Mechanical Systems and Validation Engineering Manager

Job Title: Mechanical Systems and Validation Engineering Manager

Salary starting from £66,079 depending on experience

Location: Stafford, Staffordshire UK 

Benefits:   

• 25 days annual leave 

• Monthly Cash Car Allowance - £625pcm

• Up to 20% Bonus 

• Contributory pension scheme - Caterpillar will contribute 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. 

About LPSD  

Caterpillar Large Power Systems Division (LPSD) designs and manufactures diesel and spark-ignited engines, ranging from 400 kilowatts to 16 megawatts of power, as well as the key engine systems such as fuel, air, aftertreatment, and cooling which are used to power Oil & Gas, Electric Power, Marine, Rail, Industrial, and CAT Machine applications around the world. 

The Opportunity 

We are seeking an experienced and driven Mechanical Systems and Validation Manager to lead the mechanical development activities across the Perkins 4000 and 5000 Series product platforms. Reporting to the Development Engineering Manager, you will provide technical leadership for engine mechanical system performance, reliability and durability validation for both new product introduction and current production engines, while leading and developing a team of validation engineers.  

Working closely with Product Leads, engine architects, systems & component owners, and global engineering teams, you will play a pivotal role in defining technical objectives, delivering robust validation programmes, and ensuring the successful development of world-class powertrain solutions that meet customer, regulatory, and business requirements.  

This role offers the opportunity to influence product strategy and work across a global network of engineering and test facilities in the UK, USA, Europe, India, and China. 

What You Will Do 

• Creation of Engine System Failure Mode Effects Analysis (FMEA), supporting risk identification and facilitating the creation of engine system and component validation plans (DVP) 

• Own governance of the DVP updates with simulation and validation test results  

• Plan and execute engine build and test plans, delivering product validation tests through internal and external test facilities and in application 

• Identification of field application test requirements and opportunities and securing agreement with customers for field follow test activities 

• Monitor and review field data for engines and applications and translate into DVP reporting, requirements and validation test cycles 

• Own governance of pre-production reliability development process for issue discovery reporting and assignment 

• Own governance of new product introduction issue process for issue closure 

What You Will Have 

Requires an accredited engineering degree  

Technical Excellence 

• Significant experience in mechanical development and validation of engines (preferably diesel) or major engine systems 

• Knowledge of engine, system and component validation best practices 

• Familiarity with the requirements of NVH data collection and analysis 

• Familiarity with modelling complex mechanical systems 

• High competence in the use of data analysis tools such as Excel, Minitab, Matlab/Simulink, Osiris, Diadem, and/or Concerto 

• Experience of DFMEA and DVP creation 

Planning: Tactical, Strategic 

• Demonstrates strategic and tactical planning by aligning resources, setting technical objectives, and building future capability to support evolving product development needs. 

Effective Communications 

• Lead technical discussions to specify engine, system and component validation requirements and to understand the interactions between engine systems and report findings. 

Problem Solving 

• Interpret data, identify quality issues, and understand system interactions. 

• Analyse engine mechanical performance data to determine root causes and implement effective solutions. 

Managing People 

• Provide leadership, technical guidance and coaching to direct team of validation engineers 

• Lead and influence cross-functional teams through complex technical projects 

Project Management 

• Coordinating validation activities and managing priorities, risks, deliverables, and stakeholders to achieve product objectives. 

Product Design and Development 

• Applying modelling, simulation, and validation techniques to ensure products meet customer reliability and durability requirements. 

Top candidates may have gained the following skills and experience through previous roles: 

• Experience of proactive reliability methods 

• Experience of electric power diesel engines 

• Experience of reciprocating engine generator set applications 

Additional Information 

• This role is based in the office 4.5 days per week 

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 over 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.#LI