Senior Development Engineer

Caterpillar Inc.; Peterborough; On-site; GBP 49,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Up to 12% bonus

Pension scheme

Employee share scheme

Flexible benefits

Employee referral scheme

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. in Peterborough, UK, is seeking a Senior Development Engineer to join the Component Engineering Base Engine Team.

You will develop and validate core engine components, including major castings, geartrain, valvetrain, and lubrication systems, collaborating with global manufacturing sites, suppliers and customers. The role requires extensive development experience with IC engines, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to lead projects, perform FMEA, and manage APQP

Qualifications

• Experience in core engine systems development and validation.
• Knowledge of engine components and manufacturing principles.
• Ability to lead multi-site projects and coordinate with suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Develop and validate core engine components (castings, geartrain, valvetrain, lubrication, cooling).
• Work with global teams to ensure solutions meet requirements.
• Lead risk assessment and design reviews; support field and production issues.

Skills

Engine development

IC engines

Project leadership

FMEA

APQP

Supplier collaboration

Caterpillar standards

Education

HNC or technical degree in mechanical/automotive engineering

Tools

Team Centre

APQP tools

Job description

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.

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.

Senior Development Engineer

Salary: £57,737 + Dependent Upon Experience

Location: Peterborough, UK

Benefits

• 25 days annual leave + 8 Bank Holidays
• Up to 12% 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.
• Employee Referral Scheme

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

• We are currently seeking a Senior Development Engineer to join the Component Engineering Base Engine Team. This role will be focused on the development and validation of design solutions to address challenging requirements, either within New Product Introduction or updates to existing platforms for a variety of Caterpillar and 3rd Party applications. This role will be focused on developing and validating design solutions to address challenging requirements within the core engine, including lubrication and cooling systems, major castings and rotating components.
• The successful candidate will serve as an experienced contributor on assignments that are complex in nature, working with individuals and teams across global Manufacturing sites, suppliers and customers.

What You Will Do

As a Senior Development Engineer in the team, you will be expected to have strong relevant development experience, knowledge of IC engines and be able to lead, plan and execute challenging tasks and projects. Tasks will include:

• Development and validation of a variety of core engine components: Major aluminium and cast iron castings, geartrain, valvetrain, drivetrain and in-cylinder components, Components related to breather, cooling & lubrication systems, FEAD systems.
• Working 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 field and production issues, determine root cause, put in place containment actions, and develop permanent corrective actions
• Planning and managing project and sub-project deliverables, ability to lead
• Conducting risk assessment through effective FMEA generation on components and systems to identify and address design risks and determine validation needs.
• Generate and conduct design reviews to gain wider approval
• Maintain communication to peers, team leader and stakeholders with progress against planned activities
• Development of drawings to Caterpillar standards and other technical data to support the release of parts for prototype and volume production.
• Work with suppliers using APQP methodology and tools

What You Have

Basic requirements

• A sound understanding of the requirements of core engine systems such as Rotating Systems, Valvetrain, Lubrication, Breather and Cooling systems, Bolted joint and sealing experience
• Strong understanding of casting and machining processes related to casting of complex cast iron components
• Minimum of 6 years experience in development and validation of components and engines
• Strong technical background (HNC or technical degree preferred in mechanical or automotive engineering) though other qualifications or experience are equally valued
• Experience of running and participating in FMEA
• Good understanding of Component Manufacturing principles & processes
• Good understanding of Manufacturing Assembly principles
• Design knowledge of engine & mechanical components and systems
• Self-motivation and an ability to manage and deliver tasks to meet established commitments.
• Excellent communications skills & Teamwork
• To collaborate & manage interactions on behalf of Caterpillar with external suppliers to develop design solutions.

Desirable requirements

• Knowledge and usage of Team Centre - or similar data management software
• Experience gained in the off-highway diesel or machine sector
• Experience with alternative fuels and spark ignited engines
• Familiarity with the APQP methodology

What You Will Get

This is a fantastic opportunity to work as a part of a dedicated team on the core engine, collaborating with multiple cross functional areas to design, develop, optimize and deliver a world class industrial diesel engine.

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 nearly 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.

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

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

Posting Dates

September 16, 2026 - September 30, 2026