Design Engineer - Current Production

Career Area:

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: Design Engineer – Current Production (Backhoe Loader)

Salary: £39,900 - £48,000 depending on background

Contract: Full time & permanent

Location: Desford, Leicestershire

The Opportunity

Join our production engineering team and help shape the future of Caterpillar’s Backhoe Loader, a globally recognised product built right here in Desford.

You’ll support design changes that improve performance, reliability and efficiency, working closely with our teams in Brazil and India to ensure consistency across all sites. This role is hands-on, collaborative, and focused on delivering robust solutions that keep production running smoothly.

If you’re process-driven, proactive, and ready to make a real impact, we’d love to hear from you!

What you will do:

As a Design Engineer, you will be responsible for, but not limited to:

• Deliver design changes that improve product performance, reliability, and cost-efficiency.

• Collaborate with global teams to maintain product commonality.

• Support production engineering activities and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Ensure robust validation of design updates before implementation.

• Contribute to the development of engineering procedures and best practices.

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:

• Design for Manufacturability (DFM): Applies DFM principles to optimise product designs, simplify manufacturing processes, and reduce costs. Familiar with standard methodologies and use cases across various manufacturing environments.

• Information Capture: Uses digital tools to gather, organise, and archive technical and business information in a structured, auditable format. Understands relevant standards and documentation practices.

• Engineering - MFG: Supports engineering activities in a production setting, including drafting specifications, resolving technical issues, and applying established standards and procedures to improve reliability and efficiency.

• Communication: Demonstrates effective communication by tailoring messages to the audience, maintaining clarity and focus, and engaging across all organizational levels.

Top candidates will also have:

• A Degree in Mechanical Engineering (or a related accredited discipline).

• PTC Creo with working level experience in Sheet Metal and Hose Routing tools.

• Siemens Teamcenter with some experience with Change Notices and Releasing.

• Working Knowledge of Caterpillar Engineering Standards and best practices.

Pending the number of applications, the criteria for the position may be enhanced to facilitate shortlisting.

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.

Training & Development:

You’ll receive training in Caterpillar’s design and procurement tools, along with hands-on machine operation to deepen product understanding. Project-dependent opportunities may also arise to collaborate with global teams in the USA, Brazil, and India.

Benefits: 27 days annual leave plus Bank holidays - opportunity to buy and sell, 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, optional flexible benefits including access to private health and dental care plans, EV car lease etc

Travel: Not required

Posting Dates:

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply

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