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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: Electrical Engineering – Electric Power Division (EPD)

Location: Larne, Northern Ireland

Salary: £26,000 Share Scheme, Pension and 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays).

We currently have some exciting opportunities for industrial placement students to join Caterpillar across several of our sites. You will have the opportunity to work with others across our organisation and you will be directly involved, and at the heart of our business, participating on strategic projects.

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

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, Northern Ireland 

Formerly known as FG Wilson, Caterpillar Northern Ireland was acquired by Caterpillar in 1999 and is an integral part of the Caterpillar enterprise. The company has two sites in Northern Ireland. The facility located in Larne is home to the Electric Power business where the team designs and manufactures Cat® Power Solutions for key business sectors including data centres, construction, mining, healthcare, utility, and other industries. 

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?  

Our industrial placement training schemes give you the opportunity to experience different aspects of the company. From day one you will be embedded in a team solving real world problems. You will get to work and collaborate with people in Caterpillar facilities worldwide.  

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. 

The role

A position has become available for an electrical engineering placement student at Caterpillar (NI) Limited, located in Larne within the Electric Power Division (EPD. The group is responsible for custom power product design of electrical controls and associated equipment for diesel- and gas-powered generators.

Electrical engineering design placements offer placement students real life product design experience in a customer focused environment.

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

• Design of control systems for power generation applications
• Wiring Schematics
• Technical Calculations
• PLC / SCADA programming
• Component / sub-systems supplier review
• Liaison with shop floor personnel on the assembly / manufacture of product
• Complete and apply basic training on engineering standards
• Completion of any other assigned tasks in a timely manner to support EPD
• Carry out all work in accordance with company policies and procedures

Who are we looking for?

We’re looking for people who can show us a highly participative working style, and who thrive in a team of committed professionals.  And at the same time, we need people who are self-motivated and can drive change through persuasion and influence.  Communication and presentational skills are essential & Experience in use of AI agents is an advantage.

Applicants should be working towards a relevant Electrical Engineering, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering or similar relevant degree and on target to achieve a minimum 2:2 classification.

Recruitment Process Guide

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 & 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 / Interview, which we anticipate will take place in early February 2027 at our Larne facility. 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 / Interview

Our assessment process 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 and make hiring decisions. We aim to communicate outcomes and extend offers to successful candidates as quickly as possible. Placement students will begin their placement in June 2027.

We look forward to receiving your application and wish you the very best throughout the recruitment process.

NOTES: 

·         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. This may also include an adjustment to the application deadline date. 

·         This position requires working onsite five days a week / all week. 

Posting Dates:

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

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.

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