Manufacturing Engineering

Caterpillar; Peterlee; On-site; GBP 26,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment is offering an exciting opportunity for an industrial placement student in Peterlee. The role involves working in the Manufacturing Engineering team, where you'll gain hands-on experience in developing and implementing manufacturing processes and methods. You will collaborate with experienced engineers, participate in continuous improvement initiatives, and benefit from mentorship. The annual salary is £26,000, along with a share scheme, pension, and 25 days of annual leave.

Benefits

Share Scheme

Pension

25 days annual leave

Qualifications

• Must be in your penultimate year of study or enrolled in an integrated master’s program.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement cost-effective manufacturing processes.
• Recommend improvements to production processes.
• Coordinate manufacturing launch for new or revised products.

Education

Penultimate year of study or integrated master’s program

Job description

Overview

As an equal opportunity employer, we value diversity at Caterpillar and believe the more experience you can gain early in your career the further you can go. That's why during our yearlong scheme we place an emphasis on multiple diverse projects. You will have the opportunity to work and collaborate with people across the facility and we are looking for you to bring fresh, innovative ideas to solve complex technical problems. You will be a fully involved team member with for key project deliverables, supported each step of the way to ensure your success. Our placement roles have the additional benefit of a workplace mentor; this could be your manager or a technical expert who will support you throughout your time at Caterpillar and help you gain the professional development and skills you need to be set up for success! Our placement students can expect to return to university with further developed technical skills and experience of how University learning is applied to the workplace. We also operate a conditional offer process; our highest performing placement students are fast tracked to our graduate development scheme. This includes a financial incentive and the potential of a summer work placement. Offers will be made based based on the condition that a graduate role is available at the time of your graduation and that you achieve a minimum of a 2:2. Job duties and responsibilities may include but are not limited to: 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. During the industrial placement you will be based within the Manufacturing Engineering and system team, working alongside experienced manufacturing engineers gaining first‑hand experience of Lean Manufacturing and supporting continuous improvement initiatives at the facility., Pending the number of applications the criteria for the position may be enhanced to facilitate shortlisting.

Eligibility and Application Requirements

Please note that to be eligible to complete a 12 Month Industrial Placement commencing July 2026 you must be in your penultimate year of study unless enrolled in an integrated master’s program.

About Caterpillar

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. Caterpillar Peterlee is the worldwide source of Cat® Articulated Trucks, currently producing a 7‑model range used in many industries including mining, construction and aggregates. The facility’s design, test and manufacturing activities use the latest computer analysis techniques, robotics technology and an Automated Dump Body paint plant. Machines from the site are shipped to customers around the world. Diversity at Caterpillar When we leverage our people’s experiences, backgrounds and cultures in an inclusive environment we enable every individual to achieve their full potential, which drives business success. We are proud to be active partners with both the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) & Women’s Engineering Society (WES). We also have numerous well supported employee resource groups. Caterpillar is an equal opportunity employer and we welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds.

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 currently have some exciting opportunities for industrial placement students to join Caterpillar across several of our sites. You will have the opportunity to collaborate across our organisation and you will be directly involved, and at the heart of our business, participating on strategic projects.

Compensation and Benefits

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