Manufacturing Engineering (12 Month Placement Scheme)

Caterpillar; Saltburn by the Sea; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Saltburn by the Sea seeks motivated students for a 12-month industrial placement in Manufacturing Engineering. Candidates will work on strategic projects, supporting improvements in production. Applicants should be in their penultimate year of study with a minimum target of a 2:2 honours degree. The role includes responsibilities in Lean Manufacturing and collaboration with experts for real project deliverables, starting July 6, 2026.

Benefits

Salary of £26,000

Share Scheme

Pension

27 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Qualifications

• We seek motivated, hardworking individuals open to change.
• Excellent problem solvers and quick learners are preferred.

Responsibilities

• Work on improvement projects within the Engineering team.
• Collaborate with a Project Engineer on Lean Manufacturing.
• Conduct project feasibility studies and build business cases.

Skills

Problem-solving

Teamwork

Adaptability

Lean Manufacturing

Education

Minimum 2:2 honours degree in Manufacturing Engineering or related fields

Job description

Career Area: Students and Graduates

When you join Caterpillar, you’ll become part of a global team that cares not only about the work but also about each other. We are problem‑solvers and builders of a stronger, more sustainable world. Together we make progress happen with our customers and across the places we work and live.

Industrial Placement Scheme – 12 Months

Discipline: Manufacturing Engineering | Location: Skinningrove, Saltburn‑By‑The‑Sea, UK | Salary: £26,000 + Share Scheme, Pension and 27 days annual leave (plus bank holidays)

We are looking for industrial placement students who will be directly involved in strategic projects across our sites. During the placement you will work with colleagues from across the organisation and be at the heart of our business.

Eligibility: To complete the 12‑month placement starting July 2026 you must be in your penultimate year of study (or enrolled in an integrated master’s program). The placement will begin 6 July 2026.

About Caterpillar

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. We drive sustainable progress and help customers build a better world through innovative products and services across the product life cycle, supported by a global dealer network.

Our core values – Integrity, Excellence, Teamwork, Commitment and Sustainability – guide our success.

The Skinningrove site, part of the Wear Components Business Unit of the Product Support & Logistic Division, produces steel track shoes for Caterpillar track systems. Automated manufacturing uses robotics, steel cutting, shearing, machining, heat treatment and painting.

Diversity & Inclusion

Caterpillar is an equal‑opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion. We collaborate with the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) and the Women’s Engineering Society (WES), and we support many employee resource groups.

Placement Experience

During the year‑long scheme you’ll participate in multiple diverse projects, collaborate with global teams and contribute fresh ideas to solve complex technical problems. You will be fully involved, accountable for key project deliverables, and supported by a workplace mentor (manager or technical expert).

High‑performing students may be fast‑tracked to our Graduate Development Scheme, offering financial incentives and the potential for a summer placement. A conditional offer is made if a graduate role is available at your graduation and you achieve a minimum 2:2 grade.

Job Duties / Responsibilities

Based within the Engineering team, you will work on real improvement projects. The Engineering team leads production employees to manufacture track shoes through the heat‑treatment and paint facility, delivering world‑class products to customers.

You’ll collaborate with an experienced Project Engineer to gain first‑hand experience in Lean Manufacturing and support efficiency‑improvement initiatives. The placement will contribute to our facility modernisation, including digitalisation and automation.

Key project examples include:

• Automating robotic handling of product and gathering data to drive continuous improvement.
• Implementing digitalisation and cloud‑based systems for the facility.
• Transitioning to paperless operations.
• Improving capacity and overall facility efficiency.

You will conduct project feasibility studies, build business cases for improvement opportunities and liaise with internal and external departments.

Who We’re Looking For

We seek motivated, hardworking individuals who are open‑mind, excellent problem solvers, quick learners and embrace change. Provided you have strong personal and career‑development support, you’ll have excellent career opportunities within Caterpillar.

• Target grade: Minimum 2:2 honours degree level in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Systems Engineering, Control Systems or Integrated Engineering.

Recruitment Process Guidelines

1. Online Application: Complete the online form and attach your CV before the closing date. We review applications after the close date and will contact successful candidates.

2. Stage One – Video Interview: If selected, you’ll record a user‑friendly video interview. Successful candidates will be invited to an Assessment Centre.

3. Stage Two – Assessment Centre: Held on 17 February 2026 at our Peterlee facility near Skinningrove. The day evaluates teamwork, decision‑making, communication and problem‑solving.

4. Stage Three – Offer: Offers are reviewed promptly after the Assessment Centre. Placement students will start on 6 July 2026.

NOTE: Only one application is required; please do not apply for multiple roles. You may be considered for other roles or locations later.

Posting Dates

December 4, 2025 – December 31, 2025

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

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