Early Career Welder - Decatur, IL

Limitless Decatur; Decatur (IL); On-site; USD 36,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

401(k) savings plans

Paid time off

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. in Decatur, IL is seeking an Early Career Welder to grow your skills while supporting our fabrication operations. You will set up, operate and adjust manual and automated welding equipment to produce high-quality welds in all positions.

This full-time trainee role offers progression from training to qualification, with starting pay up to $28.22/hour and potential to reach $30.32/hour, plus comprehensive benefits and shift options on 2nd or 3rd shift.

Qualifications

• One to three years of GMAW welding experience.
• Technical school or equivalent mechanical background.
• Ability to gain welder certification during training.
• Willingness to work overtime to support production.

Responsibilities

• Perform manual finish welding on plain/alloy steels in all positions.
• Operate robotic welding equipment.
• Follow procedures for safe, defect-free operations.
• Possess ability to pass welder qualification tests during training.

Skills

GMAW welding experience

Welder qualification tests

Overtime readiness

Safety mindset

Education

Technical school or equivalent in mechanical discipline

Tools

GMAW with 0.045" wire

Robotic welding equipment

Job description

Career Area:

Operations

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.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Early Career Welder - Decatur, IL

Looking for an opportunity to become a more experienced welder, but have limited training? This is the opportunity for you! As a Fabrication Specialist Trainee, you will build on your training to set up, operate and adjust manual and/or automatic machines to perform welding operations in all positions.

Starting pay up to $28.22/hour. Welders will receive incremental increases for every 26 weeks of active work, with an opportunity to earn up to $30.32/hour.

Job Duties/Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Perform manual finish welding operations on plain and alloy steels in all positions
• Operate robotic welding equipment
• Follow documented procedures and standard work to perform safe and defect free operations
• Perform carbon arc cutting and gouging
• Sanding may be required to dress welds
• Use of jib and overhead crane to manually position work pieces

Required Qualifications:

• Must be able to pass multiple welder qualification tests during the Caterpillar provided training
• Ability to gain welder certification upon completion of classroom and hands on weld school training
• Ability to become a qualified welder
• Ability to perform simple computer operations
• Ability to work overtime to support production demands

Desired Qualifications:

• One (1) to three (3) years of GMAW welding experience
• Technical school or equal educational background in mechanical or similar discipline
• Experience using GMAW with 0.045" or larger wire
• Experience welding ½" or greater thickness material

Top Candidates will also possess:

• Good communication skills and strong commitment to safety and teamwork
• Ability to work well individually or in a team environment

Additional Information:

• This is a Full Time Position located at the Caterpillar manufacturing facility located in Decatur, IL
• Shifts: 2nd or 3rd shift available
• Welders may be placed on any shift, dependent on business needs dictate, and in some areas required to work an alternate work schedule.
• No relocation package is available
• Must be able to pass welder qualification requirements during the Caterpillar provided training by a Certified Welding Educator (CWE), Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) or approved personnel
• Safety is a core value at Caterpillar. We owe it to our employees and families to work in a safe and secure workplace. All candidates for employment must successfully pass a preemployment drug screen for prohibited substances.

Caterpillar 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. As a global company, Caterpillar offers many job opportunities outside of the U.S. which can be found through our employment website at www.caterpillar.com/careers

For more information, visit caterpillar.com. To connect with us on social media, visit caterpillar.com/social-media

Summary Pay Range:

$0.00 - $0.00

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:

August 28, 2026 - September 24, 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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