Caterpillar Inc.
Manufacturing Engineer - Contract

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Career Area:
Manufacturing
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:
Manufacturing Engineer
Salary:
£35,800 – £42,500 depending on skills demonstrated
Contract:
37.50 until 31 December 2027
Location:
Desford, Leicestershire
The Opportunity
Are you a Manufacturing Engineer who enjoys solving problems and improving the way things are made? Join our Manufacturing Engineering team in Desford, where you'll support the introduction of new technologies, equipment and processes while helping to improve safety, quality, efficiency and productivity. Working alongside a team of Engineers and Technicians, you will contribute to manufacturing improvement projects, support the implementation of innovative solutions and collaborate with stakeholders across the business to deliver practical manufacturing outcomes.
As a Manufacturing Engineer, you are accountable for, but not limited to:
- Participate in identifying and implementing manufacturing improvements, supporting the introduction of new technologies, equipment and processes.
- Lead manufacturing engineering projects and continuous improvement activities, assisting with planning, coordination and implementation to achieve business objectives.
- Work with cross-functional teams to develop and improve manufacturing process solutions using tools such as process flows, PFMEAs and control plans.
- Monitor equipment and process performance, identifying issues and supporting structured problem-solving activities to achieve safety, quality, delivery and cost objectives.
- Provide engineering support for the specification, installation and continuous improvement of manufacturing equipment, processes and facilities.
- Support standardised ways of working through knowledge sharing, continuous improvement initiatives and collaboration with engineering, operations, quality and supplier teams.
- Represent Manufacturing Engineering in cross-functional meetings, effectively communicating with stakeholders at all levels and providing clear updates on technical projects and key decisions.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
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 Basic Understanding:
- Problem Solving: Uses structured problem-solving techniques to identify, analyse and support the resolution of manufacturing and process-related issues, escalating concerns appropriately and contributing to corrective actions.
- Lean Manufacturing: Applies lean principles and continuous improvement tools to identify waste, support process improvements and contribute to safer, more efficient manufacturing operations.
- Engineering – Manufacturing (MFG): Uses manufacturing engineering principles to support equipment, process and facility improvements, while recognising when to seek additional technical guidance and expertise.
- Manufacturing Processes: Interprets manufacturing documentation and production workflows to support manufacturing activities, process improvements and the effective introduction of changes within the production environment.
What You May Have:
- Manufacturing Engineering Knowledge: Applies engineering principles to support manufacturing processes, equipment and production methods, contributing to safe, efficient and effective manufacturing operations.
- Continuous Improvement & Problem Solving: Uses structured improvement and problem-solving techniques to investigate manufacturing issues, identify root causes and support the implementation of practical solutions.
- Manufacturing Systems: Uses manufacturing systems and documentation to support engineering activities, process improvements and effective production operations.
Pending the number of applications, the criteria for the position may be enhanced to facilitate shortlisting.


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Just a quick heads-up: We start reviewing applications as soon as they come in, so if you’re interested, don’t wait too long! We may close the advert early if we feel we’ve got a strong pool of potentially suitable applicants.
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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: Up to 5% UK travel may be required, including visits to other facilities as needed.
Posting Dates: August 6, 2026 - August 13, 2026
Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply
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