Instrumentation Engineer (Test & Validation)

Caterpillar · Desford · £49,500–£61,000 (stated in the posting)

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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: Instrumentation Engineer (Test & Validation)

Salary: £49,500 - £61,000 depending on skills demonstrated

Contract: Full time & permanent

Location: Desford, Leicestershire 

The Opportunity

Looking to apply your instrumentation, testing and data-acquisition expertise to the development and validation of world-class construction equipment? Join our Product Development, Test & Validation team at Caterpillar Desford.

We have an opportunity for an Instrumentation Engineer to join the Product Development, Test & Validation team at Desford. You will provide instrumentation, measurement and data-acquisition expertise, working closely with engineers, technicians and suppliers to deliver safe, accurate and reliable measurement and data-acquisition solutions for machine, component and test-rig validation activities. You will support the full test lifecycle, from defining measurement requirements and selecting sensors through to installation, system configuration, test support, data-quality verification and equipment assurance, helping engineers make confident product decisions and supporting the development of Caterpillar's construction equipment.

What you will do:

As a Instrumentation Engineer, you are accountable for, but not limited to:

• Define instrumentation and data-acquisition requirements with test engineers and product development teams, selecting appropriate sensors, transducers, signal-conditioning equipment, cabling and hardware to provide dependable instrumentation solutions that meet test requirements.

• Plan, install and commission instrumentation systems on construction equipment, test rigs and components, ensuring sensors and cables are safely installed, protected and routed to support safe, efficient and high-quality test execution.

• Configure and verify data-acquisition systems to capture accurate, repeatable and traceable engineering data, including pressure, temperature, force, strain, displacement, acceleration, speed, torque, flow and electrical signals.

• Monitor data quality and resolve technical issues, verifying channel configuration, sensor scaling and sample rates, and identifying measurement, safety and quality risks before they affect test delivery. Diagnose instrumentation, wiring, communication and data-acquisition issues, responding effectively during machine testing.

• Maintain and improve instrumentation equipment and technical records, including calibration status, configuration, condition, availability and obsolescence, helping to improve the standardisation, availability and control of instrumentation equipment.

• Support laboratory quality and continuous improvement, contributing to the effective maintenance of the ISO/IEC 17025 management system, including test-method control, measurement uncertainty, metrological traceability, corrective actions and standard instrumentation practices.

• Build strong working relationships across Product Development and Test & Validation, sharing technical knowledge and providing guidance on instrumentation and data-acquisition equipment.

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: Working Knowledge

• Technical Excellence: Applies technical knowledge of instrumentation and data-acquisition systems to select, configure, install and maintain appropriate equipment, ensuring reliable solutions and high-quality test data.

• Accuracy and Attention to Detail: Checks and verifies sensor configuration, scaling, sample rates, calibration information and technical records accurately, recognising the impact that errors or omissions can have on measurement validity and test results.

• Troubleshooting Technical Problems: Diagnoses and resolves instrumentation, wiring, communication and data-acquisition issues using systematic troubleshooting methods, helping minimise test disruption and maintain reliable equipment operation.

• Product Testing: Applies appropriate test methods, procedures and equipment when supporting machine, component and test-rig testing, ensuring instrumentation delivers safe, repeatable and dependable test results.

What You May Have:

• Applied technical knowledge of instrumentation, electrical/electronic engineering or a related discipline, sufficient to select and apply appropriate instrumentation and measurement solutions.

• Strong working knowledge of instrumentation, sensors and data-acquisition systems, including the selection, installation, configuration and verification of measurement systems.

• Working knowledge of test and measurement technologies, including data-acquisition and analysis platforms such as Dewesoft, HBK, National Instruments, Vector, ETAS or similar systems, to capture reliable data and diagnose instrumentation or system issues.

• Working understanding of laboratory quality principles, ideally ISO/IEC 17025, to support calibration, traceability and equipment assurance, with awareness of CAN-based vehicle communications, machine-network data acquisition or strain-gauge measurement techniques.

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: up to 10% travel to include international

Posting Dates:

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

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