CNC Machinist - Vertical Mill

Caterpillar Inc.; South Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 39,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Caterpillar is seeking a CNC Machinist for a vertical mill in South Milwaukee, WI. This full-time role supports production of high-quality components and requires setting up and operating a large CNC vertical milling center.

Two shifts (2nd & 3rd) available, with a $2,000 sign-on/retention bonus and hourly pay steps plus a shift premium. Candidates should have 1–3 years of hands-on CNC experience, read blueprints, and use precision gauges.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years of CNC machining experience.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints.
• Experience using precision measuring tools like calipers and micrometers.
• Working knowledge of machine shop math.
• Demonstrated safe work history.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate a CNC vertical milling center to produce components.
• Load programs, perform trial runs, and verify accuracy.
• Prepare tools, fixtures, and workholding equipment.
• Make program changes and adjust speeds/feeds.
• Perform in-process inspection and ensure quality.

Skills

CNC Machining

Blueprint reading

Metrology

Safety compliance

Tools

Fanuc controls

Job description

CNC Machinist - Vertical Mill

Location: Caterpillar, South Milwaukee, WI

Shifts Available: 2nd & 3rd Shift

Sign-On & Retention Bonus: $2,000

Hourly Pay:

• Step 1: 28.27
• Step 2: 29.44
• Step 3: 30.62
• + $1.00/hr Shift Premium for 2nd or 3rd Shift

Career Area: Operations

About Caterpillar South Milwaukee: Caterpillar is hiring a Vertical Mill CNC Machinist to support our manufacturing operations in South Milwaukee, WI. 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.

Primary Function

• Set up and operate CNC controlled vertical milling center to produce high quality production components in a safe and efficient manner.
• Use of related equipment including metal cutting tools and inserts, fixtures and clamping equipment, various hand tools, and precision measuring instruments and gages.
• Jib and overhead cranes used for material handling.

Description

• Operate large CNC controlled vertical bridge mill.
• Identify work piece and assist in loading of part on to machine.
• Set up and align part using work holding equipment such as fixtures, vices, blocks, shims, parallels, chucks, clamps, etc.
• Assemble proper cutting tools for operation using tool holder, chucks, collets, drills, taps, reamers, mills, and boring tools, etc.
• Load CNC program and perform a trial run to check program accuracy when needed.
• Use process instructions and G & M code program to operate CNC machine.
• Perform very close tolerance machining operations such as milling, facing, boring, counter boring, drilling, tapping, probing, etc. on large structural components.
• Adjust or select machine parameters such as feed rate, speed, and offset values where required.
• Make appropriate program changes and edits where required. May on occasion need to operate machine manually, without program.
• Perform in process inspection of machined parts as required to maintain quality requirements.
• Assist in unloading and remove processed parts from machine.
• Clean up work piece removing burrs, chips, coolant, etc.
• Keep facilities, material, and work area clean and orderly,
• Conform to safety and inspection requirements and perform all the above operations in a safe and efficient manner.

Qualifications

• One to three years of actual, hands on, CNC machining experience; demonstrate good skill and ability on the machines operated.
• Read and interpret part drawings and blueprints.
• Ability to use quality inspection gaging, indicating, and measuring techniques including verniers, calipers, and micrometers.
• Know basic machine shop math, including high school trigonometry.
• Know basic machine shop practices.
• Demonstrate basic knowledge of machining terminology and procedures.
• Demonstrate a safe work history.

Top Candidates Will Have

• CNC milling of alloy steel and other metals experience preferred.
• Familiarity with Fanuc machine controls and operator machine interface.

Additional Information

• This position is located at the Caterpillar manufacturing facility located in South Milwaukee, Wisconsin
• Full Time position
• No relocation assistance is available.

Summary Pay Range: $28.27 - $35.33

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

• 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

Posting Dates: August 4, 2026 - August 30, 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.