Research & Development Engineering Graduate 2025

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.

This role is a 2 Year Graduate Scheme within the Product Engineering department at Stafford Engine Centre. SEC Develops and Manufactures the Perkins 4000 and 5000 Series. The Job Role will focus on Diesel and Gas Internal Combustion Engines and offer opportunities to work on a variety of projects across multiple systems and disciplines. Rotation through business sectors is an option to give an understanding of wider business functions and experiences to help you in your future career. The 2 year scheme leads into a role within the Development Engineering Team focusing on Engine Performance, Emissions, Controls and Validation.

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.

Your two-year Graduate Development Programme will be tailored to ensure you gain a broad understanding of your chosen field and build the foundations of a successful career. You will get the support, guidance and training you need to be successful at Caterpillar. You will also have opportunity to gain experience working with our global Caterpillar customers.

You will have the opportunity to work with other facilities across our global organisation and you will be directly involved, and at the heart of our business, participating on strategic projects.

Job duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Diesel and Gas Engine Performance and Emissions calibration
• Mechanical verification and validation of engine components and systems
• Defining and managing component validation plans
• Coordination of day-to-day engineering activity and management of test and analysis activity
• Failure analysis and defect resolution using industry-standard methods
• Technical reporting
• Working to Standard and agreed processes to maintain quality and compliance
• Support design activities through concept selection, product risk assessment and Test plans
• Collaborate with a multinational multi discipline team across global Caterpillar facilities

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 2:2 honours degree level in a relevant discipline. Open to all candidates studying a STEM or Engineering based degree with a preference to:

• Mechanical Engineering
• Motorsport Engineering
• Aeronautical Engineering
• Aerospace Engineering

Candidates must have developed skills or have gained experiences in the following areas:

• Data analysis and reporting
• Initiating Action
• Planning and organising
• Presentation and Communication Skills

It is desirable for Candidates to demonstrate the following skills also:

• Focus on Quality
• Decision Making
• Innovation
• Project Leadership
• Effective Teamwork

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 31st March 2025 onsite at our Stafford facility so please try to keep that date 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.