Design Engineer (Drivetrain & Transmissions)

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

Benefits offered by this job

27 days annual leave plus bank holiday

10% Bonus

Contributory pension – Caterpillar 10%

Employee share scheme

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. in the United Kingdom seeks a Design Engineer (Drivetrain & Transmissions) to shape drivetrain and transmission systems for wheel loaders, telehandlers and backhoe loaders.

You will translate requirements into robust designs from concept to production release, using mechanical design, CAD and engineering analysis to drive product quality and performance. The role offers onsite work at Desford with relocation support for exceptional candidates and a starting salary of £49,500

Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.
• Experience in drivetrain and transmission design is preferred.
• Ability to translate customer requirements into robust engineering solutions.

Responsibilities

• Translate customer and functional requirements into robust drivetrain component and transmission system designs.
• Create, analyse and release three-dimensional models, components, assemblies and engineering documentation using CAD tools.
• Investigate complex technical issues, identify root causes and develop balanced solutions for performance, quality, durability and cost.
• Evaluate design risks and use findings from prototype builds, verification, testing and validation to refine engineering solutions.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, suppliers, purchasing and global engineering teams to deliver new products and improvements.
• Plan and prioritise concurrent engineering activities, communicating progress, findings, risks and recommendations clearly.

Skills

CAD

Analytical Thinking

Product Design

Managing Priorities

Drivetrain Knowledge

Validation & Launch

Education

Mechanical Engineering degree or related discipline

Tools

CAD Software

Job description

Job Description

Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.

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 & Transmissions)

Salary:

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

Contract

Full time & permanent

Location:

Desford, Leicestershire - Domestic relocation support may be considered for exceptional candidates

The Opportunity

Help shape the drivetrain and transmission systems powering Caterpillar’s wheel loaders, telehandlers and backhoe loaders. As a Design Engineer, you’ll turn customer and functional requirements into robust solutions, from concept through to production release. Combining mechanical design, computer-aided engineering and technical problem-solving, you’ll influence product quality, durability and performance while delivering reliable solutions for customers worldwide.

What You Will Do

• Translate customer and functional requirements into robust drivetrain component and transmission system designs.
• Create, analyse and release three-dimensional models, components, assemblies and engineering documentation using computer-aided design tools.
• Investigate complex technical issues, identify root causes and develop solutions that balance performance, quality, durability and cost.
• Evaluate design risks and use findings from prototype builds, verification, testing and validation to refine engineering solutions.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, suppliers, purchasing and global engineering teams to deliver new products and product improvements.
• Plan and prioritise concurrent engineering activities, communicating progress, technical findings, risks and recommendations clearly.

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

• Education: A degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline, or equivalent applied engineering knowledge. Applies engineering principles, analysis and technical data to deliver reliable, production-ready solutions.

Level: Extensive Experience

• Computer-Aided Design & Engineering: Creates, analyses and communicates complex mechanical components, assemblies and three-dimensional designs using specialised engineering tools. Applies advanced design methods to produce accurate solutions suitable for manufacture, validation and release.
• Analytical Thinking: Breaks complex technical challenges into manageable parts, identifies potential root causes and evaluates risks, benefits and alternative solutions. Selects appropriate analytical methods to reach balanced, evidence-based decisions.

Level: Working Knowledge

• Product Design & Development: Translates customer and functional requirements into practical engineering solutions, supporting components and systems from concept through to validation and production release. Uses appropriate engineering tools to create or modify designs and contribute to prototype development.
• Managing Multiple Priorities: Plans and co-ordinates concurrent engineering activities while responding effectively to changing demands. Maintains progress and quality across multiple assignments, escalating risks and priority conflicts where appropriate.

What You May Have

• Drivetrain Knowledge: Applies knowledge of transmissions, gears, shafts, bearings, housings, wet clutches or hydraulic integration to understand component and system interactions. Uses this knowledge to identify design risks and improve performance, durability and reliability.
• Product Validation & Launch: Uses findings from prototype builds, testing and design verification to refine engineering solutions. Considers manufacturability, assembly, quality and production requirements to support successful product release.

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

up to 10% travel to include international

This position requires working onsite five days a week.

Posting Dates

October 1, 2026 - October 16, 2026

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