Materials Engineering - 12 Month Placement Scheme

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

Job summary

A global leader in construction and mining equipment is seeking candidates for a 12-month industrial placement in Materials Engineering based in Peterborough. Successful applicants will work on real-world problems and gain valuable hands-on experience. This role offers strong career opportunities and requires a minimum 2:2 honours degree in relevant disciplines. Join a passionate team dedicated to building a better world.

Benefits

£26,000 salary

Share Scheme

Pension

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Qualifications

• Open-minded and quick learner, motivated and hard-working.
• Ability to embrace change and strong problem-solving skills.
• Target a minimum 2:2 honours degree in a relevant discipline.

Responsibilities

• Conduct materials assessments to standards and specifications.
• Perform detailed component and materials failure analysis.
• Develop new assessment processes and technologies.
• Assist in supplier process audit assessments.

Skills

Problem-solving

Teamwork

Adaptability

Education

Minimum 2:2 honours degree in Materials, Science, Engineering, Metallurgy or Chemistry

Job description

Overview

Career Area: Students and Graduates

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.

Role title: Materials Engineering - 12 Month Industrial Placement Scheme

Discipline: Advanced Materials and Technology - Engineering

Location: Peterborough, UK

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

What we offer

We currently have opportunities for industrial placement students to join Caterpillar across several sites. You will work with colleagues across the organization and participate on strategic projects.

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. Since 1925, we’ve driven sustainable progress and helped customers build a better world through innovative products and services. We offer services built on cutting-edge technology and decades of product expertise, backed by our global dealer network to provide value and support customer success. Our core values are Integrity, Excellence, Teamwork, Commitment and Sustainability.

Advanced Materials & Technology (AMT) – Europe – Peterborough, UK

At our Peterborough Campus we have a 17-person materials engineering team supporting engineering & test teams through materials recommendations, observations, and assessments. We support programs at the Peterborough campus and our UK & Europe customers with world-class lab facilities to develop materials-based solutions for Caterpillar manufacturing customers, contributing to sustainability. AMT is a 350-person global team.

Diversity at Caterpillar

We enable every individual to achieve their full potential in an inclusive environment. We partner with SWE and WES and have employee resource groups. Caterpillar is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds.

What experiences can we offer you?

Our 12-month placement embeds you in a team solving real-world problems. You will collaborate with people across Caterpillar facilities worldwide. We value diversity and place emphasis on multiple diverse projects. You will be a fully involved team member with responsibility and accountability for key project deliverables, with support to be successful. A workplace mentor/buddy will support you throughout your time and help you gain professional development. Placement students can expect to return to university with enhanced technical skills and experience applying university learning to the workplace.

We also operate a conditional offer process; the highest performing placement students may be fast-tracked to our graduate development scheme, including a financial incentive and potential of a summer work placement. Offers depend on a graduate role being available at graduation and achieving a minimum 2:2.

Role specific job duties

• Materials assessments, metallic & non-metallic to standards & specifications
• Detailed component and materials failure analysis
• Development of new assessment processes/technologies
• Supplier process audit assessment & support
• Validation & testing of components/materials
• Internal design projects & project management
• Team internal data analytics & creation
• Involvement with lab accreditation & H&S requirements/improvements

Who are we looking for?

We seek open-minded, excellent problem solvers who learn quickly, are motivated and hard-working, and able to embrace change. You will be provided with strong career opportunities and support for your development to pursue a career at Caterpillar. Applicants should target a minimum 2:2 honours degree in a relevant discipline:

• Materials
• Science
• Engineering - Aeronautical, Aerospace, Agricultural, Automotive, Mechanical
• Metallurgy
• Chemistry

Key Specific role requirements

• Materials Engineering
• Science
• Chemistry

Recruitment Process Guidelines

Here is a brief overview of what you can expect when applying to our Early Career roles:

Online Application: Complete the online application and attach your CV before the closing date. After the close date, we review applications and inform you if you move to the next stage.

Stage one – Video Interview: If selected, you will complete a video interview. If successful, you will be invited to an Assessment Centre (on-site in Peterborough, 13 January 2026, subject to change). Check spam and your Workday account for updates.

Stage two – Assessment Centre: The day assesses teamwork, decision-making, communication, and problem-solving and aims to be inclusive and relaxed.

Stage three – Offer: After assessment, offers are made to preferred candidates. Placements start on 6 July 2026.

Notes

• Only one application is required; you may be considered for other roles/locations later.
• Shortlisting requires clear demonstration of qualifications on your CV.
• Criteria may be updated to facilitate shortlisting.

Additional Info

• This role is based at the Peterborough office and requires on-site work five days per week.

Posting Dates: October 15, 2025 - November 12, 2025

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

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