Manufacturing Engineer

Caterpillar Brazil; North East; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Up to 10% Bonus

Contributory pension scheme - Caterpll

Contributory share scheme - Caterpill

Flexible benefits including health and

Job summary

Caterpillar Peterlee in County Durham, UK is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to design, develop, and implement manufacturing systems and processes within a modern facility. You will drive tooling, equipment, and process improvements, delivering value across production lines and supporting new product launches.

The role emphasizes lean practices, process validation, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to continually improve efficiency and product quality.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent experience required.
• APQP/DfM understanding and virtual design/validation.
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing and safety practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead automated tooling and process development across disciplines.
• Drive APQP, DfM, and virtual design for new products/processes.
• Specify and install tooling, machinery, and equipment.
• Improve flow, utilization, material movement and layouts.
• Manage schedules and resource availability for production goals.
• Lead capital/expense projects focusing on quality and efficiency.
• Develop standard work and process documentation.
• Monitor industry trends for improvements.

Skills

Collaborative Automation

Decision Making

Engineering - MFG

Lean Manufacturing

Manufacturing Processes

Robotic Process Automation

Project Management

Education

University technical degree in a manufacturing engineering-related discipline

Job description

Career Area: Manufacturing 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.

Job Posting Title: Manufacturing Engineer Salary: £49,519 - £61,899 Location: Peterlee, County Durham Hours: Full Time - 36.50, 4.5 days in the Peterlee facility. Travel: Minimal (project specific)

About Caterpillar Peterlee Caterpillar Peterlee is the worldwide source of Cat Articulated Trucks, currently producing an 8-model range used in many industries including mining, construction and aggregates. The facility's manufacturing activities use the latest computer analysis techniques, robotic technology and automated dump body paint plant. Machines from the site are shipped to customers around the world. The Manufacturing Engineering team are responsible for developing and implementing optimal, cost-effective manufacturing processes and methods in accordance with product specifications and quality standards, recommending and implementing improvements to production processes, and coordinating manufacturing launch for new or revised products. The team utilises the latest design systems and techniques including 3D virtual vitalisation and Production Validation centres.

The Opportunity As a Manufacturing Engineer within the Team, you will have the opportunity to provide the technical expertise necessary to design, develop, and implement manufacturing systems, complex manufacturing operations and sophisticated tooling and machinery. You will contribute to the planning and delivery of projects, continually learn and stay abreast of innovative technology, whilst broadening your professional network.

Job Duties/Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Lead the development and implementation of automated tooling, manufacturing processes, systems planning, layouts, standards, and product release activities, coordinating across multiple disciplines.
• Lead new product and process introduction programs using Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), Design for Manufacture (DfM), and virtual design, development, validation, and simulation technologies.
• Support the specification, acquisition, installation, and commissioning of tooling, machinery, equipment, and process improvements to ensure efficient and cost-effective manufacturing operations.
• Drive operational excellence and lean manufacturing initiatives by optimizing production flow, equipment utilization, material movement, storage, and facility layouts to meet evolving business requirements.
• Manage project schedules and coordinate the availability of equipment, materials, and resources to support production and delivery objectives.
• Lead capital and expense projects focused on process improvement, efficiency, quality, and customer satisfaction, including business case development, research, and approval activities.
• Develop and maintain standard work and process documentation, partnering with manufacturing and support teams to resolve issues related to processes, tooling, and equipment.
• Monitor industry developments and emerging technologies to identify opportunities for continuous improvement and operational effectiveness.

Degree Requirement Degree or equivalent experience desired

Skills, experience & qualifications you will have

• Collaborative Automation: Knowledge of techniques and processes of collaborative automation; ability to develop and deploy cobots to automate manufacturing processes.
• Decision Making and Critical Thinking: Knowledge of the decision-making process and associated tools and techniques; ability to accurately analyze situations and reach productive decisions based on informed judgment.
• Engineering - MFG: Knowledge of processes, techniques and methods of engineering in a manufacturing environment; ability to design and implement materials, structures, machines, devices, systems and processes that safely realize a desired objective or invention.
• Lean Manufacturing: Knowledge of the philosophy, principles and implementation approaches of lean manufacturing; ability to integrate and implement lean manufacturing philosophy into existing production and management processes.
• Manufacturing Processes: Knowledge of existing product manufacturing methods, technologies and processes; ability to execute, plan, manage and monitor the entire manufacturing process.
• Robotic Process Automation (RPA): Knowledge of techniques and processes of robotic process automation (RPA); ability to develop and deploy RPA solutions in various industries.
• Project Management: Knowledge of effective project management strategies and tactics; ability to plan, organize, monitor, and control projects, ensuring efficient utilization of technical and administrative resources to achieve project objectives.

Top Candidates will have:

• Previous experience of industrial or automotive assembly plants
• University technical degree in a manufacturing engineering-related discipline
• Familiar with company policies and procedures with a strong department background.
• Ability to build strong relationships and collaborate with various stakeholders.
• Lean manufacturing training and qualifications CE / UKCA / PUWER Qualifications Safety / Ergonomic Qualifications Safety NEBOSH / IOSH Qualification and/or be able to demonstrate through previous experience, a positive attitude and commitment towards Safety APQP / PPAP Experience and Qualifications

Benefits:

• 25 days annual leave
• Up to 10% Bonus
• Contributory pension scheme - Caterpillar will double the employee's contribution
• 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.

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 and contributing to a reduced-carbon future. Our innovative products and services, backed by our global dealer network, provide exceptional value that helps customers succeed.

This position requires working onsite five days a week.

Posting Dates: September 4, 2026 - September 18, 2026

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

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 make sure our employees feel continuously challenged while also supported. We provide professional growth opportunities, including leadership programs. We celebrate the diversity of our team, while also working together as one Caterpillar. Our culture, like everything at our company, is made possible by each employee’s contribution. Person by person, we create the environment we work in, and we are proud of the Caterpillar we’ve built.