Research and Development Technician

Job Description

When you join Caterpillar, you become part of a global team committed to building a better, more sustainable world. This role focuses on research and development within Caterpillar’s Industrial Power Systems Division (IPSD), working on electrification, powertrain, diesel, hybrid and power systems projects.

Engineering

Research and Development Technician

Peterborough, United Kingdom

£31,414 + experience dependent

• 25 days annual leave
• Up to 9% bonus
• Contributory pension scheme – Caterpillar will double up to 10% of the employee’s contribution
• Contributory share scheme – Caterpillar matches 50% of the employee’s contribution
• Optional flexible benefits including health and dental care plans, EV car lease, holiday purchase
• Employee Referral Scheme

IPSD designs, tests and manufactures 0.5 to 18L Cat® and Perkins engines that power over 5,000 applications, including marine, petroleum, industrial, electric generators and locomotives. The division prioritises sustainability and is developing green energy solutions.

An exciting role is available for a Proving Test Technician (L5 & L6). Candidates will support advanced product research and development, working on electrical, mechanical, hydraulic and high‑voltage systems. The position requires a self‑motivated, team‑oriented individual with strong technical knowledge and practical skill.

The role involves reviewing and signing off data with lead engineering, supporting engineering leads and customers, conducting direct build/strip, measurement, testing and electrical safety checks. Travel to customer sites and other test facilities may be required, and a full clean UK driving licence and passport are essential.

• Adhere to the Organisation’s health and safety policy and safe working practices.
• Follow Caterpillar’s Values in Action:
  Integrity, Commitment, Excellence, Teamwork & Sustainability.
• Perform safe and defect‑free assembly of parts and components using hand, power tools and lifting equipment.
• Follow engineering instructions to install prototypes, pilots and production powertrains into machines, providing detailed feedback on measurements and issues.
• Coordinate with logistics to order parts and components that meet specifications.
• Conduct build, strip and measurement activities for electrification, powertrain, diesel and hybrid components, including sub‑assembly and testing.
• Carry out electrical safety checks including insulation resistance, ground bonding, Hi‑Pot checks and CANape communications.
• Run test bed software, interpret test plans and data, and sign off for shipping to customers and product groups.
• Support data analysis of results and assist lead engineering teams using analysis software.
• Raise issues and report on build/test product concerns using the Pre‑Production Reliability Development process (PPRDs).
• Participate in continuous improvement, reviewing processes, safety procedures and overall quality metrics.
• Collaborate with Facilities engineering to resolve facility requirements and evaluate new systems.
• Operate off‑high‑way vehicles (excavators, loaders, telehandlers, tractors) as needed.
• Instrument powertrains with thermocouples, pressure transducers, speed pickups and other sensors.
• Diagnose and resolve faults on powertrains and machines.
• Read engineering drawings (electrical, mechanical and hydraulic).
• Manufacture parts from drawings using in‑house machining, welding, fabrication and electronics lab.
• Produce electrical looms to interface powertrains and machines.
• Travel to off‑site test and development facilities, both Caterpillar owned and third‑party (some overseas).
• Maintain a clean, tidy, safe work area in line with 5S and TPM principles.
• Undertake required training and learning opportunities.

• Accuracy and Attention to Detail – high precision in task completion.
• Analytical Thinking – root‑cause analysis and alternative solution development.
• Decision Making and Critical Thinking – sound judgement to reach productive decisions.
• Effective Communications – transmit, receive and interpret ideas accurately.
• Technical Excellence – develop solutions to…