Design and Development Engineer

To work as part of the development team, accountable for the delivery of specific design and development projects, in one or more of the following areas:

• New component and system design, such as structures, operator station, hydraulics, engine systems, electrical systems, drivetrain (transmissions).
• Validation and test, including computer simulation and predictive techniques, rig testing or overall machine testing
• Refinement of designs based on test failures or prototype build difficulties
• Shop-floor support for prototype and production machine build activities
• Existing component design improvements to resolve quality issues or save cost
• Requirements definition, including critical customer requirements, application profiles, competitive machine positioning
• Collaboration with suppliers to ensure designs produced are suitable for manufacture using the most suitable materials and processes, and to an acceptable quality level
You will be given the support and coaching required to develop your technical capability and business understanding. We promote a hands-on approach, encouraging you to spend time operating Backhoe Loader or Compact Wheel Loader machines. We hold a Meet and Greet day for all new UK placement students to provide you with an opportunity to meet fellow new starters across the UK before you start your placement.


• It is essential that applicants should have achieved or be on track to achieve a minimum of a 2:2 in one of the following engineering disciplines: Agricultural, Automotive, Design, or Mechanical Engineering., Possess at least a basic knowledge of construction equipment operation and design.
• Highly self-motivated.
• Desire to challenge both yourself and the organisation on delivery of technically superior, cost-effective designs and solutions.
• Good communication skills both written and verbal, a foreign language would be an asset.
• Strong planning, organising and problem-solving skills.
• Willingness to travel and engage different cultures.
• A Full UK driving licence.
We are looking for talented, ambitious people from various backgrounds who are interested in setting out on the road to success.

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., We currently have some exciting opportunities for industrial placement students to join Caterpillar across several of our sites. You will have the opportunity to work with others across our organisation and you will be directly involved, and at the heart of our business, participating on strategic projects.
• Please note that in order to be eligible to complete a 12 Month Industrial Placement commencing July 2025, you must be in your penultimate year of study unless enrolled in an integrated master's program.
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. Caterpillar Leicester is part of the Building Construction Products (BCP) division, manufacturing a range of world class Backhoe Loaders and Compact Wheel Loaders, as part of the wider BCP range. Products that are reliable, cost effective, versatile, and adaptable. Leicester is more than just a production facility - it is a full product development centre with global responsibility for its products. Our development facilities include advanced 3D CAD systems on-line to other Caterpillar engineering resource centres around the world, full product prototyping and test capabilities, and, through the international network, access to some of the most advanced R&D facilities in the world. Diversity at Caterpillar When we leverage our people's experiences, backgrounds, and cultures in an inclusive environment, we enable every individual to achieve their full potential, which drives business success. We are proud to be active partners with both the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) & Women's Engineering Society (WES). We also have numerous well supported employee resource groups. Caterpillar is an equal opportunity employer, and we welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds. What experiences can we offer you? As an equal opportunity employer, we value diversity at Caterpillar and believe the more experience you can gain early in your career the further you can go. That's why during our yearlong scheme we place an emphasis on multiple diverse projects. You will have the opportunity to work and collaborate with people in Caterpillar facilities worldwide and we are looking for you to bring fresh, innovative ideas to solve complex technical problems. You will be a fully involved team member with responsibility and accountability for key project deliverables. That said, you will be given all the support you require to be successful.

Salary: £24,500, Share Scheme, Pension, Flexible working, and 27 days annual leave.