Design and Development Engineering - 12 Month Industrial Placement Scheme

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 programme.

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 Leicester 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. Products that are reliable, cost effective, versatile, and adaptable. Leicester is more than just a production facility - it is a full product development centre with global responsibility for its products.

Our development facilities include advanced 3D CAD systems on-line to other Caterpillar engineering resource centres around the world, full product prototyping and test capabilities, and, through the international network, access to some of the most advanced R&D facilities in the world.  

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

To work as part of the development team, accountable for the delivery of specific design and development projects, in one or more of the following areas: 

• New component and system design, such as structures, operator station, hydraulics, engine systems, electrical systems, drivetrain (transmissions). 
• Validation and test, including computer simulation and predictive techniques, rig testing or overall machine testing 
• Refinement of designs based on test failures or prototype build difficulties 
• Shop-floor support for prototype and production machine build activities 
• Existing component design improvements to resolve quality issues or save cost 
• Requirements definition, including critical customer requirements, application profiles, competitive machine positioning 
• Collaboration with suppliers to ensure designs produced are suitable for manufacture using the most suitable materials and processes, and to an acceptable quality level 

You will be given the support and coaching required to develop your technical capability and business understanding. We promote a hands-on approach, encouraging you to spend time operating Backhoe Loader or Compact Wheel Loader machines. 

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. 

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. 

Who are we looking for?

It is essential that applicants should have achieved or be on track to achieve a minimum of a 2:2 in one of the following engineering disciplines: Agricultural, Automotive, Design, or Mechanical Engineering. 

Skills/Experience/Key competencies desired: 

• Possess at least a basic knowledge of construction equipment operation and design. 
• Highly self-motivated. 
• Desire to challenge both yourself and the organisation on delivery of technically superior, cost-effective designs and solutions. 
• Good communication skills both written and verbal, a foreign language would be an asset. 
• Strong planning, organising and problem-solving skills. 
• Willingness to travel and engage different cultures. 
• A Full UK driving licence. 

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 either Wednesday 31st March or Thursday 1st April 2027 at our Desford facility. If possible, we recommend keeping these dates 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.

Notes

• 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. 
• Please note that this position requires working onsite five days a week.

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