Machining Technician

Caterpillar Inc.; East Peoria (IL); On-site; USD 72,000 - 109,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401(k) plan

HSA

Paid time off

Career development

Incentive bonus

Parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Caterpillar is seeking a Machining Technician to provide flexible machining support and serve as a technical resource. This role will help maintain safe, consistent production across machines and areas, onboard and develop employees, and reinforce standardized work.

A seasoned machinist who communicates well will thrive in this role at Caterpillar in East Peoria, IL. The successful candidate will apply CNC knowledge, support automation integrations, and contribute to safety, quality, and

Qualifications

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• Five or more years of machining experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge of proper set up and operation of machining equipment.
• Ability to read blueprints, understand GD&T, and interpret manufacturing specifications.
• Proficiency with precision measuring instruments and inspection methods.
• Demonstrated troubleshooting and problem-solving ability.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to teach technical information in a clear, patient, and practical manner.
• Ability to work across different areas, departments, and schedules based on operational needs.
• Consistent record of safe work practices, quality performance, reliability, and teamwork.
• Basic computer skills and the ability to complete electronic training and production documentation.

Responsibilities

• Read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, work instructions, process documentation, and specifications.
• Verify completed parts meet dimensional, quality, and workmanship requirements.
• Suggest approved machine adjustments and troubleshoot routine machining, tooling, and process issues.
• Support production priorities and move between assignments as business needs change.
• Work collaboratively with operations leadership, manufacturing engineering, quality, maintenance, tooling, and other support functions.
• Identify and communicate safety, quality, equipment, tooling, or process concerns promptly.
• Participate in continuous improvement activities focused on safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity.
• Apply knowledge of CNC programming, machining processes, and machine controls to optimize production performance.
• Support the integration and operation of automated machining cells, including CNC equipment, robotics, sensors, and material handling systems.

Skills

Machining experience

Blueprint reading

Precision measurement

Troubleshooting

Communication

Training others

Cross-functional collaboration

Safety compliance

Basic computer skills

GD&T understanding

Education

High school diploma or GED

Machining apprenticeship preferred

Technical degree or certs preferred

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

Manufacturing

Position Summary

The Machining Technician provides flexible machining support across the business while serving as a technical resource for employees. The position helps maintain safe, consistent production across multiple machines and work areas. This role supports employee onboarding and skill development, reinforces standardized work, shares machining knowledge and best practices, and supports enterprise capabilities inside and outside of Caterpillar. The successful candidate will be an experienced machinist who adapts quickly, communicates effectively, and builds the skills and confidence of others.

Essential Responsibilities

• Read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, work instructions, process documentation, and specifications.
• Knowledge of appropriate tooling, fixtures, gauges, and precision measuring equipment.
• Verify that completed parts meet dimensional, quality, and workmanship requirements.
• Suggest approved machine adjustments and troubleshoot routine machining, tooling, and process issues.
• Support production priorities and move between assignments as business needs change.
• Work collaboratively with operations leadership, manufacturing engineering, quality, maintenance, tooling, and other support functions.
• Identify and communicate safety, quality, equipment, tooling, or process concerns promptly.
• Participate in continuous improvement activities focused on safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity.
• Apply knowledge of CNC programming, machining processes, and machine controls to optimize production performance, troubleshoot process issues, and implement machining parameter adjustments to maintain quality and throughput.
• Support the integration and operation of automated machining cells, including CNC equipment, robotics, sensors, and material handling systems, to achieve production, quality, and safety objectives.

Employee Training and Development

• Provide technical guidance to employees on machining processes, equipment operation, safety expectations, quality requirements, and standardized work.
• Provide structured, hands-on instruction using approved training materials and processes.
• Ability to communicate proper machine setup, operation, inspection, material handling, and documentation practices.
• Reinforce safe work practices, quality standards, and established operating procedures.
• Evaluate employee understanding through observation, demonstration, and established qualification methods.
• Document training progress, completed qualifications, skill gaps, and additional development needs.
• Provide timely, respectful, and constructive feedback to employees.
• Adjust training methods to accommodate different levels of experience and learning styles.
• Partner with operations leadership to develop training plans and prioritize qualification needs.
• Assist with cross-training experienced employees to improve workforce flexibility.
• Recommend improvements to training materials, work instructions, and qualification processes.
• Serve as a knowledgeable and approachable technical resource for employees.

Safety and Quality Expectations

• Follow all company safety policies, procedures, and personal protective equipment requirements.
• Reinforce safe machine operation, including lockout tagout and machine guarding.
• Stop work and elevate conditions that could create a safety or quality risk.
• Promote personal accountability, hazard recognition, and defect prevention.
• Ensure that training and production activities follow approved processes and quality control requirements.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.

Supplier Support

• Ability to support enterprise constraints, both inside and outside of CAT.

Leadership Expectations

Although this position does not have direct reports, the Machining Technician is expected to demonstrate leadership through technical expertise, professional conduct, adaptability, and the ability to positively influence others.

• Model company values and workplace expectations.
• Treat employees consistently and respectfully.
• Build trust with both new and experienced employees.
• Communicate clearly across shifts, departments, and levels of the organization.
• Maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
• Address performance or behavioral concerns through the appropriate supervisor rather than independently administering discipline.
• Support a positive, inclusive, and team-oriented work environment.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• Five or more years of machining experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge of proper set up and operation of machining equipment.
• Ability to read blueprints, understand geometric dimensioning and tolerancing, and interpret manufacturing specifications.
• Proficiency with precision measuring instruments and inspection methods.
• Demonstrated troubleshooting and problem-solving ability.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to teach technical information in a clear, patient, and practical manner.
• Ability and willingness to work across different areas, departments, and schedules based on operational needs.
• Consistent record of safe work practices, quality performance, reliability, and teamwork.
• Basic computer skills and the ability to complete electronic training and production documentation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Completed apprenticeship, technical degree, or recognized machining certification.
• Experience operating multiple machine types, including but not limited to gear hobbing, shaping, grinding or working across several machining processes.
• Experience training, mentoring, or onboarding employees in a machining environment.
• Experience in a high-mix, low-volume machining operation.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing, standardized work, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement methods.
• Familiarity with learning management systems, qualification tracking, or formal on-the-job training programs.

Additional Information

• This role is located in East Peoria, IL
• Sponsorship is not available for this role
• Relocation Is not available for this role
• Travel may be required up to 25%

Final details

Please frequently check the email associated with your application, including the junk/spam folder, as this is the primary correspondence method. If you wish to know the status of your application – please use the candidate log-in on our career website as it will reflect any updates to your status.

Summary Pay Range

$72,360.00 - $108,540.00

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

This position requires working onsite five days a week.

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Posting Dates

November 5, 2026 - November 13, 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.