FULL JOB DESCRIPTION
About us
Caterpillar is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, engines, industrial gas turbines, and diesel-electric locomotives. Since 1925, the organisation has championed sustainable progress, engineering innovation, and world-changing solutions that help customers build stronger communities.
‎The Skinningrove site, part of the Wear Components Business Unit within PSLD, specialises in producing steel track shoes for major Caterpillar machines using advanced automated processes including robotics, machining, heat treatment and painting.
‎Caterpillar champions inclusion, diversity, and equal opportunity — proudly partnering with organisations such as SWE and WES and maintaining strong employee resource groups that support a wide range of identities and backgrounds.
Employer: Caterpillar
Position: Manufacturing Engineering
Salary: £26,000 a year
Job Type: Full-time
Work location: Skinningrove Saltburn, UK
What We Offer:
- A 12-month Industrial Placement Scheme in Manufacturing Engineering
- ‎Salary: £26,000, share scheme, pension
- ‎27 days annual leave + bank holidays
- ‎Workplace mentor support for professional and technical development
- ‎Opportunity to work on global engineering projects
- ‎Real involvement in strategic initiatives across Caterpillar facilities
- ‎Exposure to modernisation, digitisation, automation, and Lean Manufacturing
- ‎Eligibility for a fast-track conditional offer into Caterpillar’s graduate development scheme for top performers
Other Benefits:
- Collaboration with experienced engineers and international teams
- ‎Hands-on responsibility for real project deliverables
- ‎Experience applying university learning directly to industry challenges
- ‎Skill development in robotics, automation, digital systems, and continuous improvement
- ‎Opportunity to contribute to feasibility studies and strategic decision-making
- ‎A supportive environment that encourages innovation, ownership, and fresh thinking
Your Role Will Include:
As part of the Engineering team, you will work on real improvement projects supporting the production of Caterpillar’s world-class track shoes.‎You’ll work alongside an experienced Project Engineer and contribute to initiatives such as:
- ‎Automation & robotic handling improvements
- ‎Implementation of cloud-based digital systems
- ‎Moving towards a paperless facility
- ‎Capacity growth and efficiency optimisation
- ‎Supporting feasibility studies and business cases
- ‎Liaising with internal and external departments
- ‎Contributing to the facility’s modernisation, digital transformation, and continuous improvement roadmap
What We’re Looking For:
Caterpillar seeks placement students who are:
- ‎Open-minded, adaptable, and quick learners
- ‎Strong problem solvers
- ‎Motivated and hard-working
- ‎Comfortable embracing change and innovation
- ‎On track to achieve at least a 2:2 in a relevant degree; Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Systems Engineering, Control Systems, Integrated Engineering
- ‎In their penultimate year (unless completing an integrated master’s programme)
This placement isn’t just a year in industry — it’s a chance to step inside one of the most influential engineering companies on the planet and work on real projects that shape the future of manufacturing.
‎If you’re driven, curious, and ready to learn from experts who build the machines that build the world, Caterpillar gives you everything you need to grow, innovate, and accelerate your career before you even graduate.
Recruitment Process Guidelines:
Here is a brief overview of what you can expect when applying to our Early Career roles…
Online Application: The first stage of the process is to complete the online application and attach your CV, this must be done before the closing date of the role that you’re applying for. Once we reach the close date, we will begin reviewing all our applications, this may take a little while and we will contact you as soon as possible to let you know if you have been successful in moving forward to the next stage.
Stage one – Video Interview: If selected, you will be invited to complete a user-friendly video interview which will then be reviewed by the Hiring Team. At this stage, if you are successful, you will be invited to attend an Assessment Centre which we anticipate will be held on 17th February 2026 at a our Peterlee facility, which is near the Skinningrove site where this role is based. We would also recommend that you check your spam emails and your Workday account for updates.
Stage two – Assessment Centre: The Assessment Centre Day will look at a range of behaviours such as teamwork, decision-making, communication, and problem-solving. We aim to make these days fun, inclusive and as relaxed as possible.
Stage three – Offer: After the Assessment Centre, the Caterpillar team will review the feedback and extend offers to our preferred candidates, we aim to do this as quickly as possible. Placement students will start on 6th July 2026. We look forward to receiving your application to join Caterpillar!
NOTE: Only one application is required, please do not apply for multiple roles. You may be given the opportunity of being considered for other roles/locations at a later stage.
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.
Please note that this position requires working onsite five days a week.
APPLICATION PROCESS
If you’re interested in this role, kindly Visit The Official Website and apply now!