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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.
Who is Caterpillar
We are the world's leading manufacturer of Construction and Mining Equipment, diesel, natural gas and hydrogen engines, industrial gas turbines and locomotives. In 2020 our globally respected company and brand invested $1.4B into research and development, leveraging cutting edge technology and decades of expertise to improve our products and services. Our core values (Integrity, Excellence, Teamwork, Commitment and Sustainability) are key to our success and our commitment to sustainability underpins the company’s future. Every single employee moves our company forward: piece by piece, part by part, person by person. Join our winning team and help build a better world.
What do we do
At our Peterborough Campus we have a 500-person engineering team who design, develop, test and manufacture powertrain solutions for Caterpillar and third-party customers. Our world class test facilities and partnerships with leading universities allow us to develop new technologies and support our global manufacturing sites. We have an ever-growing focus on next generation powertrain solutions, helping our customers progress towards Carbon Net Zero. We harness the power of data science and advanced simulation techniques, alongside traditional engineering disciplines, to create sustainable digital services and solutions that will power our customers’ future.
This year we are pleased to be able to offer several student positions within this department including 22 Graduate roles.
What experiences can we offer you
New graduates are critical to the success of our Research & Development engineering teams. From day one you will engage in challenging work, solving real-world engineering problems through collaboration with our global team. You will be assigned a home department which acts as a touch point throughout the scheme. Your four six-month placements will be tailored to ensure you gain a broad understanding of our engineering processes and build the foundations of a successful career. You will get the support, guidance and training you need to be successful at Caterpillar. Rotation areas and home departments may include:
- Simulation – Develop advanced simulation models to predict the durability and performance of engines, powertrains, components, and systems (FEA, CFD and others). You will use this to influence the design of next generation products and solve complex problems.
- Test – Design tests, test rigs, run test programs and analyse the data. Anything from running complete engine test cells, assessing noise and vibration, through to testing individual components. Validate that our products and control systems are robust to all our customers’ demanding use cases.
- Performance – Create simulation models of entire power systems, develop control strategies and deploy them on engines. Define the strategy to maximise engine performance, while ensuring our products are durable, efficient, and meet emissions legislation.
- Design – Use your engineering knowledge to design, analyse and improve powertrain components and systems. You could be optimising a turbocharger, designing an exhaust aftertreatment system or even working on next generation battery electric machines.
- Analytics – Take the vast quantity of data we record every day and interrogate it for insights. Predict how our products will work in the real world and proactively monitor to make engine systems better. Use machine learning and big-data systems to solve complex problems.
In addition, we offer you a mentor to support your professional development and help you achieve Chartered or Incorporated Engineer status with your chosen institution. Our professional development scheme is accredited and highly regarded by the IMechE and the IET.
We hold a Meet and Greet day for all new UK Graduates to provide you with an opportunity to meet fellow new starters across the UK before you start your placement.
What happens after the graduate scheme
Upon successful completion of the scheme, you will be promoted to Senior Associate Engineer and take up a position within your home department. This gives you the platform to continue your professional development journey and steer your career where you want it to go, be it a leadership role, technical expert, product leader or a commercial role. In a global organisation there are so many possibilities.
Who are we looking for
Although this is an engineering scheme, we recognise the value that other STEM based qualifications bring to our team. As the type of roles within our business have become more diverse, we are looking for people who are open minded, excellent problem solvers and who have an ability to learn quickly. Prior engine knowledge is not required.
Applicants should have achieved or be on track to achieve a minimum of a 2:2 and be studying for a degree in one of the following disciplines:
- Engineering
- Materials
- Maths
- Science
We are looking for talented, ambitious people from various backgrounds who are interested in setting out on the road to success.
Recruitment Process
Here is a brief overview of what you can expect when applying to our Early Career roles…
Online Application: The first stage of the process is to complete the online application and attach your CV, this must be done before the closing date of the role that you're applying for. Once we reach the close date, we will begin reviewing all our applications, this may take a little while and we will contact you as soon as possible to let you know if you have been successful in moving forward to the next stage.
Stage one – Video Interview: If selected, you will be invited to attend a pre-recorded user-friendly video interview which you have one week to complete and submit. You are able to record your answers several times to allow you plenty of practice if required. Please ensure that you check your spam emails for this invite. At this stage if you are successful, you will be invited to attend an Assessment Centre either onsite or virtually between January and April 2024.
Stage two – Assessment Centre: The Assessment Centre day will look at a range of behaviours such as teamwork, decision-making, communication, and problem-solving. We aim to make these days fun, inclusive and as relaxed as possible.
Stage three – Offer: After the Assessment Centre, the Caterpillar team will review the feedback and extend offers to our preferred candidates, we aim to do this as quickly as possible. Graduate Students will start on 9th September 2024. We look forward to receiving your application to join Caterpillar!
