Peterlee Robot Technician

Caterpillar Brazil; Peterlee; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Share ownership

Medical and dental

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. in Peterlee, UK is seeking a Manufacturing Robot Programmer/Technician to support and program a crew of robotic welding and paint cells, driving process optimization and RCCA investigations.

You will own robot programming, ensuring high uptime and safety while collaborating with fabrication engineers; travel within the UK and internationally may be required. The role is on-site with a 36.5-hour week in a rotating shift pattern (days/back/night) and a competitive package with

Qualifications

• Experience in robotic programming, system optimization, troubleshooting, and automation support.
• Proven ability to develop and optimize robot programs for welding, painting, or material handling.
• ONC, HNC, apprenticeship, or equivalent technical experience.

Responsibilities

• Program robots from CLOOS, FANUC and ABB.
• Develop optimized programming strategies for robot cells.
• Provide production support to Fabrication Supervisors on quality, cost, delivery and safety.
• Act as a primary daily liaison between the project team and operations.
• Assist in the development of specifications for new robot cells.
• Collaborate with manufacturing engineers to improve fabrication jigs for robot welding.
• Support robot cell safety systems and risk assessments.
• Identify improvements to robot programs to boost OEE and reduce weld defects.
• Train robot operators and maintain Robot PPM systems.

Skills

Robotic programming

Automation support

Troubleshooting

Robot welding knowledge

Communication skills

Travel willingness

Education

ONC/HNC or apprenticeship

Tools

CLOOS

FANUC

ABB

KUKA

Yaskawa/Motoman

Job description

Career Area: Operations 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.

Job Title: Robot Programmer/Technician

Location: Peterlee, UK

Salary: £39,383.5 (Noninclusive of shift allowance, overtime or bonus) (Days £20.75, Backs £24.90, Nights £28.01)

Overtime 1.5 (Mon-Sat): £29.33 per hour

Overtime 2 (Sundays): £39.10 per hour

Hours: 36.5, Full time on site Rotational Shifts

Days: Monday - Thursday, 08:00 - 16:00. Friday, 08:00 - 12:30 Back shift: Monday - Thursday, 16:00 - 00:00. Friday, 12:30 - 17:00 Night shift: Monday - Thursday, 00:00 - 08:00. Friday, 17:00 - 21:30

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 Opportunity

As a Manufacturing Robot Programmer/Technician, you'll be a key contributor to our production environment, leveraging your expertise in robotics, programming, and advanced troubleshooting to keep operations running at peak performance. Responsible for supporting and programming, at current, 20 robotic welding and paint cells, you'll work on everything from process optimization to RCCA investigations, operator development, and continuous improvement projects. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of manufacturing through innovative automation and robotics technology.

Primary Roles/Responsibilities

• Programming of Cloos, Fanuc and ABB robots.
• Assist in the development of optimised programming strategies for new and existing robot cells.
• Provide close daily production support to Fabrication Supervisors for all aspects of Quality, Cost, Delivery and Safety, related to robot cells.
• Act as a primary daily liaison between the project team and operations.
• Assist in the development of specifications for new robot cells.
• Work closely with area manufacturing engineers, to assist in the development and/or improvement of fabrication assembly jigs for components to be robot welded.
• Assist in the specification, development, and improvement of robot cell safety systems.
• Ensure timely and proactive risk assessments are carried out for new and existing robot cells, peripherals, and tooling.
• Identify and develop improvements to robot programmes to increase OEE performance. This may include air-cut time reductions, weld cycle time improvements, total weld ratio improvements, robot weld quality improvements, reduction of all losses – weld defects, rework, cycle stoppages, etc.
• Assist in the training and development of robot operators.Compiling of historic data using Agility.
• Full ownership of Robot PPM systems.

Skills, Experience & qualifications you will have

• Demonstrable experience in robotic programming, robot system optimization, troubleshooting, and automation support within a manufacturing environment.
• Previous experience as a Robot Programmer, Robot Technician, Robot Operator, or Robotics Support Engineer is highly desirable.
• Proven ability to develop, modify, teach, validate, and optimize robot programs for welding, paint, or material handling applications, ensuring maximum performance, quality, and uptime.
• ONC, HNC, apprenticeship, or equivalent technical experience.
• Strong understanding of robotic systems, fault-finding methodologies, and the integration of robotic technology into manufacturing processes.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to diagnose complex robotic programming, process, and equipment issues.
• Effective communication skills, with the ability to provide technical guidance, operator training, and support across multiple functions.
• A willingness to travel within the UK and internationally to support training, robot programming development, commissioning activities, and new robotic cell introductions as required.
• Self‑motivated, adaptable, and capable of working independently or as part of a team within a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.
• Willing to support a multi‑shift operation, including working across a 3‑shift pattern.

Desired skills, qualifications, and experiences

• Experience with offline robot programming, robotic simulation, and commissioning of new automation systems.
• Experience programming and supporting industrial robots such as CLOOS, FANUC, ABB, KUKA, Yaskawa/Motoman, or similar robotic platforms.
• Knowledge of robotic welding or robotic paint applications, including process optimization and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Time-served welder, fabricator, or paint technician with experience of heavy fabrications, robotic paint plant processes or MIG welding experience is beneficial but not essential.

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, and personal development as well as a continuous drive for improvement.

Benefits

• Defined Contribution Pension Scheme (Contribution double by Company up to 10%)
• Share Ownership Scheme (50% company matched)
• Personalized flexible benefits including Medical and Dental Employee Assistance Programme

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.

Pending the number of applications, the criteria for the position may be enhanced to facilitate shortlisting. NB. The panel cannot make assumptions when shortlisting therefore please demonstrate your qualifications and experience on your CV relevant to the criteria outlined.

Posting Dates: August 28, 2026 - September 6, 2026

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

We hire smart, friendly people and it shows in our culture. We hold ourselves to high standards and make sure our values of integrity, excellence, teamwork, commitment and sustainability come to life in the way we work. We make sure our employees feel continuously challenged while also supported. We provide professional growth opportunities, including leadership programs. We celebrate the diversity of our team, while also working together as one Caterpillar. Our culture, like everything at our company, is made possible by each employee’s contribution. Person by person, we create the environment we work in, and we are proud of the Caterpillar we’ve built.