Project Management and Commercial Engineering Graduate

Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation; Stafford; On-site; GBP 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global equipment manufacturer is seeking ambitious graduates for a 2-year Graduate Scheme in Research & Development Engineering in Stafford, UK. Candidates will work on Diesel and Gas Internal Combustion Engines, overseeing projects and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. The role offers a competitive salary of £35,000, sign-on bonuses, and opportunities for global experience. Applicants should be on track for a minimum 2:2 honours degree in engineering disciplines.

Benefits

£1,500 Sign on Bonus

10% Annual Bonus

Share Scheme

Pension

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Responsibilities

• Overseeing project progress and costs; communicating status with stakeholders.
• Communicating with internal customers and managing expectations.
• Addressing and resolving problems appropriately.
• Understanding effective communication concepts, tools and techniques.
• Collaborating with a multinational, multi-discipline team.

Skills

Planning and organizing

Presentation and Communication Skills

Initiating Action

Effective Teamwork

Problem solving

Education

Minimum 2:2 honours degree in relevant discipline

Mechanical Engineering, Motorsport Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering

Job description

Career Area: Students and Graduates

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.

Graduate Scheme

Discipline: Research & Development Engineering

Location: Stafford, UK

Salary: £35,000, £1,500 Sign on Bonus, 10% Annual Bonus, Share Scheme, Pension and 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays)

We currently have lots of exciting opportunities for Graduates to join Caterpillar across the UK!

New graduates are critical to the success of our business. You power our success, and we are committed to empowering yours. After all, when your work can impact the entire world, it’s important to do work that matters.

We are looking for talented, ambitious people from various backgrounds who are interested in setting out on the road to success and in return, we will provide you the training, mentoring, and support you need to have a successful career at 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.

Role Overview

This role is a 2‑Year Graduate Scheme within the Product Group department at Stafford Engine Centre (SEC). SEC develops and manufactures the Perkins 4000 and 5000 Series. The Job Role will focus on Diesel and Gas Internal Combustion Engines and offer opportunities to work on a variety of projects across multiple systems and disciplines. Rotation through business sectors is an option to give an understanding of wider business functions and experiences to help you in your future career. The 2‑year scheme leads into a role within the Product Group Team focusing on introduction of new products and current product growth.

What experiences can we offer you?

From day one, you’re set up to thrive at Caterpillar: helpful training, relatable mentors, global experience, competitive salary package, work‑life balance, and the growth opportunities you expect with global business.

Your two‑year Graduate Development Programme will be tailored to ensure you gain a broad understanding of your chosen field and build the foundations of a successful career. You will get the support, guidance and training you need to be successful at Caterpillar. You will also have opportunity to gain experience working with our global Caterpillar customers.

You will have the opportunity to work with other facilities across our global organisation and you will be directly involved, and at the heart of our business, participating on strategic projects.

Job duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Overseeing project progress and costs; communicating status with stakeholders and participating functional areas
• Communicating with internal customers and managing expectations; ensuring effective use of project controls and reporting mechanisms
• Ability to address and resolve problems appropriately
• Understanding of effective communication concepts, tools and techniques
• Knowledge of major products and services groups
• Working to standard and agreed processes to maintain quality and compliance
• Collaborate with a multinational multi‑discipline team across global Caterpillar facilities

What happens after the graduate scheme?

Upon successful completion of the scheme, you will progress into a key role where you will directly contribute to the operational and project activity that is at the heart of our business. We will provide you with the training and support you need to have a successful career at Caterpillar, in a global organisation there are so many possibilities!

Who are we looking for?

As the type of roles within our business are becoming more diverse, we are looking for people who are open minded, excellent problem solvers and who have an ability to learn quickly. You will be motivated, hard‑working, and will embrace change. In return for your dedication and hard work, you will be provided with excellent career opportunities and strong support for your personal and career development to pursue a career within Caterpillar.

• Applicants will be on target to achieve a minimum of 2:2 honours degree level in a relevant discipline.
• Open to all candidates studying: Mechanical Engineering, Motorsport Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering

Candidates must have developed skills or have gained experiences in the following areas:

• Planning and organising
• Presentation and Communication Skills
• Initiating Action
• Effective Teamwork
• Problem solving

It is desirable for Candidates to demonstrate the following skills also:

• Project Leadership
• Focus on Quality
• Decision Making
• Commercial aptitude

Recruitment Process Guidelines

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

Online Application: The first stage of the process is to complete the online application and attach your CV, this must be done before the closing date of the role that you're applying for. Once we reach the close date, we will begin reviewing all our applications, this may take a little while and we will contact you as soon as possible to let you know if you have been successful in moving forward to the next stage.

Stage one – Video Interview: If selected, you will be invited to complete a user‑friendly video interview which will then be reviewed by the Hiring Team. At this stage, if you are successful, you will be invited to attend an Assessment Centre which we anticipate will be held on 26th March onsite at our Stafford facility so please try to keep that date free. We would also recommend that you check your spam emails and your Workday account for updates.

Stage two – Assessment Centre: The Assessment Centre Day will look at a range of behaviours such as teamwork, decision‑making, communication, and problem‑solving. We aim to make these days fun, inclusive and as relaxed as possible.

Stage three – Offer: After the Assessment Centre, the Caterpillar team will review the feedback and extend offers to our preferred candidates, we aim to do this as quickly as possible. Graduates will start on 7th September 2026. We look forward to receiving your application to join Caterpillar!

NOTE:

• Only one application is required, please do not apply for multiple roles. You may be given the opportunity of being considered for other roles/locations at a later stage.
• The panel cannot make assumptions when shortlisting therefore please demonstrate your qualifications and experience on your CV relevant to the criteria outlined.
• Depending on the volume of applications received, the selection criteria may be refined to support the shortlisting process. This may also include an adjustment to the application deadline.
• This position requires working onsite five days a week.

Posting Dates:

January 8, 2026 - February 5, 2026

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

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