Crane Operator

Caterpillar Inc.; South Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 31,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) savings plan

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Career development

Incentive bonus

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. is seeking an Overhead Crane Operator for the South Milwaukee, WI facility. This 3rd shift, full-time role offers a $2,000 sign-on/retention bonus and pays hourly according to a defined pay progression.

Responsibilities include operating 30-ton or larger cranes, rigging loads, and maintaining safe, efficient operations while supporting a large manufacturing team building mining equipment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of experience operating 30-ton or larger overhead or jib cranes.
• Successful completion of crane operator training and certification.
• Familiarity with rigging practices and material handling safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Operate 30-ton or larger overhead cranes and jib cranes to move heavy materials.
• Safely hitch, unhitch, raise, lower, and position loads using proper rigging techniques.
• Select and inspect rigging equipment including chains, clevises, hooks, and slings.
• Identify, receive, load, move, and store materials throughout the facility.
• Operate power lift trucks as needed.
• Follow documented procedures and standard work to ensure safe and efficient operations.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area.

Skills

Crane operation

Rigging knowledge

Safety consciousness

Education

Crane operator training/certification

Job description

Job Description

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.

Career Area

Operations

Job Description

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.

Overhead Crane Operator – 3rd Shift

Location: South Milwaukee, WI

Shifts: 3rd Shift (Full-Time)

Bonus: $2,000 Sign-On & Retention Bonus

Pay Progression

• Step 1: $26.47/hr
• Step 2: $27.41/hr
• Step 3: $28.34/hr
• Shift Premium: +$1.00/hr for 3rd shift

About Caterpillar South Milwaukee

Caterpillar is hiring Overhead Crane Operators with experience safely moving and positioning heavy materials, to join our manufacturing team 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.

At our South Milwaukee facility, you’ll be part of a team that builds some of the largest and most powerful mining machines in the world. This facility specializes in the production of Cat® Electric Rope Shovels (ERS) used in mining operations around the world.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate 30-ton or larger overhead cranes and jib cranes to move heavy materials
• Safely hitch, unhitch, raise, lower, and position loads using proper rigging techniques
• Select and inspect rigging equipment including chains, clevises, hooks, and slings
• Identify, receive, load, move, and store materials throughout the facility
• Operate power lift trucks as needed
• Follow documented procedures and standard work to ensure safe and efficient operations
• Maintain a clean and organized work area

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of experience operating 30-ton or larger overhead or jib cranes
• Successful completion of crane operator training and certification
• Familiarity with rigging practices and material handling safety standards

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Willingness to work overtime to support production needs
• Strong attention to detail and safety-first mindset

Additional Info

• Full-time, 40 hours/week
• No relocation assistance
• Pre-employment drug screen and medical evaluation required
• Please check your email (including spam/junk folders) for updates

Summary Pay Range

$22.38 - $29.47

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

Posting Dates

September 10, 2026 - October 4, 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.