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.

Graduate Scheme

Discipline: Operations Manufacturing Engineering & Machining Manufacturing Engineering

Location: Peterborough

Salary: £34,800, £1,500 Sign on Bonus, 10% Annual Bonus, Share Scheme, Pension, Flexible working, and 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays)

We currently have lots of exciting opportunities for Graduates to join Caterpillar across the UK!

New graduates are critical to the success of our business. You power our success, and we are committed to empowering yours. After all, when your work can impact the entire world, it’s important to do work that matters.

We are looking for talented, ambitious people from various backgrounds who are interested in setting out on the road to success and in return, we will provide you the training, mentoring, and support you need to have a successful career at Caterpillar.

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.

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.

What experiences can we offer you?

From day one, you’re set up to thrive at Caterpillar: helpful training, relatable mentors, global experience, competitive salary package, work-life balance, and the growth opportunities you expect with global business.

Lasting two years, the Operations & Machining Manufacturing Engineering graduate development scheme gives you the opportunity to develop your skills and knowledge as you take responsibility for designing, maintaining and managing diverse and strategically important processes, ensuring our products are manufacturing to the highest quality. to the right quality, on time and to budget. Rotations during the scheme can vary in length but typically last 6 months majoring on Manufacturing Engineering disciplines from the following:

  • Manufacturing planning for introducing new products and processes.
  • Continuous improvement opportunities on existing or planned production facilities.
  • Delivering diverse manufacturing solutions.
  • Designing and implementing lean machining, engine assembly, engine test and final paint solutions.
  • Manufacturing systems and PLC software development for shop floor applications.
  • Operations Management.
  • Process Management.
  • Data analysis.
  • Advanced technology applications development for manufacturing, logistics and controls
  • Designing and implementing autonomous logistical solutions
  • Cost Reduction initiatives
  • Advancing digital manufacturing solutions

Based within the Operations and Machining Manufacturing Teams your rotations may include close collaboration with other significant business areas such as: Operations and Quality, Design, Product Development, Product Management, Logistics, Finance, Purchasing, Suppliers and Customers enabling you to understand the interactions and how a company the size of Caterpillar operates on a global scale.

Whilst on the development scheme, as well as technical projects, you will be given project leadership experience to grow your skills portfolio. This is encouraged through support with the right amount of freedom to develop your technical capability and business acumen. Within a short period of time, you will become an embedded team member.

What happens after the graduate scheme?

Upon successful completion of the scheme, you will progress into a key role where you will directly contribute to the operational and project activity that is at the heart of our business. We will provide you with the training and support you need to have a successful career at Caterpillar, in a global organisation there are so many possibilities!

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.

Applicants will be on target to achieve a minimum of 2:1 Honour’s degree or equivalent preferably in a STEM subject, examples include but are not limited to the following:

  • Automotive Engineering
  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Advanced Manufacturing and Operations
  • Digital and Technology Solutions
  • Mechanical Engineering with Manufacturing and Management
  • Manufacturing Engineering
  • Engineering and Technology
  • Digital Manufacturing Engineering
  • Manufacturing Systems Engineering and Management
  • Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering
  • Digital Technology Innovation
  • Mechanical Design and Manufacturing Engineering
  • Mechatronic and Robotic Engineering
  • Manufacturing Engineering with Management
  • Other relevant STEM disciplines will also be considered.

We hold a Meet and Greet day to provide you with an opportunity to meet fellow new starters before you begin your role.

Recruitment Process Guidelines:

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 complete a user-friendly video interview which will then be reviewed by the Hiring Team. At this stage, if you are successful, you will be invited to attend an Assessment Centre which we anticipate will be held on the 14th or 15th of May 2025 onsite at our Peterborough facility so please try to keep those dates free. We would also recommend that you check your spam emails and your Workday account for updates.

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. Graduates will start on 8th September 2025. We look forward to receiving your application to join Caterpillar!

Come join us!

How do I apply?

Go to catukgraduates.com for more information.

NOTE: Only one application is required, please do not apply for multiple roles. You may be given the opportunity of being considered for other roles/locations at a later stage.

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.

Click the apply button today and one of our friendly recruiters will be in touch.

Posting Dates:

October 9, 2024 – December 1, 2024

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO).

Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.

Application deadline: Ongoing Starting date: Ongoing