Early Career Welder - Decatur, IL

Caterpillar Inc.; Decatur (IL); On-site; USD 39,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

Paid time off plan

401(k) savings plans

Health Savings Account

Flexible Spending Accounts

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. in Decatur, IL is seeking an Early Career Welder – Fabrication Specialist Trainee. You will build on your training to set up, operate and adjust manual and/or automatic welding machines in all positions.

Starting pay is up to $28.22/hour with incremental increases every 26 weeks, with potential to earn up to $30.32/hour. Shifts: 2nd or 3rd, full-time role based in Decatur, IL.

Qualifications

• Must pass welder qualification tests during Caterpillar training
• Ability to gain welder certification upon completion
• Ability to become a qualified welder
• Ability to perform simple computer operations
• Ability to work overtime to support production

Responsibilities

• 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

Skills

GMAW welding

Welder certification

Computer operations

Overtime readiness

Safety awareness

Teamwork

Education

Technical school background

Job description

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.

Career Area

Operations

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

Competencies

• Safety Focus – Demonstrates a commitment to working safely, following procedures, identifying potential hazards, and contributing to a safe work environment.
• Responsibility & Dependability – Takes ownership of assigned work, follows through on commitments, maintains attendance standards, and consistently delivers quality results.
• Teamwork & Collaboration – Works effectively with others, communicates respectfully, supports team goals, and contributes to a positive and productive work environment.
• Functional Expertise & Continuous Learning – Learns and applies job-related knowledge, follows established processes, solves routine work challenges, and adapts to new tools, equipment, and procedures.
• Mechanical Aptitude & Problem Solving – Demonstrates the ability to understand equipment, troubleshoot issues, interpret technical information, and apply mechanical reasoning to complete work safely and effectively.

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

Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.

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

• 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 31, 2026 - September 17, 2026

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.