Design and Development Engineering (12 Month Placement Scheme)

Career Area:

Students and Graduates

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.

12 Month Industrial Placement Scheme

Discipline: Design and Development Engineer

Location: Peterlee, County Durham

Salary: £26,000​, Share Scheme, Pension and 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays).

 

At Caterpillar, you build what matters—whether it’s the career you want, crucial work skills, strong relationships, or new technologies. Our work is powered by our people.

 

*Please note that in order to be eligible to complete a 12-Month Industrial Placement commencing July 2027, you must be in your penultimate year of study unless enrolled in an integrated master’s program. 

 

Who is Caterpillar?

Caterpillar is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. Operating from 50 countries around the globe and employing over 100,000 employees, the Caterpillar brand has developed into a symbol of strength, respect, and integrity. The organisation has a clear vision to be the global leader in providing customer value in the markets in which it operates. Our core values (Safety, Integrity, Excellence, Teamwork and Commitment) are key to our success.

 

What do we do?

The Peterlee site is the only Caterpillar facility to design and manufacture Articulated Trucks, which are then exported globally. Our product design centre includes state of the art facilities with an immersive environment, machine proving ground, learning centre and complete factory which is the sole producer of Caterpillar Articulated Trucks.

 

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?

During your placement year you will be placed in one of the following engineering areas, working on live projects:

 

• Machine Integration & Performance
• System Design & Integration
• Machine Testing and Development

 

Working with experienced team members you will receive all the coaching, guidance and support for your work and personal development. It is our intention that you will be given opportunities to develop your knowledge and experience within a real-world setting. Our aim is that these industrial placement opportunities provide the firm foundations necessary for a long and successful future career.

 

The scheme will mentor you in the fundamental steps of deterministic design, the basics of machine performance, problem solving, development and validation, whilst learning the details of each subsystem.

As an equal opportunity employer, we value diversity at Caterpillar, and we believe the more experience you can gain early in your career the further you can go.

 

We operate a conditional offer process; our highest performing placement students are fast tracked to our graduate development scheme. This includes a financial incentive and the potential of a summer work placement. Offers will be made based on the condition that a graduate role is available at the time of your graduation and that you achieve a min of 2:2.

 

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for engineers and scientists that will integrate Caterpillar Articulated Trucks with key technologies and data analytics.  We are looking for people who can demonstrate technical knowledge and the practical application of engineering theory, along with sound decision making, professionalism, and an enthusiasm for engineering. You will also have strong planning and organising skills.

 

• Applicants will be on target to achieve a minimum of 2:2 honours degree level in the following disciplines: Agricultural, Electronics/Electrical, Computer Engineering, Mechanical and Mechatronics

 

Recruitment Process Guidelines:

We’re excited that you’re considering a career with Caterpillar. Below is an overview of our Early Careers recruitment process and what you can expect at each stage.

 

Step 1 – Online Application: To apply, simply complete our online application form and upload your CV before the advertised closing date. Our team will review all submissions, and we’ll keep you updated and let you know as soon as possible if you’ve been selected to progress to the next stage.

 

Step 2 – Online Assessments & Video Interview: If you are selected to move forward in the process, you’ll be invited to complete some online assessments, followed by a user-friendly video interview. Your responses will be reviewed by the hiring team, and successful candidates will then be invited to attend an in-person Assessment Centre, which we anticipate will take place on either Wednesday 9th December or Thursday 10th December at our Peterlee facility. If possible, we recommend keeping these dates available.

 

To ensure you don’t miss any communications from us, please regularly check your text, email inbox (including your spam/junk folder) and your Workday account for updates.

 

Step 3 – In Person Assessment Centre: Our Assessment Centre is designed to help you showcase your potential through a range of interactive activities focused on competencies such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving and decision-making.

 

We aim to make the experience engaging, inclusive, and relaxed, giving you the best opportunity to demonstrate your strengths and learn more about Caterpillar.

 

Step 4 – Offer: Following the Assessment Centre, the Caterpillar team will review all feedback to make hiring decisions. We aim to communicate outcomes and extend offers to successful candidates as quickly as possible.

 

Placement students will begin their placement on 5th July 2027.

 

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.  

 

Please note that this role requires a 5 day in the office model.

This position requires working onsite five days a week.

 

Posting Dates:

September 24, 2026 - October 26, 2026

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

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