Design Engineer (Drivetrain)

Caterpillar Inc.; Desford; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 61,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

27 days annual leave

Bank holidays

Opportunity to buy additional holiday

10% Bonus

Contributory pension scheme – Caterpll

Contributory share scheme

Employee Support Networks

Flexible benefits

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. is seeking a Design Engineer (Drivetrain) in Desford, UK. The role focuses on design, development, validation and production release of transmission systems for heavy equipment, with involvement in NPI and current programs.

You will work across disciplines to meet performance, durability and cost targets, taking responsibility from concept through production and collaborating with global teams to deliver successful product outcomes.

Qualifications

• Engineering foundation and mechanical engineering principles applied to design challenges.
• Ability to create and refine complex engineering designs using CAD tools.
• Analytical thinking to identify root causes and balance performance, quality, durability, cost.

Responsibilities

• Define requirements and develop technical solutions meeting customer and business needs.
• Lead and support design and development of drivetrain components from concept to production release.
• Create detailed engineering designs and support prototype testing, validation and release.
• Assess design risks and evaluate alternatives to balance performance and cost.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, suppliers, customers and global teams to deliver outcomes.

Skills

Product Design

CAD/Engineering

Analytical Thinking

Prioritization

Tools

CAD software

Job description

Job Description

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.

Career Area

Engineering

Job Title

Design Engineer (Drivetrain)

Salary

£49,500 rising to £61,000 depending on skills demonstrated

Contract

Full time & permanent

Location

Desford, Leicestershire

The Opportunity

As a Design Engineer within the Drivetrain Engineering team, you will contribute to the design, development, validation and production release of transmission systems used across wheel loaders, telehandlers and backhoe loaders. Working across both New Product Introduction (NPI) and current product programmes, you will apply your engineering expertise to solve complex technical challenges and deliver the quality, reliability, performance and durability expected by Caterpillar customers.

What You Will Do

• Define requirements, solve complex engineering problems and develop technical solutions that meet customer and business needs.
• Lead and support the design and development of drivetrain components and transmission systems from concept through production release.
• Create detailed engineering designs and support prototype, verification, testing and validation activities.
• Assess design risks, evaluate alternative solutions and make balanced engineering decisions considering performance, quality, durability and cost.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, suppliers, purchasing, customers and global engineering teams to deliver successful product outcomes.
• Communicate technical information, project updates and recommendations to stakeholders while supporting product improvements and new product introduction activities.

NB. The panel cannot make assumptions when shortlisting therefore please demonstrate your qualifications and experience on your CV relevant to the criteria outlined.

What You Can Demonstrate

Level: Extensive Experience

• Product Design & Development: Translate customer, product and functional requirements into robust engineering solutions, supporting components and systems through concept development, validation, production release and ongoing product improvement.
• Computer-Aided Design & Engineering: Create, analyse and refine complex engineering designs using CAD tools, applying engineering principles to develop drivetrain components, assemblies and systems while producing accurate engineering documentation.
• Analytical Thinking: Identify root causes of complex technical challenges, evaluate risks and alternative solutions, and make sound engineering decisions that balance performance, quality, durability, cost and customer requirements.

Level: Working Knowledge

• Managing Multiple Priorities: Plan and coordinate multiple engineering activities, effectively balancing competing priorities, project deliverables and business requirements while working independently, maintaining quality and delivering results with minimal supervision.

What You May Have

• Engineering Foundation: Apply Mechanical Engineering principles to solve technical challenges, evaluate design solutions and support products through development, validation and production release.
• Drivetrain Knowledge: Apply technical knowledge of transmissions, gears, shafts, bearings, housings, wet clutches and hydraulic integration to support drivetrain design and development activities.
• Product Validation & Launch: Support prototype development, testing, validation and production implementation activities, ensuring products meet functional, quality and performance requirements.

Pending the number of applications, the criteria for the position may be enhanced to facilitate shortlisting.

What You Will Get

One Company, Limitless Opportunities. Caterpillar is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. We do business on every continent, principally operating through three primary segments – Construction Industries, Resource Industries, and Energy & Transportation – and providing financing and related services through our Financial Products segment. Careers at Caterpillar are limitless, we have opportunities in Engineering, Human Resources, Manufacturing, Marketing, Sales, Supply Chain and so much more. You can create the career you want. It’s your time and talent, make it count.

Our Sustainability Commitment

Caterpillar has a long-standing commitment to sustainability, one of our five Values in Action. It is part of who we are and what we do. We actively lead sustainable green initiatives to preserve the environment, help reduce poverty with the Caterpillar Foundation and stay involved in the communities we help build.

Benefits

• 27 days annual leave
• bank holidays
• opportunity to buy additional holiday
• 10% Bonus
• contributory pension scheme - Caterpillar will double the employee's contribution up to 10%
• contributory share scheme - Caterpillar will match 50% of the employee's contribution
• Employee Support Networks – join groups that offer support, connection, and a sense of community
• optional flexible benefits including access to private health and dental care plans, EV car lease etc

Travel

Not required

This position requires working onsite five days a week.

Posting Dates

August 11, 2026 - August 26, 2026

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