
Career Area:
Engineering
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 (Attachments)
Salary: £49,500 rising to £61,000 dependent on skills demonstrated
Contract Full time & permanent
Location: Desford, Leicestershire – domestic relocation will be considered
The Opportunity:
The Design Engineer for Attachments and Work Tools designs, develops, and implements new products, components, and technologies that solve customer challenges and support business growth. This role applies to deep technical expertise across the full product lifecycle. from concept through production, while collaborating closely with commercial, manufacturing, supply base, and quality partners.
What you will do:
As a Design Engineer, you are accountable for, but not limited to:
Design, develop and validate new attachment and work tool products, components and technologies from concept through production release
Research and evaluate new materials, designs, processes and competitive products; plan and execute prototype builds, testing and technical analysis
Define functional requirements and translate them into detailed design documentation and computer‑aided design (CAD) models
Apply design for manufacturability, design for assembly and cost‑conscious design principles to improve quality, ease of manufacture and total cost
Collaborate cross‑functionally with manufacturing, supply chain, procurement and quality teams to support supplier development, sourcing decisions and production readiness
Lead technical problem‑solving and risk management, supporting make‑versus‑buy decisions, cost estimates and technical reports while promoting a proactive safety culture
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:
Level: Extensive Experience
Analytical Thinking: Uses structured analysis to diagnose design and manufacturing issues, assess cost and risk trade‑offs, and support sound decisions from concept to production.
Level: Working Knowledge
Effective Communications Clearly communicates design intent, requirements and trade‑offs with cross‑functional teams and suppliers to support collaboration and production readiness.
Technical Excellence: Applies solid technical knowledge to design, validate and troubleshoot components, delivering reliable, production‑ready solutions.
Product Design & Development: Supports end‑to‑end product development by translating requirements into computer‑aided design models, prototypes and validated, manufacturable designs.
What You May Have:
Demonstrates skill in designing attachments or heavy‑equipment components with a strong understanding of real operating conditions.
Brings capability in supporting production launch, supplier development and resolution of manufacturing or quality issues.
Applies sound judgement when balancing cost, validation, timing and risk trade‑offs to inform product and sourcing decisions.
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.
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 Not required
Posting Dates:
April 2, 2026 - April 17, 2026
Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply
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For 100 years, we’ve been helping customers build a better, more sustainable world. Our innovative products and services, backed by our global dealer network, provide exceptional value that helps customers succeed.
With 2024 sales and revenues of $64.8 billion, Caterpillar Inc. 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.
Caterpillar does business on every continent, principally operating through three primary segments – Construction Industries, Resource Industries and Energy & Transportation – and provides financing and related services through our Financial Products segment.