Precision Machinist

Career Area:

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.

Essential Job Requirements:

•    Setup/teardown of machine tools – load and/or unload jaws, fixtures, tooling as needed

•    Download programs from central database

•    Make program changes as needed to improve process

•    Load and unload parts from machine

•    Utilize measuring equipment for frequent inspection of in-process and finished products to control quality through the machining processes. Including micrometers, calipers, Pi tapes, rail gages, etc. 

•    Monitor cutting tools and adjust as needed, make machine offsets and index or change inserts as needed

•    Make tooling changes as needed to improve process

•    Keep immediate area clean and orderly

Equipment Used:
·           Machine tools such as but not limited to CNC Lathes, Mills, or VTL’s
·           Hand tools 
·           Pallet jacks
·           Jib crane

Our ideal candidate is motivated by daily and weekend overtime.
•    1st Shift: Monday - Friday (7:30 AM - 4:00 PM)      
•    2nd Shift: *Monday - Thursday (4:00 PM - 2:30 AM) "4-10's" 
•    2nd shift differential pay of $3/hour is in addition to base pay
•    SWW Shift: *Friday - Sunday (4:00 AM - 4:30 PM) "3-12's" 
•    SWW shift differential pay of $2/hour is in addition to base pay

Ideal Skillset:
•    Extensive machining experience
•    Experience with either Horizontal-Vertical lathes and/or Mills and/or Mill-Turn Machines
•    Ability to make all minor program changes if needed.
•    Read and understand engineering routing and process drawings.
•    Ability to determine when cutting tools are dull and should be changed or indexed.
•    Ability to use measuring instruments, including but not limited to calipers, micrometers, height gauges, depth gauges, etc.
•    Good working knowledge of math and minimal trigonometry.
•    Ability to follow complex written and verbal instructions.
•    Ability to read and comprehend drawings and shop routing.

Required Qualifications:
·         High School Diploma, GED or equivalent.
·         Experience working in a production and/or manufacturing environment.
·         Be able to read and interpret mechanical drawings and blueprints.

Preferred Qualifications:
·         Extensive experience working in a production and/or manufacturing environment.

·         Familiarity with 5 axis.
·         Technical degree or certification.
·         Previous tool design experience.
·         Previous experience programming and operating high accuracy measurement/instrumentation systems.

Average Pay Range:

$32-$38 an hour

This employer is not currently hiring foreign national applicants that require or will require sponsorship tied to a specific employer, such as H, L, TN, F, J, E, O.

Summary Pay Range:

$30.75 - $46.13

Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar. 

Posting Dates:

November 2, 2026 - April 30, 2027

Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities.  Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.

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