Heavy Equipment Mechanic Fellow

Career Area:

Students and Graduates

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.

Transition your military technical experience into a civilian career with Caterpillar. Through the Department of Defense Skillbridge Program; and in partnership with Hiring Our Heroes, active-duty service members can gain hands-on experience supporting world-class mining and construction equipment while building skills that translate directly into future career opportunities.

This structured fellowship provides the opportunity to work alongside experienced technicians, engineers, and equipment specialists, applying the technical expertise, discipline, and leadership developed through military service in a real-world industrial environment.

Application Requirements:

• Active-duty military service member eligible for the DoD Skillbridge Program.

• Approved by your military chain of command to participate in a 30-120 day Skillbridge fellowship.

• Experience maintaining, troubleshooting, repairing, or supporting complex equipment, vehicles, mechanical systems, or electronic systems.

• Submit a resume and cover letter outlining your military transition timeline and Skillbridge approval status. Applications submitted without the required cover letter information will not be considered.

Why This Fellowship Is Ideal for Military Talent

Put Your Military Skills to Work

Apply your experience maintaining mission-critical equipment, diagnosing mechanical issues, and executing technical tasks in a fast-paced environment.

Continue Supporting Operational Readiness

Help ensure mining and construction equipment operates safely and reliably, similar to maintaining readiness for military vehicles, aircraft, weapons systems, or support equipment.

Work with Advanced Technology

Gain exposure to cutting-edge heavy equipment, diagnostic tools, electronics, sensors, autonomous technologies, and machine systems.

Build Your Civilian Career Network

Partner with experienced mechanics, engineers, technicians, operators, and logistics professionals while exploring long-term career opportunities.

What You Will Do

• Perform maintenance, assembly, disassembly, and repair activities on heavy equipment and machine components.

• Apply troubleshooting and diagnostic techniques to identify mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, or electronic system issues.

• Support equipment testing, inspections, and reliability initiatives.

• Assist with equipment repairs and technical support activities in shop and field environments.

• Evaluate machine performance and identify opportunities for improvement.

• Document findings and communicate recommendations to engineering and technical teams.

• Work closely with cross-functional teams including mechanics, engineers, operators, and logistics personnel.

What you will have:

Experience maintaining, repairing, or troubleshooting military vehicles, aircraft, generators, weapons systems, communications equipment, construction equipment, or other complex mechanical systems.

Problem Solving: Ability to diagnose issues, analyze failures, and develop effective technical solutions. Strong understanding of mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, or electronic systems and how they interact.

Ability to execute tasks safely, efficiently, and with attention to detail in high-consequence environments.

Teamwork: Experience working as part of a team, coordinating across functions, and communicating technical information clearly.

Flexibility and Adaptability: Ability to learn new technologies, processes, and equipment while operating in dynamic environments.

Top Candidates Will Have: 

Experience in maintenance and repair of Caterpillar mining and/or construction equipment. 

Strong knowledge across multiple machine systems:  structures, engines, Powertrain systems, hydraulics and pneumatics, Electrical and electronic systems, or Undercarriage systems. 

Additional Information: 

Primary Location: Tucson Proving Ground – Green Valley, AZ (on-site full-time) 

Relocation: Not available 

Sponsorship: Not available

Travel: Up to 10%

Summary Pay Range:

$0.00 - $0.00

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. 

Benefits:

Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of benefits.

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits*

• Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)*

• 401(k) savings plans*

• Health Savings Account (HSA)*

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)*

• Health Lifestyle Programs*

• Employee Assistance Program*

• Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts*

• Career Development*

• Incentive bonus*

• Disability benefits

• Life Insurance

• Parental leave

• Adoption benefits

• Tuition Reimbursement

* These benefits also apply to part-time employees

This position requires working onsite five days a week.Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Posting Dates:

November 12, 2026 - December 15, 2026

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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