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 – Caterpillar Marine 

Location: Wimborne, Dorset

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

*Please note that 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 (Safety, Integrity, Excellence, Teamwork and Commitment) are key to our success.

Caterpillar, Wimborne 

The facility boasts a wealth of hugely experienced designers, engineers and technicians used to providing solutions for commercial, professional and military customers in the marine product range. From design, testing and production, each engine is proven before leaving the premises to ensure the best performance for the end-user. The production products range up to 500 bhp for marine propulsion engines and 200 ekW for our gensets. In addition to the factory, the Wimborne location is home for roles across sales, marketing, product support and engineering for the entire range of Caterpillar marine products.

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 business 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 are based on the condition that a graduate role is available at the time of your graduation and that you achieve a minimum grade of a 2:1 Degree.

The role 

With the business growing we are looking for a manufacturing engineering placement student at Caterpillar Marine, located in Wimborne, Dorset within the Caterpillar Oil, Gas & Marine Division (COGMD). The Manufacturing Engineering team supports the production of marine engine & genset products ranging from 10kW to over 750kW. This role will focus on ensuring efficient, on-time production of a wide range of marine power products.

Manufacturing Engineering placements offer real life production support experience in a customer-focused environment.

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

• Supporting the production of marine engines, generators and associated equipment. 
• Participating in projects for new product introduction (NPI). 
• Resolving production related problems. 
• Component & sub-assembly production routings. 
• Learning and applying the Caterpillar Production System (CPS).
• Liaison with shop floor operators and designers on the assembly / manufacture of product. 
• Conduct 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 collaborative working style, and who thrive in a team of committed professionals. 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.

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, diligent, 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 honours degree level in a relevant discipline:

·         Production Engineering

·         Manufacturing Engineering

·         Mechanical Engineering

·         Automotive Engineering

·         Aerospace Engineering

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’re 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 on Wednesday 9th December 2026 at our Wimborne 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 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 on 5th July 2027.

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

How do I apply? 

Go to catukgraduates.com for more information. 

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.

Posting Dates:

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

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