Experienced Welder

Caterpillar Inc.; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Paid time off

401(k) savings plan

HSA

FSAs

Career development

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. is seeking a Welder-2 to join our team in a 2nd or 3rd shift environment in Athens, GA. You will operate MIG welding equipment, perform quality checks, and repair welds to ensure defect-free components in a heavy fabrication setting.

This role requires standing, lifting, and overtime as needed, with entry pay noted and comprehensive benefits. Successful candidates pass AWS D1.1 welder qualifications training and an online assessment, with relocation assistance provided where

Qualifications

• Three years of GMAW MIG welding experience.
• Progressive work history with overtime.
• Welding experience in a Heavy Fabrications manufacturing environment.
• Experience using GMAW with 0.045" wire.
• Experience welding 1/2" or greater thickness material.
• Role requires overtime as needed to support business needs.

Responsibilities

• Operate robotic and manual MIG weld machines.
• Perform quality checks utilizing weld gauges and other measuring tools.
• Perform in-station repair on defective welds using grinders.
• Follow documented procedures, standard work and routings to perform safe operations.

Skills

GMAW MIG welding

Heavy fabrication welding

0.045 inch wire

1/2 inch thickness

Overtime required

Three years experience

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

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.

Caterpillar is looking for candidates that want to build a career. You have a lot to offer, so we offer a commitment in return to you as a professional – and as a person. We offer competitive wages, quarterly bonus, comprehensive benefits that begins on Day ONE and paid training.

We don’t lead our industry - our people do. Watch our video to see our team build top-of-the-line excavators and tractors.

As a Welder-2 At Caterpillar, You Will

• Operate robotic and manual MIG weld machines
• Perform quality checks utilizing weld and attribute gages and other measuring tools
• Perform in station repair on defective welds using grinders
• Follow documented procedures standard work and routings to perform safe and defect free operations to create and machine components
• Use lifting devices to move heavy components of more than 35 lbs.

Basic Qualifications

• Three (3) years of GMAW (MIG) welding experience
• Continuous work history with progressive movement
• Welding experience in a Heavy Fabrications manufacturing environment
• Experience using GMAW with 0.045"
• Experience welding 1/2" or greater thickness material
• Role requires overtime as needed to support business needs.**

Physical Requirements (with Or Without Reasonable Accommodation)

• Willing and able to sit or stand for prolonged periods
• Willing and able to perform repetitive operations
• Willing and able to lift up to 35 lbs.

Successful candidates must be able to pass the following AWS D1.1 welder qualifications during Cat provided weld training:

• Fillet test in the 2F (horizontal)
• Tack Tests 3F (vertical) and 4F (overhead) positions
• Limited thickness groove test in the 1G (flat groove) position
• Welds will be inspected visually, destructively tested (bend test), and sectioned to verify proper penetration.
• Candidates will also need to demonstrate the ability to perform carbon arc gouging and weld repair.

Additional Information

• Resumes are encouraged. Do not submit a blank application (no work history / resume). This may lead to disqualification.
• Successful candidates must pass an online assessment, interview, background check, drug screen and medical review.
• This is a 2nd or 3rd shift position with an entry pay of $26.44hr (includes 8%-night shift premium).
• Relocation assistance is provided for qualified individuals.

Shift Schedule

2nd shift Excavator Line: Monday-Friday, 3:00 pm – 11:10 pm

2nd shift Tractor Line: Monday-Thursday, 3:30 pm – 2:00 am

3rd shift: Sunday-Friday, 11:00 pm – 7:10 am

• Role requires overtime as needed to support business needs.**

Summary Pay Range

$24.48 - $30.60

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 18, 2026 - September 29, 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.