Senior Engine Performance Engineer (Systems Integration)

Senior Engine Performance Engineer (Systems Integration)

Full-Time 57700 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Caterpillar

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead diesel engine integration and optimise performance for construction machinery.
  • Company: Join Caterpillar, a global leader in construction and mining equipment.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 27 days annual leave, private medical, and a generous pension scheme.
  • Other info: Dynamic work environment with limitless career opportunities and a commitment to sustainability.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable engineering solutions and enhance customer experiences.
  • Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in engineering or equivalent experience required.

The predicted salary is between 57700 - 72000 £ 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.

The Opportunity

Are you passionate about optimising engine performance and delivering seamless systems integration? Join Caterpillar's Engine Systems team as a Senior Engine Performance Engineer (Systems Integration), where you'll lead the integration and performance of diesel engines across wheel loaders, telehandlers, and backhoe loaders within our Building Construction Products (BCP) Division. Supporting both New Product Introduction (NPI) and Continuous Product Improvement (CPI) programmes, you'll apply your engineering expertise to solve complex technical challenges, enhance machine performance, and deliver reliable, high-performing solutions that help our customers succeed.

What you will do:

  • Define and develop engine performance requirements and standards in collaboration with vehicle performance and integration teams.
  • Lead the integration of diesel engines across wheel loaders, telehandlers, backhoe loaders, and other machine platforms.
  • Partner with vehicle systems teams and engine suppliers to develop and execute validation strategies and test plans.
  • Analyse engine and emissions system performance across development and customer fleets, using data-driven insights to identify trends, mitigate risks, and drive continuous product improvement.
  • Lead root cause investigations to resolve engine, machine, and system integration issues.
  • Deliver robust, validated solutions that improve reliability, support product development, and enhance the customer experience.

What You Can Demonstrate:

  • Degree or Equivalent Capability: Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline, or equivalent capability gained through relevant industry experience, with the ability to apply engineering principles to analyse complex systems, lead technical investigations, and deliver robust engineering solutions.
  • Level Working Knowledge: Effective Communications: Communicate technical information, recommendations, and project updates clearly to engineers, suppliers, and stakeholders, building strong relationships, driving alignment, and influencing technical decisions to support successful development, validation, and delivery outcomes.
  • Technical Excellence: Apply engineering principles, testing methodologies, and industry standards to optimise engine performance, support emissions compliance, and deliver practical systems integration solutions.
  • Project Management: Plan, coordinate, and manage technical deliverables across NPI and CPI programmes, balancing priorities, tracking progress, and supporting successful project execution.

Level Extensive Experience:

  • Analytical Thinking: Evaluate complex engine and machine performance data to identify root causes, assess risks and solution options, and make data-driven decisions that improve product performance, reliability, and customer outcomes.
  • Problem Solving: Lead structured problem-solving activities to resolve development and field issues, implementing sustainable corrective actions and driving continuous product improvement.

What You May Have:

  • Strong knowledge of diesel engine performance, emissions systems, and machine integration, with the ability to diagnose issues and optimise performance across off-highway or mobile equipment applications.
  • Proficiency in test, validation, and diagnostic tools, including machine instrumentation, data acquisition systems, vehicle telematics, Vector CANape, or similar technologies.
  • Proficiency in analysing and visualising engineering data using Power BI, Tableau, or similar tools to identify trends, support root cause investigations, and enable data-driven decision-making.

Benefits: 27 days annual leave + bank holidays, opportunity to buy additional holiday, Private Medical, 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, 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.

This position requires working onsite five days a week.

Senior Engine Performance Engineer (Systems Integration) employer: Caterpillar

At Caterpillar Stockton, we pride ourselves on being more than just a workplace; we are a community of skilled craftsmen dedicated to excellence in precision engineering. Our employees enjoy competitive pay rates, generous overtime opportunities, and a supportive work-life balance with additional holidays and flexible schedules. With access to on-site wellness facilities and clear pathways for career advancement, joining our team means becoming part of a world-class manufacturing hub that values your contributions and fosters your growth.

Caterpillar

Contact Details:

Caterpillar Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Engine Performance Engineer (Systems Integration)

Get Your Hands Dirty at Engineering Events

Join local engineering meetups or industry conferences related to mechanical engineering. Whether it's a workshop or a career fair, these events are goldmines for networking and getting a foot in the door. Plus, you can showcase your passion and enthusiasm directly to potential employers like Caterpillar.

Connect with Professors & Peers

Tap into your university’s resources—professors often have connections in the industry. Don’t be shy to ask about potential openings or recommendations. Your classmates might also know of companies hiring. Often, it’s who you know that gets you in front of the right people!

Highlight Your Projects and Practical Experience

When you land those interviews, make sure to talk about your hands-on projects or internships. Whether it's a design project or hands-on experience with CAD software, specific examples will make you stand out. Companies like Caterpillar love to hear about practical applications of your skills.

Apply Directly on Company Websites

Check out the careers page of Caterpillar and apply directly through there. It shows initiative and interest in their specific values. Plus, you'll often find openings that aren't advertised on job boards, giving you a better chance to land that full-time gig!

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Engine Performance Engineer (Systems Integration)

Engine Performance Optimisation
Systems Integration
Data Analysis
Root Cause Investigation
Project Management
Effective Communication
Analytical Thinking

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Technical Expertise:In mechanical engineering, it’s vital to highlight your technical skills and projects. Make sure to include relevant software proficiency (like CAD tools) in your CV. If you've worked on specific engineering projects, detail your key contributions — we want to see how you’ve applied your skills in a practical setting!

Focus on Problem-Solving Examples:Employers in mechanical engineering love to see how you handle challenges. Use your cover letter to share specific instances where you’ve solved a complex problem or improved a design. This will show us you're not just knowledgeable but also capable of applying that knowledge effectively.

Highlight Relevant Certifications:Include any relevant certifications or training that can set you apart from the competition. Whether it's coursework from your degree, a recognised certification, or extra training in new technologies, we love to see candidates who continuously improve their skill set. This tells us you're serious about your career in engineering!

Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don’t forget to customise your CV for Caterpillar and the Senior Engine Performance Engineer (Systems Integration) role specifically. Pull examples from your experience that align with the job description — it shows us you've done your research and are genuinely interested in becoming part of the team. We recommend applying through our website to ensure your application gets to the right people!

How to prepare for a job interview at Caterpillar

Brush Up on Your CAD Skills

Since mechanical engineering often involves design processes, be ready to showcase your proficiency in CAD software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD. Bring along a digital portfolio or even some sketches that demonstrate your design capabilities — it’s a great way to show what you can bring to the table at Caterpillar.

Prepare for Technical Questions

Expect technical questions that test your understanding of engineering principles and problem-solving skills. You might get hypothetical scenarios where you need to design a component or troubleshoot a mechanical system. Practising these types of questions will give you the confidence to tackle whatever comes your way!

Show Your Team Spirit

As a full-time mechanical engineer, collaboration is key! Be ready to share examples of past team projects or any experiences where you contributed to solving a complex problem with others. Demonstrating your ability to work in a team will resonate well with the interviewers at Caterpillar.

Discuss Your Future Goals

Since this is a full-time position, your long-term vision is important. Be open about your career aspirations, whether it’s mastering a specific tool or leading projects. This shows that you're committed not just to learning but also to growing with Caterpillar, making you a more appealing candidate.