Senior Mechanical Systems and Validation Engineer

Caterpillar Inc.; Peterborough; On-site; GBP 57,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Bonus up to 12%

Pension scheme

Share scheme

Flexible benefits

Referral program

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. is seeking a Senior Mechanical Systems and Validation Engineer in Peterborough, UK. The role focuses on leading systems engineering and validation from initial requirements through risk-based decisions, with strong emphasis on DFMEAs and verification planning.

You will drive cross-functional collaboration, deliver robust test plans, and guide teams through complex technical challenges. A competitive salary and benefits package accompany a challenging, onsite role at

Qualifications

• Demonstrates analytical thinking to identify root causes and craft practical solutions.
• Maintains high accuracy in work and meticulous attention to detail across analyses.
• Applies structured problem solving to resolve complex engineering challenges.
• Shows technical excellence and proficiency in engineering tools and methods.
• Communicates clearly with stakeholders and cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead systems engineering and validation delivery from reqs to validated conclusions.
• Translate customer needs into system requirements and technical objectives.
• Shape risk validation strategy with DFMEAs and proportionate design verification plans.
• Plan and coordinate validation activities, defining tests and data needs with resources and schedules.
• Analyze evidence from tests and field data to assess risk and document conclusions.

Skills

Analytical Thinking

Attention to Detail

Problem Solving

Technical Excellence

Effective Communications

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.

Job Title: Senior Mechanical Systems and Validation 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

The Opportunity & What You Will Do

• Lead systems engineering and validation delivery for assigned products, programmes and technical projects, taking ownership from initial requirements and risk identification through to validated conclusions.
• Translate product and customer needs into system requirements, technical objectives and engineering decisions, leading system-level trade-offs
• Shape risk identification and validation strategy, leading system DFMEAs and developing proportionate, risk-based Design Verification Plans linked to requirements, technical objectives and identified failure modes.
• Plan and coordinate targeted validation activities, defining test, build, instrumentation, data and inspection requirements while managing resources, facilities, schedules, dependencies and technical decision points.
• Analyse evidence and lead technical problem-solving, using test, field and inspection data to assess risk, resolve complex technical issues and clearly document conclusions, recommendations and learning.
• Provide technical leadership across the organisation, communicating risks and decisions to senior stakeholders, building strong cross-functional relationships, coaching engineers and improving validation methods, standard work and process efficiency.

What You Will Have

Candidates should be able to demonstrate:

• A strong background in systems engineering, product development, validation engineering or a related technical discipline.
• Experience leading complex engineering or validation activities end to end, from requirements and risk identification through planning, delivery, technical conclusions and recommendations.
• Strong knowledge of validation strategy and product testing, including developing risk-based validation plans from requirements, technical objectives and DFMEAs.
• The ability to analyse and solve complex engineering problems, interrogating complex data, challenging assumptions, investigating root causes and making sound, evidence-based engineering decisions.
• Proven project leadership and ownership, including managing risks, resources, schedules, dependencies and stakeholders to maintain momentum and deliver outcomes across a matrix organisation.
• Effective communication and technical leadership skills, with the ability to influence different audiences, work effectively with engineering teams, customers and senior stakeholders, and coach or guide other engineers.

Desirable Experience

• Industrial diesel engines, powertrains or similar complex mechanical systems.
• Engine dynamometer, machine, field or component-level validation.
• Reliability and durability development.
• Construction machinery, power generation or other off-highway applications.
• Proactive reliability methods and demonstration of product quality.
• Working with global engineering teams, external partners or customers.

Skills Required

Extensive evidence of the following skills:

• Analytical Thinking: Knowledge of techniques and tools that promote effective analysis; ability to determine the root cause of organizational problems and create alternative solutions that resolve these problems.
• Approaches a complex problem by breaking it down into its component parts.
• Seeks discrepancies and inconsistencies in available information; explains variances.
• Organizes and prioritizes the sequence of steps to be taken to remedy the situation.
• Accuracy and Attention to Detail: Understanding the necessity and value of accuracy; ability to complete tasks with high levels of precision.
• Processes large quantities of detailed information with high levels of accuracy.
• Productively balances speed and accuracy.
• Demonstrates expertise in quality assurance tools, techniques, and standards.
• Problem Solving: Knowledge of approaches, tools, techniques for recognising, anticipating, and resolving organisational, operational or process problems; ability to apply knowledge of problem solving appropriately to diverse situations.
• Ensures capture of lessons to be learned from a problem-solving effort.
• Organizes potential problem solvers and leads problem resolution efforts.
• Uses varying problem-solving approaches and techniques as appropriate.
• Develops successful resolutions to critical or wide-impact problems.

Working Level Evidence Of The Following Skills

• Technical Excellence: Knowledge of a given technology and various application methods; ability to develop and provide solutions to significant technical challenges.
• Provides effective technical solutions to routine functional challenges via sound technical competence, effectively examining implications of events and issues.
• Effectively performs the technical job aspects, continuously building knowledge and keeping up-to-date on technical and procedural job components.
• Applies current procedures and technologies to help resolve technical issues in one's general area of technical competence.
• Helps others solve technical or procedural problems or issues.
• Effective Communications: Understanding of effective communication concepts, tools and techniques; ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through the application of appropriate communication behaviours.
• Makes oral presentations and writes reports needed for own work.
• Looks for and considers non-verbal cues from individuals and groups.

What You Will Get

From day one, you’re set up to thrive at Caterpillar: helpful training, relatable mentors, global experience, competitive salary package, and the growth opportunities you expect with a Fortune 100 company.
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.

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.

This position requires working onsite five days a week.

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Posting Dates
September 16, 2026 - September 30, 2026

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer.