Industrial Machinery Assembler – 2nd Shift

Caterpillar; South Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 39,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401(k) savings plans

Paid time off

Tuition Reimbursement

Career Development

Job summary

Industrial Machinery Assembler at Caterpillar’s South Milwaukee facility builds and assembles large mining equipment using precision tools and detailed work instructions. The role suits experienced mechanical assemblers who value accuracy and craftsmanship in a safety‑driven team environment.

The position operates on 2nd shift (3pm-11pm) with a $2,000 sign-on/retention bonus and a clear pay progression up to $32.15/hr plus shift premium.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of heavy equipment or industrial mechanical assembly experience.
• Proficiency with hand tools including dies, drills, saws, screwdrivers, wrenches, chisels.
• Experience using cranes, hoists, and layout tools in manufacturing.
• Knowledge of steel, tubing, fittings, grease, oil, and hydraulic components.
• Reading blueprints, drawings, and precision measurement tools (micrometers).

Responsibilities

• Prepare, layout, align, and assemble heavy equipment machines.
• Use hand and power tools, jigs, fixtures, gauges, and measuring devices for high‑precision assembly.
• Position and align components using cranes, hoists, and jacks.
• Install power units, fit keys/splines, perform press and shrink fits.
• Conduct functional tests and adjustments; prepare machines for shipment or storage.
• Maintain a clean, organized work area and follow safety and manufacturing protocols.

Skills

Heavy equipment assembly

Mechanical aptitude

Blueprint reading

Hand tool proficiency

Quality focus

Tools

Cranes/Hoists

Jib cranes

Micrometers

Hydraulic systems

Lubrication systems

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.

Industrial Machinery Assembler – 2nd Shift

(Assembly Specialist | Heavy Equipment Manufacturing)

Location: South Milwaukee, WI
Shift: 2nd Shift (3pm-11pm)
Sign-On & Retention Bonus: $2,000

Pay Progression

• Step 1: $29.69/hr
• Step 2: $30.92/hr
• Step 3: $32.15/hr
• Shift Premium: +$1.00/hr for 2nd shift

Job Summary

As an Industrial Machinery Assembler at Caterpillar’s South Milwaukee manufacturing facility, you will build and assemble large, complex mining equipment using precision tools, fixtures, and detailed work instructions. This role is ideal for experienced mechanical assemblers who take pride in hands‑on work, accuracy, and craftsmanship. You will work in a safety‑focused, team‑oriented environment producing equipment used in mining operations around the world.

About Caterpillar – South Milwaukee

When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team that cares not just about the work we do but about each other.

We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don’t just talk about progress and innovation—we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world.

At our South Milwaukee facility, you will help manufacture some of the largest and most powerful mining machines in the world, including Cat® Electric Rope Shovels (ERS) used globally in mining operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare, layout, align, and assemble parts, sub‑assemblies, and complete heavy equipment machines
• Use hand and power tools, jigs, fixtures, gauges, and measuring devices to perform high‑precision assembly
• Position and align components using jib cranes, overhead cranes, hoists, and jacks
• Install power units and accessories, fit keys and splines, and perform press and shrink fits
• Conduct functional tests and adjustments; disassemble and prepare machines for shipment or storage
• Maintain a clean, organized work area and follow all safety, quality, and manufacturing protocols

Required Qualifications

• 3–5 years of heavy equipment or industrial mechanical assembly experience
• Proficiency with hand tools including thread dies, drills, saws, screwdrivers, pipe wrenches, and chisels
• Experience using cranes, hoists, and layout tools in a manufacturing environment
• Familiarity with steel, tubing, fittings, grease, oil, and hydraulic components
• Working knowledge of high‑, medium‑, and low‑pressure hydraulic and automated lubrication systems
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, drawings, and precision measurement tools (including micrometers)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience assembling heavy equipment, large machinery, or complex mechanical systems.
• Experience using overhead cranes/hoists/jib cranes and/or rigging practices (as qualified/authorized).
• Experience with press fits/shrink fits, alignment, and installation of mechanically integrated components (keys/splines).
• Familiarity with 5S / lean manufacturing / continuous improvement practices in production environments.
• Background assembling products for shipment (tear‑down, preservation, packaging, securing components)

Additional Information

• Full‑time role, 40 hours per week
• No relocation assistance available
• Pre‑employment drug screen and medical evaluation required

Summary Pay Range:

$28.54 - $35.67

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:

October 5, 2026 - October 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.