Trainee Production Design Engineer

Progress Rail, A Caterpillar Company; Sandiacre; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company bonus

Annual leave

Pension

Life assurance

Wellbeing support

Gym discounts

Fuel savings

Job summary

Progress Rail, a Caterpillar Company, is seeking a Trainee Production Design Engineer in Sandiacre to gain hands-on experience creating CAD layouts, technical drawings and manufacturing instructions while building CAD capabilities.

This role is ideal for someone starting their engineering career who is keen to learn, develop and work toward a recognised engineering qualification, with a structured training plan and supportive team.

Qualifications

• GCSEs in English, Mathematics and Physics required.
• Some CAD experience preferable.
• Experience in AutoCAD coding / dynamic block creating preferable.
• Good communication skills.
• Willing to work towards HNC in Mechanical Engineering.

Responsibilities

• Produce CAD layout drawings and technical documentation to support manufacturing and customer requirements.
• Create detailed manufacturing instructions, including 2D CAD drawings, work instructions and supporting production information.
• Assist with the development and maintenance of standard engineering and detail drawings.
• Work closely with colleagues across the business to clarify requirements and ensure designs are accurate and fit for purpose.
• Develop an understanding of production processes, manufacturing routes, costs and process timings.
• Support the resolution of production‑related issues and contribute to continuous improvement activities.
• Assist in the introduction and implementation of new products into production.
• Learn and follow departmental systems, processes and best practices while identifying opportunities for improvement.

Skills

CAD experience

AutoCAD coding

Good communication skills

Education

GCSEs in English, Mathematics and Physics

HNC in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Job description

COMPETITIVE SALARY Are you someone with a passion for engineering design and technical drafting? Do you have an eye for detail and an interest in learning how products move from concept to manufacture? We're looking for a Production Design Trainee to join our team, where you'll gain hands-on experience producing technical drawings, manufacturing instructions and CAD layouts, while developing the skills needed to become a competent Production Design Engineer. This is an excellent opportunity for someone at the start of their engineering career who is eager to learn, develop their CAD capabilities and work towards a recognised engineering qualification.

Job Description

TRAINEE PRODUCTION DESIGN ENGINEER

SANDIACRE, NG10 5AN

COMPETITIVE SALARY

Are you someone with a passion for engineering design and technical drafting? Do you have an eye for detail and an interest in learning how products move from concept to manufacture? We're looking for a Production Design Trainee to join our team, where you'll gain hands‑on experience producing technical drawings, manufacturing instructions and CAD layouts, while developing the skills needed to become a competent Production Design Engineer. This is an excellent opportunity for someone at the start of their engineering career who is eager to learn, develop your CAD capabilities and work towards a recognised engineering qualification.

THE ROLE:

• Produce CAD layout drawings and technical documentation to support manufacturing and customer requirements
• Create detailed manufacturing instructions, including 2D CAD drawings, work instructions and supporting production information
• Assist with the development and maintenance of standard engineering and detail drawings
• Work closely with colleagues across the business to clarify requirements and ensure designs are accurate and fit for purpose
• Develop an understanding of production processes, manufacturing routes, costs and process timings
• Support the resolution of production‑related issues and contribute to continuous improvement activities
• Assist in the introduction and implementation of new products into production
• Learn and follow departmental systems, processes and best practices while identifying opportunities for improvement

THE CANDIDATE:

• GCSEs in English, Mathematics and Physics
• Some CAD experience is preferable.
• Experience in AutoCAD coding / dynamic block creating is preferable
• Good communication skills
• Willing to work towards HNC in Mechanical Engineering

Please Note: This is a trainee‑level position designed for candidates at the early stages of their engineering career. The role provides structured training and development and is therefore best suited to applicants looking to build their experience within production design and drafting.

We are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK at the time of application.

BENEFITS:

• Competitive salary + company bonus
• Tailored training and development, including company‑funded external qualifications where relevant
• 33 days annual leave (including statutory holidays)
• Generous pension scheme with up to 7% employer contribution
• Life assurance at 3.5× your salary
• Employee Assistance Programme for confidential wellbeing support
• Discounted gym membership – up to 25% off at 4,000+ UK gyms
• Fuel card savings of 2–3p per litre at 3,500 stations, including BP, Esso and Shell
• Employee recognition schemes celebrating great work

ABOUT PROGRESS RAIL:

Progress Rail, a Caterpillar company, is one of the largest integrated and diversified providers of rolling stock and infrastructure solutions and technologies for the global rail industry. The company provides advanced EMD® locomotives, engines, and technologies, railcars, trackwork, fasteners, signalling, rail welding and Kershaw Maintenance‑of‑Way equipment, along with dedicated locomotive and freight car repair services, aftermarket parts support and recycling operations. Progress Rail’s deep industry expertise ensures a commitment to quality through innovative solutions. With a global network across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Germany, Italy, Australia, China, Germany, India, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom, we are committed to serving our customers.

PROGRESS RAIL VALUES:

• Safety – Care, Learn, Prevent
• Integrity – Do the Right Thing
• Teamwork – Win Together
• Excellence – Be the Best
• Commitment – Own the Outcome

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES:

Progress Rail is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. We value and embrace diversity of thought, background and unique experiences and we pride ourselves on being an inclusive workforce and culture.