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 July 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 (Safety, Integrity, Excellence, Teamwork, Commitment and Sustainability) are key to our success.
At our Peterborough Campus we have a 500-person engineering team who design, develop, test and manufacture powertrain solutions for Caterpillar and third-party customers. Our world-class test facilities and partnerships with leading universities allow us to develop new technologies and support our global manufacturing sites. We have an ever-growing focus on next generation powertrain solutions, helping our customers progress towards Carbon Net Zero. We harness the power of data science and advanced simulation techniques, alongside traditional engineering disciplines, to create sustainable digital services and solutions that will power our customers’ future.
The Advanced Power Technology Division leads the development of electronics and control systems that power a wide range of Caterpillar products globally. Our solutions span diesel engines, hybrid and full electric systems development and integrated machine controls, enabling superior performance, efficiency, and sustainability. We combine expertise in electronics, software, and digital technologies to deliver innovations that minimise operating costs, reduce emissions, and provide seamless connectivity through telematics and condition monitoring. Our technologies support diverse applications—from construction and mining to power generation and industrial sectors—ensuring reliability and productivity in the most demanding environments.
Based in Peterborough, Caterpillar's Advanced Power Technologies Division offers exciting opportunities to work at the forefront of engine, hybrid and electric power system development. We are looking for enthusiastic placement students to join our Advanced Power Technology Electrical Systems Teams, where you will help develop the technologies that power machines used around the world.
As part of our team, you will work on real engineering projects involving diesel engines, hybrid powertrains, battery-electric systems and advanced controls. Our engineers develop the Electronic Systems that deliver the performance, efficiency, safety and reliability that our customers expect.
You could be involved in activities such as:
The Engine Electronic Systems and Component Team develops the electronic systems that manage engine starting, charging, performance, emissions compliance and machine productivity across Caterpillar's global product range. The team is responsible for transforming high-level system requirements into robust electrical system solutions that deliver world-class performance, reliability and customer value.
The Rapid Electrification Development (RED) Team focuses on solving our customers’ problems by designing and delivering next-generation electrified machine demonstrators. This includes designing the architecture for the battery-electric system, energy management, charging technologies as well as advanced vehicle controls. The team is at the forefront of accelerating Caterpillar's electrification journey by developing innovative technologies that support future products and sustainability goals.
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 2:2.
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 2:2 honours degree level in a relevant discipline:
Applicants must have a passion for solving complex problems in electrical systems.
Candidates with a particular interest in Electrical and Electronic Engineering will be very welcome
You will also require excellent interpersonal and communication skills to interact regularly with customers and colleagues within the Caterpillar global team. Travel to customer sites within Europe may be required.
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.
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.
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.
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 on 10th March 2027 at our Peterborough 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.
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.
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 start on 5th July 2027.
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