Experienced Welder - Decatur, IL

Caterpillar Inc.; Tennessee; On-site; USD 25,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

401K

HSA

FSAs

Career development

Incentive bonus

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. is seeking a Fabrication Specialist in Decatur, IL. You will set up, operate, and adjust manual and robotic welding equipment to perform welding operations in all positions, with pay up to $30.32/hour. This full-time role emphasizes safety, teamwork, and meeting production standards.

Requirements include 3+ years of GMAW/FCAW welding, ability to pass Caterpillar qualification tests, and flexibility to work 2nd/3rd shifts or AWS schedule. Training provided; relocation not offered.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of GMAW or FCAW welding experience.
• Must pass Caterpillar welder qualification tests.
• Ability to perform simple computer operations.
• Available to work any shift.
• Overtime to support production demands.

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and adjust welding machines.
• Operate robotic welding equipment.
• Follow procedures for safe, defect-free operations.
• Perform carbon arc cutting and gouging.
• Dress welds with sanding.
• Position work pieces using jib/overhead crane.

Skills

GMAW/FCAW welding

Pass welder qualification tests

Simple computer operations

Shift flexibility

Overtime readiness

Education

Technical school training

Job description

Career Area:

Operations

Job Description:

Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.

When you join Caterpillar, you’rejoining 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’tjust 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 Summary:

Full time position - located in Decatur, IL

As a Fabrication Specialist, you will set up, operate, and adjust manual and/or automatic machines to perform welding operations in all positions.

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

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.

Please ensure you frequently check the email account you provided on your application, including the junk/spam folder, as this is the primary correspondence method in our recruiting process.

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

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:

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.