Design Engineering 12 Month Placement Scheme
Caterpillar Inc.
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
Caterpillar Inc. in Wimborne, Dorset is offering a 12-month Industrial Placement in Design Engineering for July 2027.
You will design marine engine systems and components, develop schematics, and perform technical calculations as part of a hands-on, project-based experience. You will be mentored by experienced engineers, gain exposure to the full product lifecycle, and have opportunities for progression after graduation.
Qualifications
- Penultimate year of study required for 12-month placement commencing July 2027.
- Strong communication and teamwork are essential for collaboration across teams.
Responsibilities
- Design marine engine systems and components.
- Create system schematics and layout.
- Perform technical calculations and reviews with suppliers.
- Coordinate with shop floor on assembly/production.
Skills
Education
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.
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.
Students and Graduates
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.
£26,000
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.
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.
The facility boasts a wealth of hugely experienced designers, engineers and technicians used to providing solutions for commercial, professional and military customers in the marine product range. From design, testing and production, each engine is proven before leaving the premises to ensure the best performance for the end-user. The production products range up to 500 bhp for marine propulsion engines and 200 ekW for our gensets. In addition to the factory the Wimborne location is home for roles across sales, marketing, product support and engineering for the entire range of Caterpillar marine products.
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.
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 2:1.
With the team growing we are looking for a design engineering placement student at Caterpillar Marine, located in Wimborne, Dorset within the Caterpillar Oil, Gas & Marine division. The team has responsibility for all areas of marine engine & genset design for products from 10kW to over 750kW. This role will focus on design of mechanical systems for this wide range of marine products.
Design engineering design placements offer placement students real life product design experience in a customer focused environment.
- Design of marine engine systems and components.
- System schematics & layout.
- Technical calculations.
- Component / sub-systems supplier review.
- Liaison with shop floor personnel on the assembly / manufacture of product.
- Carry out all work in accordance with company policies and procedures.
We’re looking for people who can show us a highly participative working style, and who thrive in a team of committed professionals. At the same time, we need people who are self-motivated and can drive change through persuasion and influence. Communication and presentational skills are essential.
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 2:1 honours degree level in a relevant discipline:
- Mechanical / Automotive Engineering
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.
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 / Interview, which we anticipate will take place on Wednesday 2nd December 2026 at our Wimborne facility. If possible, we recommend keeping this date 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.
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.
Following the Assessment Centre, the Caterpillar team will review all feedback and make hiring decisions. We aim to communicate outcomes and extend offers to successful candidates as quickly as possible.
Placement students will begin their placement on 5th July 2027.
We look forward to receiving your application and wish you the very best throughout the recruitment process. Come join us!
September 18, 2026 - October 17, 2026
Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply
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