Manufacturing Engineer

Caterpillar Inc.; Peterlee; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave 25 days

Bonus up to 10%

Pension scheme

Share scheme

Flexible benefits

Job summary

Caterpillar Peterlee seeks a Manufacturing Engineer to design, develop and implement advanced manufacturing systems, equipment and processes. You will contribute to planning, delivering projects, and adopting innovative technologies while expanding professional networks in a global manufacturing environment.

The role emphasizes collaboration with multiple disciplines, optimizing production flow and introducing new processes through APQP and DfM, with a focus on safety and quality standards.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of collaborative automation techniques; ability to deploy cobots to automate manufacturing processes.
• Understanding of decision-making processes and tools; ability to analyze situations and make informed judgments.
• Engineering in a manufacturing environment; ability to design and implement materials, structures, machines, devices, systems and processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and implementation of automated tooling, processes, layouts, standards, and product release activities across disciplines.
• Lead new product and process introduction programs using APQP, DfM, and virtual design, development, validation, and simulation technologies.
• Support tooling, machinery, equipment acquisitions and commissioning to ensure efficient production operations.
• Drive lean manufacturing initiatives to optimize flow, equipment utilization, material movement, storage, and facility layouts.
• Manage project schedules and coordinate equipment, materials, and resources for production and delivery objectives.
• Lead capital and expense projects focused on process improvement, efficiency, quality and customer satisfaction, including business cases.

Skills

Collaborative Automation

Decision Making

Engineering - MFG

Lean Manufacturing

Manufacturing Processes

Robotic Process Automation

Project Management

Education

University technical degree in manufacturing engineering

Job description

Career Area:

Manufacturing

Job Description:

Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.

When you join Caterpillar, you’rejoining 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’tjust 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

NB.

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

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

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.

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