Caterpillar Inc.
Manufacturing Engineering – Technical Services - 12 Month Industrial Placement Scheme
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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: Manufacturing Engineering – Technical Services
Location: Stafford
Salary: £26,000 Share Scheme, Pension and 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays).
We currently have some exciting opportunities for industrial placement students to join Caterpillar across several of our sites. You will have the opportunity to work with others across our organisation and you will be directly involved, and at the heart of our business, participating on strategic projects.
*Please note that 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.
What do we do?
Caterpillar Inc. is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines, and diesel-electric locomotives. Since 1925, we’ve been driving sustainable progress and helping customers build a better world through innovative products and services. Throughout the product life cycle, we offer services built on cutting-edge technology and decades of product expertise. These products and services, backed by our global dealer network, provide exceptional value to help our customers succeed.
We have a clear vision to be the global leader in providing customer value in the markets in which we operate. Our core values (Integrity, Excellence, Teamwork, Commitment and Sustainability) are key to our success.
Perkins Stafford Engine Centre is part of the Caterpillar Large Power Systems Division. Employing over 400 people, the facility is responsible for the design, development and manufacture of engines which are tailored to meet the precise requirements of our customers, for use anywhere in the world from the Arctic Circle to the Deserts of Chile, providing power solutions exactly when and where required.
The Technical Services department are responsible for the assembly, test, paint, engine finish, logistics and maintenance processes within the manufacturing facility. This role utilises the Caterpillar Production System (Lean Manufacturing) Principles to deliver People, Quality, Velocity and Cost (PQVC) improvements and results.
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.
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What experiences can we offer you?
As an equal opportunity employer, we value diversity at Caterpillar and believe the more experience you can gain early in your career the further you can go. That’s why during our yearlong scheme we place an emphasis on multiple diverse projects. You will have the opportunity to work and collaborate with people in Caterpillar facilities worldwide and we are looking for you to bring fresh, innovative ideas to solve complex technical problems. You will be a fully involved team member with responsibility and accountability for key project deliverables. That said, you will be given all the support you require to be successful.
Our placement roles have the additional benefit of a workplace mentor; this could be your manager or a technical expert who will support you throughout your time at Caterpillar and help you gain the professional development and skills you need to be set up for success! Our placement students can expect to return to university with further developed technical skills and experience of how University learning is applied to the workplace.
We also 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.
Job duties and responsibilities may include but are not limited to:
- You will have the Opportunity to work on many diverse and important business projects, either as part of a team working on a major initiative or individually tackling complex problems. Projects may include:
- Operational efficiency support
- Developing and installing new control processes to maintain repeatability
- Compliance process development activities
- Identifying & delivering opportunities for process & facility improvements
- Project Management
- Re-configuring existing assets and processes to improve flow, efficiency and product quality.
- Investigating new, innovative technologies and solutions which can be utilised for production processes.
- You will receive the support and coaching required for you to manage and complete challenging projects, while developing your technical capability and business understanding.
Who are we looking for?
As the type of roles within our business are becoming more diverse, we are looking for people who are open minded, excellent problem solvers and who have an ability to learn quickly. You will be motivated, hard-working, and will embrace change. In return for your dedication and hard work, you will be provided with excellent career opportunities and strong support for your personal and career development to pursue a career within Caterpillar.
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Applicants will be on target to achieve a minimum of 2:2 honours degree level in a relevant discipline:
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Automotive Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
- Electrical & Electronics Engineering
Recruitment Process Guidelines:
Here is a brief overview of what you can expect when applying to our Early Career roles…
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 & 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 / Interview, which we anticipate will take place on 1st December 2026 at our Stafford facility. If possible, we recommend keeping this date 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 and 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.
NOTES:
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. This may also include an adjustment to the application deadline date.
This position requires working onsite five days a week.
Posting Dates:
September 15, 2026 - October 14, 2026
Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply
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