Engineering Placement Student

Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation; Peterborough; On-site; GBP 26,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Peterborough seeks students for a 12-month industrial placement scheme. This program offers hands-on experience in engineering, with responsibilities across multiple projects including simulation, design, and performance analysis. Ideal candidates should be pursuing a relevant degree with a minimum 2:2 classification. A mentor will provide support to foster professional development and ensure a strong foundation for a career in engineering.

Benefits

Salary of £26,000

Employee Discount Scheme

Pension

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Employee Assistance Program

Qualifications

• Open-minded and motivated candidates are preferred.
• Strong commitment to engineering principles and sustainable solutions.
• Ability to embrace change and work hard in team settings.

Responsibilities

• Participate in engineering rotations as part of the placement scheme.
• Involve in projects including simulation, design, validation, and performance development.
• Collaborate with global teams to develop innovative engineering solutions.

Skills

Problem-solving

Teamwork

Communication

Education

Minimum 2:2 honours degree in relevant discipline

Job description

Overview

Career Area: Students and Graduates

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.

Program: 12 Month Industrial Placement Scheme

Discipline: Engineering

Location: Peterborough

Salary: £26,000, Share Scheme, Pension and 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), Employee Discount Scheme & Employee Assistance Program.

We currently have opportunities for industrial placement students to join Caterpillar across several sites. You will work with others across our organisation and be directly involved in strategic projects.

Eligibility: To be eligible to commence a 12 Month Industrial Placement in July 2026, you must be in your penultimate year of study unless enrolled in an integrated master’s program.

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.

At our Peterborough Campus we have a 500-person engineering team who design, develop, test and manufacture powertrain solutions for Caterpillar and third-party customers. Our world class test facilities and partnerships with leading universities allow us to develop new technologies and support our global manufacturing sites. We focus on next generation powertrain solutions and helping customers progress towards Carbon Net Zero. We harness data science and advanced simulation techniques, alongside traditional engineering disciplines, to create sustainable digital services and solutions for the future.

Diversity at Caterpillar

We enable every individual to achieve their full potential in an inclusive environment. We are proud partners with SWE & WES and have several employee resource groups. Caterpillar is an equal opportunity employer, and we welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds.

What experiences can we offer you?

As an equal opportunity employer, Caterpillar values diversity and believes early career experience accelerates development. During the yearlong scheme we place emphasis on diverse projects and collaboration with Caterpillar facilities worldwide. You will be a fully involved team member with responsibility and accountability for key project deliverables, with support to be successful. The placement includes a workplace mentor to guide your professional development and help you gain skills for success. You can expect to return to university with enhanced technical skills and practical application of learning.

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

• Our industrial placement training scheme consists of two six-month engineering rotations. You will be a valued team member within busy development programs that influence Caterpillar’s Global products.
• Typical rotations may include:
• · Simulation – systems, thermofluids and structural analysis
• · Designing, validation and testing components / engines / machines
• · Measurement and analysis of component / engine for noise, vibration, and structural integrity
• · Engine performance development – power and emissions development / analysis
• · Controls – machine integration, calibration, and algorithm development
• · Data analytics including commercial, machine learning and manufacturing
• · Power Systems Test Facility – Emissions/Measurement/Systems Analysis and improvements
• · Integrated powertrain and hybrid systems

This scheme complements academic learning by showing how engineering principles are applied in real-world engine development. It offers opportunities to grow communication and teamwork skills through daily collaboration with a variety of team members including Graduates, Technicians, Engineers, Technical Specialists and Caterpillar colleagues worldwide.

The placement includes a mentor and aims to help you prepare for Chartered or Incorporated Engineer status through an accredited development program.

Who are we looking for?

We seek open-minded, excellent problem solvers who learn quickly. You will be motivated, hard-working, and ready to embrace change. In return, Caterpillar offers strong career opportunities and development support to pursue a career here.

Applicants should be on target to achieve a minimum 2:2 honours degree in a relevant discipline:

• Autosport or Motorsport Engineering
• Manufacturing Engineering
• Product Design Engineering
• Aeronautical Engineering
• Automotive Engineering (including Motorcycle Engineering)
• Mechanical Engineering
• Aerospace Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• General Engineering
• Mechatronics
• Physics
• Maths

There are big jobs to be done worldwide—building critical infrastructure, bolstering local economies, meeting energy demand—and that work is powered by our people. Our team creates sustainable, world-changing solutions that impact lives around the globe. Come join us!

Recruitment Process Guidelines

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

Online Application: Complete the online application and attach your CV before the closing date. Applications are reviewed after the close date and you will be informed if you move forward.

Stage one – Video Interview: If selected, you will complete a video interview. If successful, you will be invited to an Assessment Centre at our Peterborough facility. Please check your spam and Workday updates.

• 28th January
• 29th January
• 30th January
• 3rd February
• 4th February
• 5th February

Stage two - Assessment Centre: The day will assess teamwork, decision-making, communication and problem-solving. We aim to make these days fun, inclusive and relaxed.

Stage three – Offer: Offers are extended to preferred candidates after the Assessment Centre. Placements start on 6th July 2026. We look forward to your application!

Notes

• Only one application is required; you may be considered for other roles/locations later.
• Shortlisted candidates should clearly demonstrate qualifications and experience on their CV.
• Selection criteria may be refined based on volume of applications.
• This position requires onsite work five days a week.

Posting Dates: October 22, 2025 - November 19, 2025

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

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