Full-Time

Inspector 1

1st Shift

Deadline 8/31/26
Caterpillar

Caterpillar

10,001+ employees

Produces heavy construction and mining equipment

Compensation Overview

$20.53 - $26.13/hr

No H1B Sponsorship

West Fargo, ND, USA

In Person

Relocation assistance is not offered; relocation costs are the selected applicant’s responsibility.

Bachelor's, Associate's

Category
QA & Testing (1)

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Requirements
  • A high school diploma or equivalent is preferred.
  • A two-year technical school degree or equivalent experience is preferred.
  • At least one year of experience in quality, inspection, or machining is preferred.
  • Ability to learn new tasks and read, write, and interpret standard work instructions.
  • Ability to operate pallet jacks and other moving equipment.
  • Ability to work independently with support from team leads and the section manager.
  • Ability to understand labeling and the flow of work in progress.
  • Ability to understand and follow standard work instructions and daily production schedules.
  • Ability to adhere to facility policies, attendance expectations, and company values.
  • Ability to work in a team setting.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with employees across the facility.
  • Ability to interface with plant management, supervisors, and production personnel.
  • Successful completion of the required background screening, drug and alcohol screening, and post-offer medical questionnaire clearance.
  • Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Responsibilities
  • Perform inspections of materials and verify process results to ensure conformance to specifications, requirements, and guidelines.
  • Use precision measuring devices to inspect parts effectively.
  • Operate hand tools, air tools, torque wrenches, and other machinery.
  • Apply and correctly interpret reusability guidelines and determine the disposition of materials.
  • Assist in identifying issues and initiating corrective action processes as necessary.
  • Participate in the continuous improvement/process improvement and development process.
  • Follow directions provided by team leads and section managers.
  • Perform duties and tasks assigned to promote cross-training or support various shop areas.
  • Promote a culture based on the company’s values in action.
  • Follow facility safety policies, safe job procedures, hazardous risk assessments, and personal protective equipment requirements.
  • Work with a variety of employees to communicate needs and perform job-related tasks.
  • Contribute to the team effort by supporting employees throughout the organization.
  • Ensure customer requirements are met.
  • Conduct business with honesty and integrity.

Caterpillar designs and manufactures heavy machinery and engines for construction, mining, energy, and rail projects. It sells heavy equipment, engines, parts, and services worldwide, and also provides financing options and aftermarket maintenance and repair. The company differentiates itself through its global scale, integrated sales-partssupport-financing ecosystem, and a large maintenance network that keeps customers’ fleets running. Its goal is to help customers complete large-scale projects safely, efficiently, and sustainably, while supporting communities and environmental responsibility through initiatives like the Caterpillar Foundation.

Company Size

10,001+

Company Stage

IPO

Headquarters

Irving, Texas

Founded

1925

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Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Q2 2026 sales hit $20.5 billion, Caterpillar’s first quarter above $20 billion.
  • Backlog reached $72.1 billion on August 4, 2026, with orders stretching to 2030.
  • Power generation sales jumped 72% as data-center demand forced engine capacity expansion.

What critics are saying

  • Tariff costs hit $2.2 billion to $2.4 billion in 2026, crushing margins.
  • Construction Industries faces over $1 billion dealer inventory reduction in Q4 2026.
  • A stalled 2027 AI data-center cycle leaves Caterpillar overbuilt and earnings-prone.

What makes Caterpillar unique

  • Caterpillar’s July 7, 2026 Skycatch deal deepens mining data and autonomy software.
  • Caterpillar bought RPMGlobal on February 17, 2026, strengthening mine-planning software across operations.
  • Joe Creed is converting dealer reach into capacity for engines, equipment, and services.

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Benefits

Annual incentive bonus plan

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holiday, Volunteer, Etc.)

401k savings plan

Health savings account (HSA)

Flexible spending accounts (FSAs)

Disability benefits

Life Insurance

Parental leave

Healthy Lifestyle Programs

Employee Assistance Programs

Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts

Tuition Reimbursement

Career Development

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

2%

1 year growth

2%

2 year growth

2%
Yahoo Finance
Aug 20th, 2026
Caterpillar and Cummins post record quarters as AI data centre boom drives power demand

Caterpillar and Cummins reported record second-quarter results, driven by surging demand for power generation equipment needed for AI data centres. Caterpillar's sales rose 24% year-over-year to $20.5 billion, with adjusted earnings per share of $8.17 exceeding analyst expectations. The company's Construction Industries segment grew 35% to $8.3 billion, whilst Power & Energy increased 17% to $8.2 billion. Cummins reported record revenue of $9.5 billion and diluted earnings per share of $6.73. Both companies raised their full-year guidance, with Caterpillar now expecting mid- to high-teens percentage revenue growth and Cummins forecasting 10-13% growth. The results reflect increased data centre power demand, with global usage expected to rise 26% by 2026 to 565 terawatt-hours.

Yahoo Finance
Aug 19th, 2026
Weaker US industrial output tests Caterpillar's record backlog amid tariff pressure

Caterpillar faces scrutiny after weaker-than-expected US industrial production data for July raised questions about demand resilience. The softer figures contrast with the company's record backlog and optimistic infrastructure outlook. The equipment maker recently upgraded its 2026 sales guidance to mid-to-high teens growth, supported by accelerating volumes across all three segments. However, investors now focus on whether Caterpillar can convert its order book into shipments without sacrificing pricing or margins. Potential tariff costs could reach $1.3 billion to $1.5 billion annually. The company's narrative projects $94.5 billion revenue and $17.4 billion earnings by 2029, requiring 10.1% yearly revenue growth. Cautious analysts assume only 6.8% annual revenue growth to roughly $91 billion, viewing recent industrial softness as pressure that could test margin preservation.

Yahoo Finance
Aug 12th, 2026
Caterpillar posts record $20.5B quarter as analysts question if AI-fueled power demand can offset construction slowdown

Caterpillar reported a record $20.5 billion quarter, but analysts focused on whether the company has peaked or is entering a new growth cycle. Shares are down 21% from recent highs after a 103% run last year. The key concern centres on whether the Power & Energy segment can offset potential slowdown in Construction Industries. Management acknowledged construction will likely see typical inventory reduction in Q4, but emphasised Power & Energy faces production constraints, not demand issues. Caterpillar's $72 billion backlog extends to 2030, driven by AI and data centre demand. Management highlighted diversification, noting the oil and gas business backlog is nearly double last year's level, suggesting growth beyond a single market. The company confirmed data centre customers show no signs of slowing.

Yahoo Finance
Aug 11th, 2026
Caterpillar's $72B backlog stretches to 2030 as data centre demand outpaces production capacity

Caterpillar surpassed $20 billion in quarterly sales for the first time in Q2 2026, yet its stock has dropped 6.5% over three months. The company faces a production constraint rather than a demand problem, with its backlog reaching $72 billion and lead times for gas engines extending into late 2028 and 2029. The manufacturer is addressing capacity limits by restarting a mothballed engine platform and converting existing facilities. Power generation sales to end users jumped 72% in Q2 2026, driven primarily by data centre demand. Management raised its full-year sales growth outlook to mid- to high teens from low double digits. However, dealers are expected to reduce Construction Industries inventory by over $1 billion in Q4 2026. The stock currently trades 21% below its 52-week high, with implied volatility at the 80th percentile of its trailing one-year range.

Yahoo Finance
Aug 5th, 2026
Caterpillar raises 2026 sales outlook to high teens as backlog hits $72B

Caterpillar raised its 2026 sales outlook to mid- to high-teens growth, up from its April forecast, citing strong demand across its three primary segments. The company reported record backlog of $72 billion, up $9 billion sequentially and 92% year over year, with 59% scheduled for delivery within 12 months. Second-quarter sales rose 24% to $20.54 billion, the company's first quarter above $20 billion. Adjusted earnings of $8.17 per share topped consensus estimates of $6.25. Power Generation sales to users surged 72%, driven by data centre applications. Caterpillar is restarting production of a 10-megawatt gas reciprocating engine platform and plans to restore about 1.5 gigawatts of capacity, with shipments beginning in the fourth quarter.