Engineering - Electric Power - 12 Month Placement Scheme

Career Area:

Students and Graduates

Compensation Grade:

14

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.

12-month Industrial Placement Scheme

Discipline: Engineering – Electric Power Division (EPD)

Location: Larne, Northern Ireland

Salary: £26,000, Share Scheme, Pension, and 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays).

 

We currently have some exciting opportunities for industrial placement students to join Caterpillar across several of our sites. You will have the opportunity to work with others across our organisation and you will be directly involved, and at the heart of our business, participating on strategic projects.

*Please note that to be eligible to complete a 12-Month Industrial Placement commencing in the summer of 2027, you must be in your penultimate year of study unless enrolled in an integrated master’s program.

Caterpillar Inc. is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines, and diesel-electric locomotives. Since 1925, we’ve been driving sustainable progress and helping customers build a better world through innovative products and services. Throughout the product life cycle, we offer services built on cutting-edge technology and decades of product expertise. These products and services, backed by our global dealer network, provide exceptional value to help our customers succeed. We have a clear vision to be the global leader in providing customer value in the markets in which we operate. Our core values (Integrity, Excellence, Teamwork, Commitment and Sustainability) are key to our success. 

 

Caterpillar, Northern Ireland 

Formerly known as FG Wilson, Caterpillar Northern Ireland was acquired by Caterpillar in 1999 and is an integral part of the Caterpillar enterprise. The company has two sites in Northern Ireland. The facility located in Larne is home to the Electric Power business where the team designs and manufactures Cat® Power Solutions for key business sectors including data centres, construction, mining, healthcare, utility, and other industries. 

 

Diversity at Caterpillar 

When we leverage our people's experiences, backgrounds, and cultures in an inclusive environment, we enable every individual to achieve their full potential, which drives business success. We are proud to be active partners with both the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) & Women's Engineering Society (WES). We also have numerous well supported employee resource groups. Caterpillar is an equal opportunity employer, and we welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds.  

What experiences can we offer you?  

Our industrial placement training schemes give you the opportunity to experience different aspects of the company. From day one you will be embedded in a team solving real world problems. You will get to work and collaborate with people in Caterpillar facilities worldwide.  

 

As an equal opportunity employer, we value diversity at Caterpillar and believe the more experience you can gain early in your career the further you can go. That’s why during our yearlong scheme we place an emphasis on multiple diverse projects. You will have the opportunity to work and collaborate with people in Caterpillar facilities worldwide and we are looking for you to bring fresh, innovative ideas to solve complex technical problems. You will be a fully involved team member with responsibility and accountability for key project deliverables. That said, you will be given all the support you require to be successful. 

 

Our placement roles have the additional benefit of a workplace mentor; this could be your manager or a technical expert who will support you throughout your time at Caterpillar and help you gain the professional development and skills you need to be set up for success!  Our placement students can expect to return to university with further developed technical skills and experience of how University learning is applied to the workplace. 

 

The role

We are looking for an Engineering Placement Student to join the Grid Code Integration team. This is an excellent opportunity to play a key role within the Caterpillar Electric Power, Integrated Power Solutions team.

 

The Grid Code Integration team is responsible for understanding global electricity grid connection codes, facilitating evaluation of technical requirements and product capability, and managing grid code certification of Caterpillar Electric Power products including gas and diesel generating sets, inverter products and the range of Cat Energy Control System (ECS) controls.  The team is expanding to include Electric Power Simulation responsibility for gas and diesel gensets and site-level studies related to grid code, fault ride-through, and large-scale data center architecture development.

 

This role provides a unique opportunity for an Engineering Placement Student to develop their understanding of large-scale Electric Power products and projects, and to apply their skills within an experienced team working on grid code evaluation and power systems simulation. For the right candidate, this role will include opportunities to collaborate with multiple Engineering teams across Electric Power Division (EPD), Large Power Systems Division (LPSD), Integrated Drivetrain Energy Solutions (IDES) and Solar Turbines teams to facilitate grid code evaluation and simulation studies.

 

As an Engineering Placement Student, you will primarily support the evaluation of grid codes, understand the technical requirements and compile functional requirements for product evaluation. You will use database tools and explore the use of AI to drive efficiency in the grid code evaluation process, learning about the application of electricity grid connection codes worldwide. You will also support the development of gas and diesel genset simulation models in various software applications, including development of models representing the different machine components (engine, generator, controls).  You will be expected to work with limited supervision to complete grid code evaluation tasks, develop simulation models, perform simulation studies, and support customers by preparing responses to technical sales support requests.

 

What you will do:

• Support evaluation of grid code requirements by interpreting technical documents and standards and compiling functional requirements for product evaluation.
• Support development and validation of simulation models for Caterpillar Electric Power gas and diesel generating sets in various software applications including DIgSILENT PowerFactory, PSCAD, PSS/E and/or MATLAB Simulink, depending on experience.
• Drive process efficiency by developing and implementing tools, methods, and standardized workflows for grid code evaluation and simulation modelling.
• Support ongoing maintenance of relevant technical sales support documentation.
• Support customers by preparing responses to technical sales support requests.

Who are we looking for?

We’re looking for people who can show us a highly participative working style, and who thrive in a team of committed professionals. And at the same time, we need people who are self-motivated and can drive change through persuasion and influence. Communication and presentational skills are essential.

Applicants should be working towards and on target to achieve a minimum 2:2 classification ins one of the following disciplines:

• Mechanical Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Electrical/Electronic Engineering
• Mechatronics Engineering
• or similar relevant degree

Recruitment Process Guide

We're excited that you're considering a career with Caterpillar. Below is an overview of our Early Careers recruitment process and what you can expect at each stage.

Step 1: Online Application

To apply, simply complete our online application form and upload your CV before the advertised closing date.

Our team will review all submissions & we'll keep you updated and let you know as soon as possible if you've been selected to progress to the next stage.

Step 2: Online Assessments & Video Interview

If you are selected to move forward in the process, you'll be invited to complete some online assessments, followed by a user-friendly video interview. Your responses will be reviewed by the hiring team and successful candidates will then be invited to attend an in-person Assessment Centre / Interview, which we anticipate will take place on 2nd February 2027 at our Larne facility. If possible, we recommend keeping this date available.

To ensure you don't miss any communications from us, please regularly check your text, email inbox (including your spam/junk folder) and your Workday account for updates.

Step 3: In Person Assessment Centre

Our Assessment Centre is designed to help you showcase your potential through a range of interactive activities focused on competencies such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and decision-making.

We aim to make the experience engaging, inclusive, and relaxed, giving you the best opportunity to demonstrate your strengths and learn more about Caterpillar.

Step 4: Offer

Following the Assessment Centre, the Caterpillar team will review all feedback and make hiring decisions. We aim to communicate outcomes and extend offers to successful candidates as quickly as possible. Placement students will start in late June 2027.

 

NOTES:

- 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. This may also include an adjustment to the application deadline date.

- This position requires working onsite five days a week / all week.

 

 

Posting Dates:

November 9, 2026 - December 9, 2026

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

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.

Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.