Equipment Mechanic R&D - SIGNING BONUS!

Caterpillar; East Peoria (IL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

Career Development

Incentive bonus

Job summary

Caterpillar is seeking an Experimental R&D Equipment Mechanic at the Peoria Proving Grounds to assemble, test, and optimize prototype machinery. You will work from blueprints, perform detailed assembly, and collaborate with engineers to analyze parts and methods for improvements.

Ideal candidates have 5 years of heavy equipment repair experience, a two-year technical degree in automotive/heavy equipment technology, and solid computer skills.

Qualifications

• 5 years of experience in heavy equipment repair, assembly, and disassembly.
• Two-year technical degree in automotive or heavy equipment technologies preferred.
• Intermediate computer experience (MS Office).

Responsibilities

• Assemble prototype machines from blueprints and sub-assemblies or modify current production models.
• Work from blueprints, sketches, and instructions to plan assembly sequences.
• Use hand tools, power tools, and precision gauges to ensure accuracy and fit.

Skills

Heavy equipment repair

Diesel mechanic

Microsoft Office

Safety awareness

Teamwork

Education

Two-year technical degree in automotive/heavy equipment

Tools

CAT ET

SIS

CAT Inspect

VisionLink

Viz View

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.

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.

At Caterpillar, safety is our top priority, and you’ll join a team where integrity matters and teamwork and excellence drive the results in every product we build.

Whether you're beginning a manufacturing career or bringing years of experience, the Caterpillar Peoria Proving Grounds, is a place where you can impact the future of products, build strong relationships, and build a career with global impact.

What to expect: As an Experimental R&D Equipment Mechanic, at the Peoria Proving Grounds, you can expect to work on being an integral part of tomorrow’s equipment. This position will expand and utilize a widely diversified group of skills. *Your TOOLS WILL BE PROVIDED. You will work detailed procedures, troubleshooting, tearing down and building sensitive heavy equipment. If you’ve dreamed of operating next-gen equipment, this is your opportunity! You will operate the machines you work on to check assembly and performance. You will collaborate with departments to make suggestions concerning methods of overcoming difficulties encountered in assembly / disassembly, analysis of parts failure, possible changes in design to correct failure, and any other pertinent insights gained while performing assembly / disassembly or dismantling of the machine for test.

*$1,500.00 New Hire SIGNING BONUS*

Applicants may be asked to complete screening questionnaires and phone screens as part of the pre-screen process. Please check your email frequently. **FINAL POSTING CLOSES JANUARY 1st, 2027**

Day to Day: Experimental R&D Equipment Mechanic you may work in the assembly of an entire prototype machine, the buildup of sub-assemblies that include modifications to current production models, or minor changes to a configuration in preparation for machine test activity. You will work from blueprints, sketches, computer generated models, and written instructions from the supervisor or engineer. Working self-directed, you will often plan the method and sequence of the assembly. Expect to work with hand tools, portable power tools, power presses, simple machine tools, and powered cranes to assemble parts into a complete unit, making alterations and hand fitting parts, when necessary, along with the use of various precision gaging tools to check accuracy of assembly and fitting operations.

Pay Rate and Schedule:

The position includes a compensation grade LG05 at $30.67/hour; Step 1, plus a comprehensive Day-One Benefit program. You will have opportunities to advance your skills and your base compensation with our P4K Pay For Knowledge structure. Schedule for this role is Monday - Friday 7:00a.m.- 3:00p.m. **$1,500.00 NEW HIRE SIGNING BONUS**

The Successful Candidate Must Bring (minimum qualifications):

• 5 years of experience & demonstrated skill in heavy equipment repair, assembly, and disassembly

• Combination of education and experience as a diesel mechanic with military equipment/vehicles, construction, or related large equipment and/or semi-tractors.
• Intermediate or greater computer experience (Microsoft Office and other platforms)
• Must-have the ability to safely lift up to 50lbs

Top Candidates Will Have (preferred qualifications):

• Two-year technical degree within the disciplines of automotive technology, agricultural technology, heavy equipment technology, or diesel mechanic technology.
• 5 years of mechanic work experience in the construction equipment or farming machinery industry.

Our Most Successful Team Members Will Bring OR Develop:

Skills:

• Demonstrated initiative, a growth mindset, and a sustained commitment to professional development
• Collaborative, communication & documentation capabilities
• Advanced Tech Skills (high probability training required)

Digital diagnostic, telematics, and software/computer literacy:

• CAT ET, SIS, CAT Inspect, VisionLink, Viz View
• Beyond basic computer skills

Automation:

• Autonomous system understanding (radar, LiDAR, cameras)
• Understanding of human-machine interaction
• Calibration of systems
• Remote diagnostics

Electrification & High Voltage:

• Battery systems
• Electric motors, inverters, and power electronics
• Hybrid systems
  

Final Details:

Shift: 1st Shift

Hours: 07:00AM– 03:00PM; Monday-Friday

Compensation: Grade 5; Step 1 $30.67/hour, UAW- Union Participation

Compensation Range: $30.67 - $32.77

Note: Internally this position is named: Experimental Mechanic (EM-5A11)

What We Offer

Other Details: Cafeteria, ample parking, and uniform options

Relocation assistance is not available for this position.

Physical Requirements:

• Lift up to 50 lbs frequently
• Stand for a minimum of 8-hour shifts with minimal breaks
• Work at multiple heights
• Exposure to magnets that may impact medical devices
• Repetitive grasping, pushing, pulling, rotating
• Use of hand tools including band cutters and box cutters
• Operate mobile equipment reach trucks
• Operate overhead cranes, jib cranes and hoists

Work Environment:

• Limited exposure to welding and paint fumes and noise levels of 85db or greater
• Work in environment with frequently changing temperatures
• Work in tight spaces
• Required Personal Protective Equipment: hearing protection, safety glasses, steel toed/metatarsal foot gear, bump caps and protective material handling equipment including safety/fall harness. All PPE is provided.

ISE is not available for this position.

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:

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:

November 11, 2026 - December 31, 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.