Manufacturing Engineering – Technical Services 12Placement Student

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

Job summary

A leading manufacturing company in Stafford offers a 12-month Industrial Placement Scheme for students in their penultimate year. The program emphasizes hands-on experience in various projects, including operational efficiency and innovative production solutions. Ideal candidates have a minimum of a 2:2 honours in relevant engineering disciplines. Successful applicants will gain valuable skills and be considered for future roles at the company, which is committed to diversity and equal opportunity.

Benefits

Share Scheme

Pension

25 days annual leave

Qualifications

• You must be in your penultimate year of study unless enrolled in an integrated master’s programme.
• Minimum 2:2 honours in a relevant discipline.

Responsibilities

• Engage in operational efficiency support projects.
• Develop and install new control processes.
• Identify and deliver facility improvement opportunities.

Skills

Open-mindedness

Problem solving

Motivation

Hardworking

Education

Manufacturing Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Automotive Engineering

Aerospace Engineering

Electrical & Electronics Engineering

Job description

Career Area : Students and Graduates

Job Description :

Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.

When you join Caterpillar you’ll be part of a global team that cares not just about the work we do, but also about each other. We are makers, problem‑solvers, and future world builders who create stronger, more sustainable communities. We don’t just talk about progress and innovation – 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.

12‑Month Industrial Placement Scheme

Discipline : Manufacturing Engineering & Technical Services

Location : Stafford

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

We currently have exciting opportunities for industrial placement students across several of our sites. You will have the opportunity to work with others across our organisation and be directly involved at the heart of our business on strategic projects.

• Please note that, to be eligible for a 12‑month placement commencing July 2026, you must be in your penultimate year of study unless enrolled in an integrated master’s programme.

What 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, backed by our global dealer network to deliver exceptional value.

Our focus is to be the global leader in providing customer value in all markets in which we operate. Our core values – Integrity, Excellence, Teamwork, Commitment and Sustainability – are key to our success.

Perkins Stafford Engine Centre is part of the Caterpillar Large Power Systems Division. Employing over 400 people, the facility designs, develops and manufactures engines tailored to meet customers’ precise requirements for use worldwide, from the Arctic Circle to the deserts of Chile.

The Technical Services department is responsible for assembly, testing, paint‑finish, logistics and maintenance processes within the manufacturing facility. This role utilises the Caterpillar Production System (Lean Manufacturing) principles to deliver People, Quality, Velocity and Cost (PQVC) improvements and results.

Diversity at Caterpillar

We leverage our people’s experiences, backgrounds and cultures in an inclusive environment to enable every individual to achieve their full potential. We are proud to be active partners of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) and Women’s Engineering Society (WES). We also support numerous employee resource groups. Caterpillar is an equal‑opportunity employer and welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds.

What Experiences We Offer You

As an equal‑opportunity employer we value diversity at Caterpillar and believe the more experience you gain early in your career, the further you can go. During our year‑long scheme we emphasize multiple diverse projects. You will work and collaborate with people in Caterpillar facilities worldwide and bring fresh, innovative ideas to solve complex technical problems. You will be a fully involved team member with responsibility and accountability for key project deliverables, supported throughout.

Your placement includes a workplace mentor – either your manager or a technical expert – to support you on professional development and skill acquisition. Placement students return to university with advanced technical skills and real‑world experience.

We operate a conditional offer process: top performers are fast‑tracked to our graduate development scheme, including a financial incentive and a potential summer placement, based on a conditional offer of employment upon returning to university (subject to an available graduate role and a minimum 2:2 honours).

Key Projects You May Work On

• Operational efficiency support
• Developing and installing new control processes to maintain repeatability
• Compliance process development activities
• Identifying & delivering opportunities for process & facility improvements
• Re‑configuring existing assets and processes to improve flow, efficiency, and product quality
• Investigating new innovative technologies and solutions for production processes

Who Are We Looking For

Our roles are increasingly diverse. We seek open‑minded, excellent problem solvers who learn quickly, are motivated, hardworking, and embrace results. We reward dedication and hard work with excellent career opportunities and strong support for personal and career development. You will pursue a career within Caterpillar.

Applicants should target a minimum of 2:2 honours in a relevant discipline:

• Manufacturing Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Automotive Engineering
• Aerospace Engineering
• Electrical & Electronics Engineering

Recruitment Process Guidelines

Here is a brief overview of what to expect when applying for our early‑career roles.

Online Application: Complete the online application and attach your CV before the closing date of the role. Applications are reviewed after the deadline and candidates will be contacted.

Stage One – Video Interview: Selected candidates will complete a user‑friendly video interview. Successful candidates will be invited to an assessment centre scheduled for 11 Feb 2026 at our Stafford facility – please keep this date free.

Stage Two – Assessment Centre: The centre will evaluate behaviours such as teamwork, decision‑making, communication and problem‑solving. We aim to keep these days fun, inclusive and relaxed.

Stage Three – Offer: After the assessment centre, the Caterpillar team will review feedback and extend offers to our preferred candidates. Placement students start on 6 Jul 2026.

NOTE

• Only one application is required; please do not apply for multiple roles. You may be considered for other roles/locations later.
• The panel will not make assumptions, so demonstrate your qualifications and experience on your CV relevant to the outlined criteria.
• Selection criteria may be refined or the deadline adjusted based on application volume.
• This position requires working on‑site five days a week.

Posting Dates : 26 Nov 2025 – 24 Dec 2025

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

Key Skills – Engineering Support, Front Office Management, Art & Design, Airlines, Jboss, Clinical

Employment Type : Full‑Time

Experience : years

Vacancy : 1