Senior Associate Engineer – Test & Validation

Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation; Peterborough; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days leave

Bonus up to 10%

Pension matching 10%

Share scheme 50%

Flexible benefits

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. in Peterborough, UK is seeking a Senior Associate Engineer – Test & Validation to join the Component Engineering team and support the development of next-generation Exhaust Systems. You will work with experienced engineers to deliver high-quality, value-driven solutions from concept to production.

The role emphasizes risk assessment, test planning, supplier collaboration, and APQP processes to meet durability, customer and cost targets. Office-based with limited travel.

Qualifications

• Product Development: applies acoustics, vibration, fluid dynamics, heat transfer, structural and materials engineering to exhaust system development; prior exhaust systems experience preferred.
• Technical Excellence: provides structured approach in analyzing and resolving technical problems through strong technical expertise, continuous learning, and sound problem-solving.
• Analytical Thinking: identifies root causes for a problem, evaluates costs, benefits and risks, and breaks down complex problems to deliver effective solutions.
• Effective Communications: ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through the application of appropriate communication behaviours.
• Decision Making and Critical Thinking: demonstrates sound judgment and decision-making by analyzing situations and applying appropriate tools and techniques to achieve effective outcomes.
• Project Management: demonstrates foundational project management knowledge, including project phases, deliverables, critical paths, and the effective use of project management tools.
• Product Testing: applies product testing methods and tools to develop, execute, and document testing strategies, ensuring product quality and compliance throughout the development process.
• Accuracy & attention to detail: demonstrates attention to detail and accuracy by applying quality checks, minimizing errors, and understanding their impact on outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Development, validation and integration of a variety of Exhaust System components, including but not limited to Exhaust cannisters, mounting brackets, clamps, connecting pipework, mixer system, flexible pipes etc.
• Conducting risk assessment through effective FMEA generation on components and systems to identify and address design risks and determine validation needs.
• Identify test plan, boundary conditions and success criteria and coordinate testing with internal and external partners.
• Work in a multi-disciplined global team to ensure solutions meet customer, durability and functional requirements.
• Developing strong relationships with suppliers to ensure design solutions are aligned to high quality and cost expectations
• Developing solutions for complex issues arising from the Quality and Manufacturing environments
• Support product issues, determine root cause, put in place containment actions, and develop permanent corrective actions
• Planning and managing project and sub-project deliverables
• Conduct design reviews to gain wider approval
• Maintain communication to peers, team leader and stakeholders with progress against planned activities
• Work with suppliers using APQP methodology and tools
• Lead less complex projects from start to finish independently.

Skills

Product Development

Technical Excellence

Analytical Thinking

Effective Communications

Decision Making

Project Management

Product Testing

Accuracy & attention to detail

Job description

Career Area:

Engineering

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: Senior Associate Engineer – Test & Validation

Salary: £41,593 + Dependent upon experience

Location: Peterborough, UK

Benefits:

• 25 days annual leave + 8 Bank Holidays
• Up to 10% Bonus
• Contributory pension scheme - Caterpillar will double the employee's contribution Up to 10%
• Contributory share scheme - Caterpillar will match 50% of the employee's contribution.
• Optional flexible benefits including access to health and dental care plans, EV car lease, holiday purchase.

About IPSD

Caterpillar’s Industrial Power Systems Division (IPSD) designs, tests and manufactures 0.5 to 18L Cat and Perkins engines that power over 5000 applications including marine, petroleum, industrial applications, electric generators, and locomotives. Caterpillar’s company strategy includes sustainability as one of four focus areas and IPSD is engaged and actively preparing green energy solutions for the future.

Job Summary

An exciting opportunity to join the Component Engineering team and support the development of next-generation Exhaust Systems. Working alongside experienced engineers, you’ll be working with global engineering teams to deliver high-quality, value-driven solutions from concept to production.

What You Will Do:

As a Senior Associate Engineer in the team, you will be expected to work alongside experienced engineers to support the development of future emissions system. Typical Tasks could include:

• Development, validation and integration of a variety of Exhaust System components, including but not limited to Exhaust cannisters, mounting brackets, clamps, connecting pipework, mixer system, flexible pipes etc.

• Conducting risk assessment through effective FMEA generation on components and systems to identify and address design risks and determine validation needs.

• Identify test plan, boundary conditions and success criteria and coordinate testing with internal and external partners.
• Work in a multi-disciplined global team to ensure solutions meet customer, durability and functional requirements.

• Developing strong relationships with suppliers to ensure design solutions are aligned to high quality and cost expectations
• Developing solutions for complex issues arising from the Quality and Manufacturing environments
• Support product issues, determine root cause, put in place containment actions, and develop permanent corrective actions
• Planning and managing project and sub-project deliverables
• Conduct design reviews to gain wider approval
• Maintain communication to peers, team leader and stakeholders with progress against planned activities
• Work with suppliers using APQP methodology and tools
• Lead less complex projects from start to finish independently.

What You Have:

Candidates will have gained the following skills and experience

• Product Development: Applies acoustics, vibration, fluid dynamics, heat transfer, structural and materials engineering expertise to exhaust system development; prior exhaust systems experience preferred.
• Technical Excellence - Provides structured approach in analyzing and resolving technical problems through strong technical expertise, continuous learning, and sound problem-solving.
• Analytical Thinking: Identifies root causes for a problem, evaluates costs, benefits and risks, and breaks down complex problems to deliver effective solutions.
• Effective Communications: Ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through the application of appropriate communication behaviours.
• Decision Making and Critical Thinking: Demonstrates sound judgment and decision-making by analyzing situations and applying appropriate tools and techniques to achieve effective outcomes.
• Project Management: Demonstrates foundational project management knowledge, including project phases, deliverables, critical paths, and the effective use of project management tools.
• Product Testing: Applies product testing methods and tools to develop, execute, and document testing strategies, ensuring product quality and compliance throughout the development process.
• Accuracy & attention to detail: Demonstrates attention to detail and accuracy by applying quality checks, minimizing errors, and understanding their impact on outcomes.

Additional Information

• This role is based in the office 5 days per week, <10% travel.

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.

NB. The panel cannot make assumptions when shortlisting therefore please demonstrate your qualifications and experience on your CV relevant to the criteria outlined.

Pending the number of applications, the criteria for the position may be enhanced to facilitate shortlisting. #LI

This position requires working onsite five days a week.

Posting Dates:

September 30, 2026 - October 14, 2026

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