Career Area:

Job Description:

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.

12 Month Industrial Placement Scheme

Discipline: Manufacturing Engineering

Location: Desford, UK

Salary: £26,000, Share Scheme, Pension, Flexible working, and 27 days annual leave (plus bank holidays)

At Caterpillar, you build what matters—whether it’s the career you want, crucial work skills, strong relationships, or new technologies. Our work is powered by our people.

*Please note that in order to be eligible to complete a 12-Month Industrial Placement commencing July 2027, you must be in your penultimate year of study unless enrolled in an integrated master’s program.

What do we do?

Caterpillar Inc. is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines, and diesel-electric locomotives. Since 1925, we’ve been driving sustainable progress and helping customers build a better world through innovative products and services. Throughout the product life cycle, we offer services built on cutting-edge technology and decades of product expertise. These products and services, backed by our global dealer network, provide exceptional value to help our customers succeed.

We have a clear vision to be the global leader in providing customer value in the markets in which we operate. Our core values (Integrity, Excellence, Teamwork, Commitment and Sustainability) are key to our success.

Caterpillar’s Desford facility is part of the Building Construction Products (BCP) division, manufacturing a range of world class Backhoe Loaders and Compact Wheel Loaders, as part of the wider BCP range of products. Desford is more than just a production facility – it is home to a range of functions with global scope, including HR, Finance, Engineering, Purchasing, Manufacturing and Marketing. 

Diversity at Caterpillar

When we leverage our people's experiences, backgrounds, and cultures in an inclusive environment, we enable every individual to achieve their full potential, which drives business success. We are proud to be active partners with both the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) & Women's Engineering Society (WES). We also have numerous well supported employee resource groups. Caterpillar is an equal opportunity employer, and we welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds.  

What experiences can we offer you?

As an equal opportunity employer, we value diversity at Caterpillar and believe the more experience you can gain early in your career the further you can go. That’s why during our yearlong scheme we place an emphasis on multiple diverse projects. You will have the opportunity to work and collaborate with people in Caterpillar facilities worldwide and we are looking for you to bring fresh, innovative ideas to solve complex technical problems. You will be a fully involved team member with responsibility and accountability for key project deliverables. That said, you will be given all the support you require to be successful.

Our placement roles have the additional benefit of a workplace mentor; this could be your manager or a technical expert who will support you throughout your time at Caterpillar and help you gain the professional development and skills you need to be set up for success!  Our placement students can expect to return to university with further developed technical skills and experience of how University learning is applied to the workplace.

We also operate a conditional offer process; our highest performing placement students are fast tracked to our graduate development scheme. This includes a financial incentive and the potential of a summer work placement. Offers will be made based on the condition that a graduate role is available at the time of your graduation and that you achieve a min of 2:1.

Job duties and responsibilities may include but are not limited to:

• Support manufacturing improvement projects on our Electric and Combustion powered vehicles, driving Safety, Quality, Velocity & Cost using 6 Sigma Methodologies.
• Work with the latest Manufacturing Engineering Technologies to introduce our New Products, evaluating design for assembly & automation feasibility, generating manufacturing processes and documentation, allowing our latest machines to be produced to our world class manufacturing standards.
• Utilise CAD software to design new equipment, complete virtual builds and develop facility layouts in line with Caterpillars Production System.
• Implement new equipment/tooling to production, inc. Design, budgeting, evaluation, procurement, implementation, training and sign off.
• Create and review associated process risk documentation; PFMEA, Control Plans and SFMEA’s to drive safety improvements in new and current processes.
• Work with Additive Manufacturing, Robotics & Automation (assembly and inspection), AI, Digital Twins, Measurement Analysis & Machine Validation Equipment.
• Complete root cause analysis for quality improvement opportunities and implement robust process containment measures.
• Support and implement sustainability projects within the manufacturing process, ensuring alignment with Caterpillar’s commitment to environmental responsibility
• Adhere to the company's Health and Safety policy and safe working practices.
• Adhere to Caterpillar's Values in Action: Integrity, Commitment, Excellence, Teamwork, & Sustainability.

We hold a Meet and Greet day for all new UK placement students to provide you with an opportunity to meet fellow new starters across the UK before you start your placement.

Who are we looking for?

As the type of roles within our business are becoming more diverse, we are looking for people who are open minded, excellent problem solvers and who have an ability to learn quickly. You will be motivated, hard-working, and will embrace change. In return for your dedication and hard work, you will be provided with excellent career opportunities and strong support for your personal and career development to pursue a career within Caterpillar.

Applicants will be on target to achieve a minimum of 2:1 honour degree level in one of the following disciplines:

• Mechanical Engineering
• Manufacturing Engineering
• Mechatronics/Robotics
• Automation and Control Engineering
• Systems Engineering
• Automotive Engineering

Desirable Skills:

• Data analysis and reporting
• Statistics and data science
• Data visualisation
• Computing technology
• Software development

Recruitment Process Guidelines:

We’re excited that you’re considering a career with Caterpillar. Below is an overview of our Early Careers recruitment process and what you can expect at each stage.

Step 1 – Online Application: To apply, simply complete our online application form and upload your CV before the advertised closing date. Our team will review all submissions, and we’ll keep you updated and let you know as soon as possible if you’ve been selected to progress to the next stage.

Step 2 – Online Assessments & Video Interview: If you are selected to move forward in the process, you’ll be invited to complete some online assessments, followed by a user-friendly video interview. Your responses will be reviewed by the hiring team, and successful candidates will then be invited to attend an in-person Assessment Centre, which we anticipate will take place on Thursday 28th January at our Desford facility. If possible, we recommend keeping this date available.

To ensure you don’t miss any communications from us, please regularly check your text, email inbox (including your spam/junk folder) and your Workday account for updates.

Step 3 – In Person Assessment Centre: Our Assessment Centre is designed to help you showcase your potential through a range of interactive activities focused on competencies such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving and decision-making.

We aim to make the experience engaging, inclusive, and relaxed, giving you the best opportunity to demonstrate your strengths and learn more about Caterpillar.

Step 4 – Offer: Following the Assessment Centre, the Caterpillar team will review all feedback to make hiring decisions. We aim to communicate outcomes and extend offers to successful candidates as quickly as possible.

Placement students will begin their placement on 5th July 2027.

NOTE: Only one application is required, please do not apply for multiple roles. You may be given the opportunity of being considered for other roles/locations at a later stage.

The panel cannot make assumptions when shortlisting therefore please demonstrate your qualifications and experience on your CV relevant to the criteria outlined.  

Pending the number of applications, the criteria for the position may be enhanced to facilitate shortlisting.

Posting Dates:

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

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