Level 6 Product Design and Development Engineer Apprenticeship

Caterpillar; Peterborough; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturer of construction equipment is seeking apprentices for its Component Engineering team in Peterborough. You will gain hands-on experience across various placements, focusing on design, testing, and developing sustainable powertrain solutions. Ideal candidates will meet entry-level educational criteria, showcasing teamwork and communication skills. This paid apprenticeship offers a competitive salary and excellent opportunities for career development post-completion.

Benefits

Competitive salary with potential bonuses

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Flexible working opportunities and contributory pension

Qualifications

• Candidates should hold minimum GCSEs including Maths, English, and a STEM subject.
• Possession of A-Levels or equivalent qualifications in Engineering or STEM subjects recommended.

Responsibilities

• Apprentices will engage in various placements across functional areas.
• Collaborate with suppliers and support quality solutions through advanced product planning.

Skills

Analytical skills

Teamwork

Communication

Education

GCSEs with grade 4 or above in Maths, English and a STEM subject

Minimum of 112 tariff points including Grade B in A-Level Mathematics

Job description

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.

We are Caterpillar

When you join Caterpillar, you are joining a team of makers, innovators and doers. We are the people who roll up our sleeves and do the work to build a better world. We don’t just talk about progress and innovation. We make it happen. And we are proud of that, because it helps our customers build and power the world we live in – the roads, hospitals, homes and infrastructure.

We are Caterpillar. Are you?

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 Power & Energy – 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.

The Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship is a paid job where the employee learns and gains valuable, real‑life experiences.

We have opportunities for apprentices to join our Component Engineering team located at our Peterborough facility (PE1 5FQ); Our Component Engineering team design, develop, test and manufacture powertrain solutions for Caterpillar and third‑party customers.

Benefits & Compensation

• Earn a competitive salary package, starting at c. £2 4,931 per year.
• Receive 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays.
• Have access to a contributory share and pension scheme, flexible benefits, flexible working opportunities, family‑friendly policies and up to 9% bonus.

The Experience

Apprentices will undertake various six‑month placements in a wide range of differing functional areas. Within each placement we look to develop solid personal learning and development experiences, combined with formal developmental training. At the same time, we look to the apprentice to deliver solid business contributions to cost and quality targets. Placement tasks may include, but are not limited to:

• Component and system design, including simulation and predictive techniques to refine designs.
• Development of drawings and other information to support the release of parts onto Bill of Materials and engine lists in preparation for volume production.
• Write and review technical information and reports to support production design release.
• Collaborate with suppliers to develop specifications and deliver quality solutions through Advanced Product Quality Planning.
• Mechanical verification and validation of engine components and systems.
• Failure analysis and defect resolution using industry‑standard methods.
• Working with our Dealer & Distributor network to improve capability and quality of our Products and Services working with our engineering teams.
• Supporting new engine installations into machines with customers.
• Visiting customers to provide field support.
• Managing engine service and quality issues and considering commercial aspects.
• Producing engine service training material and literature.
• Supporting technical enquiries from customers.
• Design, develop and test new technology.

Entry Requirement

• GCSEs: Three Grade 4 (C) or above including Maths, English and a STEM subject.
• A-Levels: Minimum of 112 tariff points required including Grade B in A-Level Mathematics. 112 tariff points can be made up of A-Levels or equivalent qualifications in any Engineering or relevant STEM subjects (Physics is recommended).
• Unfortunately the training provider is unable to accept T levels which are an A Level equivalent.

NOTE: You can apply with predicted grades. If you’re successful at the interview stage, the job offer will be conditional on you achieving the required grades before September 2026.

Our Culture

There's more to work at Caterpillar than just the work itself. We hire smart, friendly people and it shows in our culture. We hold ourselves to high standards and make sure our values of integrity, excellence, teamwork commitment and sustainability come to life in the way we work.

We believe diversity and inclusion are fundamental to innovation. We respect and value people with different opinions, experiences and backgrounds and believe that by working together, we can produce better results than any of us can achieve alone. Caterpillar is an equal opportunity employer, and we welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds.

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.

Post Apprenticeship

On successful completion of this apprenticeship, you are very likely to be offered a position within our world‑class team with plenty of opportunity for long‑term progression. Many of our former apprentices now occupy senior management roles within our organisation as career development is the foundation to all our apprenticeship schemes.

Depending on the needs of the business, you may also be offered the chance to complete additional qualifications. We are passionate about our people and their development, and our professionally accredited apprenticeships schemes stand as testament to that. It’s your time and talent, make it count. Join us today!

Recruitment Timeline

Go Live: 1st December 2025

Closing Date: 18th January 2026

Interview/Assessment Centre Day (in-person): Between 16th – 20th February 2026

Engagement Day (in-person): 2nd July 2026 (provisional)

Employment Start Date: 7th September 2026 (provisional)

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

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

Important Note

Please only apply for a maximum of two apprenticeship schemes. You may be given the opportunity of being considered for other schemes at a later stage.

Recruitment Process

Stage one – Online Application: The first stage of the process is to complete the online application; this must be done before the closing date of the role that you're applying for. Once we reach the close date, we will begin reviewing all our applications, this may take a little while and we will contact you as soon as possible to let you know if you have been successful in moving forward to the next stage.

Stage two – Assessment Centre: The half day assessment centre (i.e. interview) will look at a range of behaviours such as teamwork, decision‑making, communication, and problem‑solving. Each will consist of a group exercise, an interview and a presentation. Details will vary depending on the career area/role you are applying for. We aim to make these days fun, inclusive and as relaxed as possible.

Stage three – Offer: After the assessment centre, the Caterpillar team will review the feedback and extend offers to our chosen candidates, we aim to do this as quickly as possible.

We hold an Engagement Day for all new apprentices to provide you with an opportunity to meet fellow new starters across the facility before your employment start date. Apprentices will join the business in September 2026.

Contact

We look forward to receiving your application to join Caterpillar. If you have a question, please do not hesitate to get in touch with the team on [e-mail].

Posting Dates

December 4, 2025 - January 18, 2026

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

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