Lead Technician

Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.

When you join Caterpillar you rejoining 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 dontjust 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: Lead Technician

Salary: From 34450 (depending on experience)

Location: Peterborough

• 25 days annual leave
• Up to 10% Bonus
• Contributory pension scheme - Caterpillar will double the employees contribution Up to 10%
• Contributory share scheme - Caterpillar will match 50% of the employees contribution.
• Optional flexible benefits including access to health and dental care plans EV car lease holiday purchase.

About IPSD

Caterpillars Industrial Power Systems Division (IPSD) designs tests and manufactures 0.5 to 18L Cat and Perkins engines that power over 5000 applications including Marine Petroleum Industrial Applications Electric Generators and Locomotives. Caterpillars company strategy includes sustainability as one of four focus areas and IPSD is engaged and actively preparing green energy solutions for the future.

What is Test Facilities & Engineering (TF&E)

The TF&E mechanical maintenance team provides expert technical support to the state of the art engine test facility ensuring quality data output. They are responsible for manufacturing implementing and upgrading test facility support systems and rigs to assist in engine development and verification. The team also commissions the multi-million pound engine test facility which boasts world class performance emissions and mechanical validation capabilities.

The team are part of a wider facilities group and interact with the other departments within the facility.

We are seeking a highly skilled Mechanical Principal Technician to lead key projects and drive continuous improvement across mechanical maintenance operations within the Test Development & Engineering facility.

This role will focus on improving equipment service schedules leading breakdown mitigation efforts and overseeing team led projects. The successful candidate will take a hands on proactive approach to resolving critical issues particularly in breakdown management and will demonstrate strong leadership and a structured approach to problem solving.

Alongside their day to day responsibilities the Principal Technician will identify and lead improvement initiatives aimed at closing operational gaps reducing waste and enhancing collaboration between technician and engineering teams. Acting as the technical lead for continuous improvement they will help standardise maintenance practices and contribute to the long term reliability and performance of the facility.

• Coordinate technician responses to facility breakdowns using fault diagnostic techniques.
• Lead small teams to investigate root causes drive improvement projects eliminate waste and propose change. Present findings through regular technical updates to enhance operational efficiency.
• Perform duties including breakdown metric analysis report preparation and delivery and general team support.
• Conduct local quality audits and work inspections to ensure high work standards and compliance.
• Lead and support initiatives aimed at reducing breakdown frequency optimising service schedules and improving asset management.
• Apply Lean tools and techniques (e.g. 5S Root Cause Analysis Standard Work) to identify inefficiencies and implement corrective actions.
• Lead collaborations with technicians and engineers to trial and embed new maintenance practices.
• Analyse maintenance data and trends to identify recurring issues and propose long term solutions.
• Support the development and implementation of preventive and predictive maintenance strategies
• Contribute to the creation and refinement of standard operating procedures and technical documentation.
• Provide technical mentorship to peers sharing knowledge and building team capability.
• Promote and maintain a safe working environment by identifying and eliminating unsafe practices and fostering a positive safety culture.

• Troubleshooting Technical Problems - Strong understanding of mechanical maintenance systems fault diagnosis and structured fault‑finding techniques to resolve issues and support others in identifying and escalating problems.
• Technical Excellence - Proven experience leading or contributing to improvement projects ideally using Lean principles and delivering sound technical solutions aligned with current procedures and standards.
• Decision Making and Critical Thinking - Demonstrated leadership capabilities including organisation decision making and structured analysis of data to support informed decisions.
• Accuracy and Attention to Detail - Maintains high standards through careful checking learns from mistakes and uses…