Design and Development Engineering (12 Month Placement Scheme)

Caterpillar; Peterlee; On-site; GBP 26,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment is seeking students for a 12 Month Industrial Placement as a Design and Development Engineer in Peterlee. This opportunity involves working on live projects, developing technical knowledge, and gaining practical application of engineering theory. Ideal candidates will be in their penultimate year of study with a minimum 2:2 honours degree in relevant engineering disciplines. The placement starts in July 2026.

Benefits

Share Scheme

Pension

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2:2 honours degree in relevant engineering disciplines required.
• Candidates should show technical knowledge and professionalism.
• Strong planning and organizing skills necessary.

Responsibilities

• Integrate key technologies and data analytics with Caterpillar Articulated Trucks.
• Work on live engineering projects during the placement year.

Skills

Technical knowledge

Practical application of engineering theory

Planning and organizing skills

Decision making

Education

Minimum 2:2 honours degree in Agricultural, Electronics/Electrical, Computer Engineering, Mechanical

Job description

Career Area:

Students and Graduates

Job Description:

Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.

When you join Caterpillar, you'rejoining 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'tjust 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: Design and Development Engineer

Location: Peterlee, County Durham

Salary: £2 6 , 0 00 , Share Scheme, Pension and 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays).

At Caterpillar, you build what matters—whether it’s the career you want, crucial work skills, strong relationships, or new technologies . – Our work is powered by our people.

*Please note that in order to be eligible to complete a 12 Month Industrial Placement commencing July 202 6 , you must be in your penultimate year of study unless enrolled in an integrated master’s program.

Who is Caterpillar?

Caterpillar is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. Operating from 50 countries around the globe, the Caterpillar brand has developed into a symbol of strength, respect, and integrity. The organisation has a clear vision to be the global leader in providing customer value in the markets in which it operates . Our core values (Integrity, Excellence, Teamwork, Commitment and Sustainability) are key to our success.

What do we do?

The Peterlee site, engineers and manufactures Articulated Trucks, which are then exported globally. Our product design centre includes state of the art facilities with an immersive environment, machine proving ground, learning centre and complete factory which is the sole producer of Caterpillar Articulated Trucks.

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?

During your placement year you will be placed in one of the following engineering areas, working on live projects:

• Machine Integration & Performance
• System Design & Integration
• Machine Testing and Development

Working with experienced team members you will receive all the coaching, guidance and support for your work and personal development. It is our intention that you will be given opportunities to develop your knowledge and experience within a real-world setting. Our aim is that these industrial placement opportunities provide the firm foundations necessary for a long and successful future career.

The scheme will mentor you in the fundamental steps of deterministic design, the basics of machine performance, problem solving, development and validation, whilst learning the details of each subsystem.

As an equal opportunity employer, we value diversity at Caterpillar, and we believe the more experience you can gain early in your career the further you can go.

We 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?

We are looking for engineers and scientists that will integrate Caterpillar Articulated Trucks with key technologies and data analytics. We are looking for people who can demonstrate technical knowledge and the practical application of engineering theory, along with sound decision making, professionalism, and an enthusiasm for engineering. You will also have strong planning and organising skills.

• Applicants will be on target to achieve a minimum of 2:2 honours degree level in the following disciplines: Agricultural, Electronics/Electrical, Computer Engineering, Mechanical

Recruitment Process Guidelines:

Here is a brief overview of what you can expect when applying to our Early Career roles…

Online Application:

The first stage of the process is to complete the online application and attach your CV, this must be done before the closing date of the role that you're applying for. Once we reach the close date, we will begin reviewing all our applications, this may take a little while and we will contact you as soon as possible to let you know if you have been successful in moving forward to the next stage.

Stage one – Video Interview:

If selected, you will be invited to complete a user-friendly video interview which will then be reviewed by the Hiring Team. At this stage, if you are successful, you will be invited to attend an Assessment Centre which we anticipate will be held on either Monday 9 th or Tuesday 10 th February onsite at our Peterlee facility so please try to keep that date free. We would also recommend that you check your spam emails and your Workday account for updates.

Stage two - Assessment Centre:

The Assessment Centre Day will look at a range of behaviours such as teamwork, decision-making, communication, and problem-solving. We aim to make these days fun, inclusive and as relaxed as possible.

Stage three – Offer:

After the Assessment Centre, the Caterpillar team will review the feedback and extend offers to our preferred candidates, we aim to do this as quickly as possible. Placement students will start on 6 th July 202 6. We look forward to receiving your application to join Caterpillar!

NOTE: 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 is required to be onsite five days per week.

Posting Dates:

November 24, 2025 - December 23, 2025

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

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