Caterpillar Inc.
Design Engineer (Drivetrain)
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Career Area:
Engineering
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.
Job Title:
Design Engineer (Drivetrain)
Salary:
£49,500 rising to £61,000 depending on skills demonstrated
Contract:
Full time & permanent
Location:
Desford, Leicestershire
The Opportunity:
As a Design Engineer within the Drivetrain Engineering team, you will contribute to the design, development, validation and production release of transmission systems used across wheel loaders, telehandlers and backhoe loaders. Working across both New Product Introduction (NPI) and current product programmes, you will apply your engineering expertise to solve complex technical challenges and deliver the quality, reliability, performance and durability expected by Caterpillar customers.
What you will do:
As a Design Engineer, you are accountable for, but not limited to:
- Define requirements, solve complex engineering problems and develop technical solutions that meet customer and business needs.
- Lead and support the design and development of drivetrain components and transmission systems from concept through production release.
- Create detailed engineering designs and support prototype, verification, testing and validation activities.
- Assess design risks, evaluate alternative solutions and make balanced engineering decisions considering performance, quality, durability and cost.
- Collaborate with manufacturing, suppliers, purchasing, customers and global engineering teams to deliver successful product outcomes.
- Communicate technical information, project updates and recommendations to stakeholders while supporting product improvements and new product introduction activities.
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NB. The panel cannot make assumptions when shortlisting therefore please demonstrate your qualifications and experience on your CV relevant to the criteria outlined.
What You Can Demonstrate:
Level: Extensive Experience
Product Design & Development: Translate customer, product and functional requirements into robust engineering solutions, supporting components and systems through concept development, validation, production release and ongoing product improvement.
Computer-Aided Design & Engineering: Create, analyse and refine complex engineering designs using CAD tools, applying engineering principles to develop drivetrain components, assemblies and systems while producing accurate engineering documentation.
Analytical Thinking: Identify root causes of complex technical challenges, evaluate risks and alternative solutions, and make sound engineering decisions that balance performance, quality, durability, cost and customer requirements.
Level: Working Knowledge
Managing Multiple Priorities: Plan and coordinate multiple engineering activities, effectively balancing competing priorities, project deliverables and business requirements while working independently, maintaining quality and delivering results with minimal supervision.
What You May Have:
Engineering Foundation: Apply Mechanical Engineering principles to solve technical challenges, evaluate design solutions and support products through development, validation and production release.
Drivetrain Knowledge: Apply technical knowledge of transmissions, gears, shafts, bearings, housings, wet clutches and hydraulic integration to support drivetrain design and development activities.
Product Validation & Launch: Support prototype development, testing, validation and production implementation activities, ensuring products meet functional, quality and performance requirements.
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Pending the number of applications, the criteria for the position may be enhanced to facilitate shortlisting.
What You Will Get
One Company, Limitless Opportunities
Caterpillar 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. We do business on every continent, principally operating through three primary segments – Construction Industries, Resource Industries, and Energy & Transportation – and providing financing and related services through our Financial Products segment.
Careers at Caterpillar are limitless, we have opportunities in Engineering, Human Resources, Manufacturing, Marketing, Sales, Supply Chain and so much more. You can create the career you want. It’s your time and talent, make it count.
Our Sustainability Commitment
Caterpillar has a long-standing commitment to sustainability, one of our five Values in Action. It is part of who we are and what we do. We actively lead sustainable green initiatives to preserve the environment, help reduce poverty with the Caterpillar Foundation and stay involved in the communities we help build.
Benefits:
- 27 days annual leave + bank holidays
- Opportunity to buy additional holiday
- 10% Bonus
- Contributory pension scheme - Caterpillar will double the employee's contribution up to 10%
- Contributory share scheme - Caterpillar will match 50% of the employee's contribution
- Employee Support Networks – join groups that offer support, connection, and a sense of community
- Optional flexible benefits including access to private health and dental care plans, EV car lease etc
Travel:
Not required
This position requires working onsite five days a week.
Posting Dates:
August 11, 2026 - August 26, 2026
Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply
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