Diesel Tech ThinkBIG Scholar — Paid Internship & AAS

Butler Machinery; Sioux Falls (SD); On-site; USD 61,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Scholarship opportunity

Paid internships

Job summary

Butler Machinery Co. is seeking future Caterpillar Diesel Technicians through the ThinkBIG program in South Dakota.

The 2‑year pathway combines classroom and lab education at Lake Area Technical College in Watertown with paid internships at our CAT dealerships. Graduates earn an Associate of Applied Science in Diesel Technology and transition to full‑time technician roles, with starting pay around $32.73 per hour and a scholarship-supported education.

Qualifications

• Applied knowledge of basic mechanical theory.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Proficient computer technology skills.
• Strong organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Maintains a minimum grade point average of 3.0 while in the program.
• Work the minimum number of internship hours required by the program. (1,280)
• Prepared and on time and for work and school
• Proactively maintains a safe and clean work environment.
• Work independently as well as part of a team
• Tuition, books, housing, tools and fees not covered by scholarship
• Secure housing arrangements at the school as well as the internship location.
• Committed to lifelong learning and training to stay ahead of industry standards
• Must be able to lift up to 70 lbs
• Other duties as assigned

Skills

Basic mechanical theory

Oral and written communication

Computer skills

Organizational skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

High school junior or senior eligible to apply

Job description

Butler Machinery Co. is seeking future Caterpillar Diesel Technicians through the ThinkBIG program in South Dakota.

The 2‑year pathway combines classroom and lab education at Lake Area Technical College in Watertown with paid internships at our CAT dealerships. Graduates earn an Associate of Applied Science in Diesel Technology and transition to full‑time technician roles, with starting pay around $32.73 per hour and a scholarship-supported education.