Lead Technician

Caterpillar; Cambridgeshire and Peterborough; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global manufacturer of industrial engines is seeking a Mechanical Principal Technician in Peterborough. The role involves leading maintenance operations, driving continuous improvement, and overseeing projects. Ideal candidates will have a degree or NVQ Level 3 in mechanics, strong troubleshooting skills, and experience with Lean principles. The company offers a supportive work environment, focusing on personal development and innovation.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Up to 10% bonus

Contributory pension scheme

Contributory share scheme

Flexible benefits including health and dental care plans

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of mechanical maintenance systems and fault diagnosis.
• Experience leading or contributing to improvement projects using Lean principles.
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities, including organization and decision making.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate technician responses to facility breakdowns.
• Lead small teams to investigate root causes and drive improvement projects.
• Present findings through regular technical updates.
• Conduct local quality audits to ensure high work standards.
• Lead initiatives aimed at reducing breakdown frequency.

Skills

Troubleshooting Technical Problems

Technical Excellence

Decision Making and Critical Thinking

Accuracy and Attention to Detail

Effective communicator

Solid grasp of maintenance processes

Proficient in Microsoft Office

Education

Degree or NVQ Level 3 in a mechanical discipline

Job description

Overview

Caterpillar's Industrial Power Systems Division (IPSD) designs, tests and manufactures 0.5 to 18L Cat® and Perkins engines that power over 5000 applications including Marine, Petroleum, Industrial Applications, Electric Generators, and Locomotives. Caterpillar's company strategy includes sustainability as one of four focus areas and IPSD is engaged and actively preparing green energy solutions for the future.

What is Test Facilities & Engineering (TF&E)

The TF&E mechanical maintenance team provides expert technical support to the state‑of‑the‑art engine test facility, ensuring quality data output. They are responsible for manufacturing, implementing and upgrading test‑facility support systems and rigs to assist in engine development and verification. The team also commissions the multi‑million pound engine test facility, which boasts world‑class performance, emissions, and mechanical validation capabilities. The team is part of a wider facilities group and interacts with other departments within the facility.

Role Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled Mechanical Principal Technician to lead key projects and drive continuous improvement across mechanical maintenance operations within the Test Development & Engineering facility. This role will focus on improving equipment service schedules, leading breakdown mitigation efforts, and overseeing team‑led projects. The successful candidate will take a hands‑on, proactive approach to resolving critical issues, particularly in breakdown management, and will demonstrate strong leadership and a structured approach to problem‑solving. Alongside day‑to‑day responsibilities, the Principal Technician will identify and lead improvement initiatives aimed at closing operational gaps, reducing waste and enhancing collaboration between technician and engineering teams. Acting as the technical lead for continuous improvement, they will help standardise maintenance practices and contribute to the long‑term reliability and performance of the facility.

What You Will Do

• Coordinate technician responses to facility breakdowns using fault diagnostic techniques.
• Lead small teams to investigate root causes, drive improvement projects, eliminate waste, and propose change.
• Present findings through regular technical updates to enhance operational efficiency.
• Perform duties including breakdown metric analysis, report preparation and delivery and general team support.
• Conduct local quality audits and work inspections to ensure high work standards and compliance.
• Lead and support initiatives aimed at reducing breakdown frequency, optimising service schedules and improving asset management.
• Apply Lean tools and techniques (e.g. 5S, Root Cause Analysis, Standard Work) to identify inefficiencies and implement corrective actions.
• Lead collaborations with technicians and engineers to trial and embed new maintenance practices.
• Analyse maintenance data and trends to identify recurring issues and propose long‑term solutions.
• Support the development and implementation of preventive and predictive maintenance strategies.
• Contribute to the creation and refinement of standard operating procedures and technical documentation.
• Provide technical mentorship to peers, sharing knowledge and building team capability.
• Promote and maintain a safe working environment by identifying and eliminating unsafe practices and fostering a positive safety culture.

What You Will Have

• Troubleshooting Technical Problems – strong understanding of mechanical maintenance systems, fault diagnosis, and structured fault‑finding techniques.
• Technical Excellence – proven experience leading or contributing to improvement projects, ideally using Lean principles, and delivering sound technical solutions aligned with current procedures and standards.
• Decision Making and Critical Thinking – demonstrated leadership capabilities, including organisation, decision making and structured analysis of data to support informed decisions.
• Accuracy and Attention to Detail – maintains high standards through careful checking, learns from mistakes, and uses tools to ensure precision in outputs.
• Effective communicator – strong collaboration skills, able to adapt messaging across technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Solid grasp of maintenance processes, tools, and equipment, with awareness of operational and quality objectives.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and general PC applications.

Top Candidates will

• Be degree‑qualified or holding NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent) in a mechanical discipline, with relevant experience appropriate to the level of qualification.
• Have Lean or Six Sigma training (e.g. Green Belt) – desirable.
• Have experience in a test facility or factory environment.
• Have experience in developing or implementing preventive maintenance strategies.
• Have experience in maintenance planning and supervisory experience – desirable.

Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.

When you join Caterpillar, you’re joining a global team that 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.

Benefits

• 25 days annual leave
• Up to 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
• Optional flexible benefits including access to health and dental care plans, EV car lease, holiday purchase

About IPSD

Working hours: 37 hrs per week, Monday – Thursday 08:00 – 16:30, Friday 08:00 – 13:00. This role is based from our Peterborough facility.

What You Will Get

We look forward to welcoming the successful candidate to our dynamic, diverse and friendly team. We have a culture of openness, autonomy, support, personal development as well as a continuous drive for improvement.

About Caterpillar

Caterpillar Inc. 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. For 100 years, we’ve been helping customers build a better, more sustainable world and are committed to contributing to a reduced‑carbon future. Our innovative products and services, backed by our global dealer network, provide exceptional value that helps customers succeed.