Design Engineer

Career Area: Engineering

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 – (Laud & Haul Heavy Structures)

Location: Peterlee, County Durham

Salary: £49,519 - £61,899

Hours: Full Time, Permanent, 36.5 hours per week

Job Reference: R

Hiring Manager: Christy Lee

Posting Dates: 09/02/2026-23/02/2026

• 25 Days annual leave
• Annual bonus up to 10%
• Defined Contribution Pension Scheme (Contribution doubled by Company up to 10%)
• Share Ownership Scheme (50% Company matched)
• Personalised Flexible Benefits (Medical/Dental Cover etc)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Onsite Gym

Caterpillar Peterlee is the worldwide source of Cat® Articulated Trucks, currently producing an 8-model range used in many industries including mining, construction and aggregates. The facility's manufacturing activities use the latest computer analysis techniques, robotic technology and automated dump body paint plant. Machines from the site are shipped to customers around the world.

The Load & Haul Heavy Structures team is currently seeking a Design Engineer located in Peterlee, UK. This role will focus on the design of Articulated Truck heavy structures. The engineers on the team gain broad exposure to design, analysis, test, manufacturing, and supplier collaboration. The selected candidate will play an important role in developing and continuously improving the safety, quality, and cost, and features on the equipment they design.

If you’re passionate about engineering excellence and thrive in a dynamic, cross-functional environment, this is your opportunity to make a big impact at Caterpillar.

• Design Heavy Structures with an acute focus on Design for Manufacturing (DFM)
• Utilize CREO to create highly integrated designs within machine platforms.
• Coordinate design validation activities, including finite element analysis and on-machine validation, by defining requirements, working with the teams performing the simulation and/or testing, and interpreting the results.
• Support Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) process and Concurrent Product and Process Development (CPPD) activity to ensure components are developed to meet time, cost, and quality requirements within budget.
• Prioritize workload and create delegation plans to improve time, cost, and quality metrics.
• Communicate progress & results to customers, suppliers, team members, and functional community.
• Actively participate in Workshops during Pilot and Pre-Production Heavy Structures builds.

Bachelor’s degree in an accredited Mechanical, Agricultural, Aerospace, Civil, Metallurgical or related engineering curriculum is required.

• Proficiency in CREO or other CAD tools
• Fundamental understanding of structural weldment design including structural steel castings and thick plates (15mm and above).
• Functional understanding of finite element analysis for structural component evaluation.
• Working knowledge of welding and fabrication manufacturing processes.
• Engages appropriate subject matter experts to effectively resolve technical issues.

• Effectively prioritize tasks to meet deadlines and achieve organizational goals
• Balance competing demands and manage time efficiently.
• Adapt to changing priorities and handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Demonstrate strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Experience with collaboration tools and processes such as APQP and CPPD
• Willing and able to collaborate with international teams in various time zones.

• Profic…