Experienced Welder - Decatur, IL

Caterpillar Inc.; Decatur (IL); On-site; USD 39,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

401(k) savings plans

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Career Development

Incentive bonus

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. in Decatur, IL is seeking a full-time Welder to join our operations team. The role involves performing manual finish welding on plain and alloy steels in all positions and operating robotic welding equipment.

You will follow documented procedures, perform carbon arc cutting and gouging, and dress welds. Shifts include 2nd, 3rd, or AWS; benefits are provided. A CWE/CWI or approved training is required to pass qualification tests.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of GMAW or FCAW welding experience.
• Must be able to pass multiple welder qualification tests during Caterpillar training.
• Ability to perform simple computer operations.
• Be available to work any shift.
• Ability to work overtime to support production demands.
• Technical school or equal educational background in mechanical or similar discipline.
• Experience using GMAW or FCAW with 0.045” or larger wire.
• Experience welding ½” or greater thickness material.

Responsibilities

• Perform manual finish welding 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 will be required to dress welds.
• Use of jib and overhead crane to manually position work pieces.

Skills

GMAW welding

FCAW welding

Computer skills

Shift flexibility

Overtime readiness

Education

Technical school

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 Summary

Full time position - located in Decatur, IL

Pay 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 will be required to dress welds
• Use of jib and overhead crane to manually position work pieces

Required Qualifications

• 3+ years of GMAW or FCAW welding experience
• Must be able to pass multiple welder qualification tests during the Caterpillar provided training
• Ability to perform simple computer operations
• Be available to work any shift
• Ability to work overtime to support production demands

Desired Qualifications

• Technical school or equal educational background in mechanical or similar discipline
• Experience using GMAW or FCAW 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 offering benefits including health insurance, paid time off, paid holidays, 401K etc. This position is located in Decatur, IL
• Shift: 2nd, 3rd, or AWS
• 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.

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

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.

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