet system requirements.
• Validate system designs through simulation tools and physical testing.
• Translate machine application needs into clear system and component requirements.
• Collaborate with global experts to deliver complex projects on time and within budget.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams including cooling, drivetrain, installation, and performance & controls to develop integrated solutions.
• Support quality improvement initiatives for existing machine fleets and implement factory enhancements.
• Contribute to aftermarket growth and cost-reduction projects.
• Stay current with emerging hydraulic technologies and identify innovations that offer competitive advantages.

What You Will Have:

• Degree Requirement: Degree required
• Technical Excellence: Knowledge of a given technology and various application methods; ability to develop and provide solutions to significant technical challenges.
• Extensive Experience: Experience in hydraulic, drivetrain, or cooling systems or components; or machine development.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and schematics.
• Understanding of major hydraulic sub-systems on mobile construction or mining equipment including braking, steering, implement, etc.
• Analytical Thinking: Knowledge of techniques and tools that promote effective analysis; ability to determine the root cause of organizational problems and create alternative solutions that resolve these problems.
• Effective Communications: Understanding of effective communication concepts, tools and techniques; ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through the application of appropriate communication behaviours.
• Demonstrated ability to work well in collaborative environment and to communicate effectively in global cross functional teams.
• Managing Multiple Priorities: Knowledge of effective self-management practices; ability to manage multiple concurrent objectives, projects, groups, or activities, making effective judgments as to prioritising and time allocation.
• Product Design and Development: Knowledge of product features; ability to design, build, and develop a new product, technology, or service from concept through to production.
• Experience in hydraulic system or component design.

Top Candidates may have some of the following:

• Experience collaborating with suppliers to specify and select components.
• Demonstrated project leadership capability.

Additional Information:

• Hours: Full Time - 36.50, 08:00 to 16:30 Monday to Thursday and 08:00 to 12:30 Friday.
• Travel: up to 10% to include globally.

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 100 years, we’ve been helping customers build a better, more sustainable world and are committed and contributing to a reduced-carbon future. Our innovative products and services, backed by our global dealer network, provide exceptional value that helps customers succeed.