Manufacturing Engineer - Robotics/Automation - 20m Contract

Career Area: Manufacturing

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: Manufacturing Engineer - Robotics/Automation
Salary: £42,000 - £57,000 dependent on skill level demonstrated

Contract: 20 months

Location: Desford, Leicestershire

Full Time: 37.50

The Opportunity: Are you passionate about driving innovation and leading the introduction of advanced robotics into manufacturing? We are seeking proactive Manufacturing Engineers to deliver automation solutions into production, working as part of a focused team responsible for deploying the latest technologies and machinery. You will lead multimillion pound projects, collaborating cross functionally to ensure new robotic systems, equipment, and processes are implemented safely, efficiently, and seamlessly into our world class production environment.

What You Will Do:

As Manufacturing Engineer, your accountabilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Proactively spot opportunities for robotic or automated solutions and lead them through to successful implementation.
• Develop, implement, and maintain robotics and automation standards across manufacturing operations to ensure consistency, safety, and scalability.
• Program, configure, and optimise ABB and KUKA robotic systems, including commissioning, offline programming (simulation), and cycle time improvement.
• Train and mentor junior team members on safe operation, troubleshooting, and best practice programming.
• Lead the design, planning, and execution of Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) for new robotic systems and automation equipment.
• Manage automation and manufacturing improvement projects end to end, including capital justification, complex problem resolution, process development (PFMEA, control plans, process flows), supplier coordination, and project delivery to achieve PQVC targets.

NB. 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.

What You Can Demonstrate: Extensive Experience In:

• Manufacturing Processes: Knowledge of existing product manufacturing methods, technologies and processes; ability to execute, plan, manage and monitor the entire manufacturing process.
• Project Management: Knowledge of effective project management strategies and tactics; ability to plan, organise, monitor, budgets and control projects, ensuring efficient utilisation of technical and administrative resources to achieve project targets.
• Manufacturing Safety: Knowledge of manufacturing safety; ability to identify work related hazards and perform necessary activities to meet regulatory requirements for the safety and protection of workers, environment and site.

Expert Level In:

• Judgment and Decision Making: Knowledge of process; ability to carefully evaluate the impact of emerging business situations and choose the best path forward communicating actions and activities that maximise organisational performance.
• Problem Management Process - MFG: Knowledge of manufacturing problem management processes, methodologies and techniques; ability to use a disciplined approach to bring that problem to a successful resolution.

Experience Of:

• Lean Manufacturing: Knowledge of the philosophy, fundamentals and implementation approaches of lean manufacturing; ability to integrate and implement lean manufacturing philosophy into existing production and management processes.

What You May Have:

• Able to apply an understanding of assembly, test, and finish processes for construction or heavy equipment to support effective robotics integration.
• Skilled in programming and adjusting industrial or autonomous robots for assembly, welding, or paint applications.
• Competent in using 8D, 5 Why, fishbone analysis and other quality tools to drive root cause resolution.
• Applies Six Sigma methods to improve processes, supported by a relevant technical qualification or equivalent capability.

Interview Process: You will complete a telephone interview at stage one, followed by a face to face skills based interview at stage two.

Just a quick heads up: We start reviewing applications as soon as they come in, so if you're interested, don't wait too long! We may close the advert early if we feel we've got a strong pool of potentially suitable applicants.

Don't miss out, get your application in soon!

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.

Benefits

• 27 days annual leave + bank holidays, opportunity to buy additional holiday
• 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
• Employee Support Networks - join groups that offer support, connection, and a sense of community
• Optional flexible benefits including access to private health and dental care plans, EV car lease etc.

Travel

up to 5% within the UK may include other facilities as and when required.

Posting Dates

January 27, 2026 - February 12, 2026

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

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