Controls & Software Systems Engineering - 12 Month Industrial Placement Scheme

Mechatronics, Computer Science, Software, Electrical.

Applications are expected to open on the 23rd December 2026.
We will alert you as soon as it opens.
Applications are expected to open on the 23rd December 2026.
Follow us on Gradcracker to be alerted when it opens.

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.

The Caterpillar application process, step by step
Lauren takes students through Caterpillar's application process.
To watch the full Gradcracker/Caterpillar webinar, click here.

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, 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.

Advanced Power Technology – Driving Innovation Across Caterpillar

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.

Focus Area – Power Systems Controls and Software Development

Based in Peterborough, Caterpillar's Advanced Power Technology 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 Controls and Software 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 control algorithms and embedded software that deliver the performance, efficiency, safety and reliability our customers expect.

You could be involved in activities such as:

  • Developing and testing control logic for engine, hybrid and electric power systems.
  • Designing control strategies for fuel systems, air systems, power management and energy optimisation.
  • Supporting battery management, charging and electrification technologies.
  • Using simulation, modelling and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) tools to verify system behaviour.
  • Analysing test data and helping solve complex engineering challenges.
  • Collaborating with global engineering teams across the UK, Europe, India and the United States.

Advanced Power Technology Engine & Hybrid Controls Team

The Engine & Hybrid Controls Team develops the embedded software and control systems that manage engine performance, emissions compliance, hybrid power delivery and machine productivity across Caterpillar's global product range. The team is responsible for transforming system requirements into robust software solutions that deliver world-class performance, reliability and customer value.

Advanced Power Technology Rapid Electrification Development (RED) Team

The Rapid Electrification Development (RED) Team focuses on solving our customer 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.

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 2:2. 

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

  • Contribute to the development of real products used by customers worldwide.
  • Work alongside experienced controls and software engineers.
  • Gain hands-on experience with industry-standard engineering tools and development processes.
  • Develop skills in embedded software, control systems, verification and validation, modelling and data analysis.
  • Experience how advanced engineering teams collaborate to solve complex technical challenges.
  • Build valuable professional and teamwork skills in a supportive and innovative environment.

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 2:2 honours degree level in a relevant discipline: 

  • Control Systems
  • Mechatronics
  • Robotics
  • Computer Science
  • Software Engineering
  • Automotive Engineering
  • Electrical/Electronic Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering

Applicants must have a passion for using technology to solve complex problems; using logic, reasoning, coding (traditional or model based) and controls theory to address complex engineering problems  

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.

Benefits

  • Salary: £26,000
  • Share Scheme
  • Pension
  • 25 days' annual leave (plus bank holidays)
  • Employee Discount Scheme & Employee Assistance Program. 

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.  

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Applications are expected to open on the 23rd December 2026.
We will alert you as soon as it opens.
Applications are expected to open on the 23rd December 2026.
Follow us on Gradcracker to be alerted when it opens.

1e127ede32d8f816eacfb0aed73cee11

  • Starting
    5th July 2027
  • Hiring Multiple Candidates
    Yes
  • Salary
    £26,000 + benefits
  • Degree required
    2:2 and above (expected)
  • Duration
    12 months
  • Location
    Peterborough
Show location/s on map
Disciplines Accepted...
  • Automotive
  • Computer Science
  • Control & Instrumentation
  • Electronic/Electrical
  • Manufacturing
  • Mechanical
  • Mechatronics/Robotics
  • Software/Systems
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