Machinist Apprentice

Caterpillar Inc.; Green Valley (AZ); On-site; USD 26,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

Paid time off

Tuition Reimbursement

Career Development

Incentive bonus

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. in Tucson, AZ, offers a two-year Machinist Apprentice Program at the Tucson Proving Ground.

This hands-on, competency-based program pairs on-the-job training with academic coursework through Pima Community College to build skills in engine, hydraulic, electronic, and powertrain systems for Caterpillar’s mining equipment operations. Apprentices gain exposure to large mining equipment and progress through learning milestones under expert guidance, with potential growth into

Qualifications

• Current enrollment in the Pima Community College program: Machine Tool Technology.
• Willingness to commit to at least 32 hours per week with a 7 a.m.–3:30 p.m. shift.
• Interest in working around large mining equipment.

Responsibilities

• Assist experienced machinists in producing parts for machine validation (10% manual, 90% CNC).
• Follow work instructions, manuals, drawings, and specifications to set up tooling.
• Develop foundational knowledge of mining machines and related systems.
• Contribute to Caterpillar’s safety culture and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Provide input on CI and capital projects focusing on safety, quality, velocity, and cost.
• Support supervisors in implementing CI ideas.

Skills

CNC programming

Team leadership

Project experience

Mechanical aptitude

Attention to safety

Education

Associate of Applied Science in Machine Tool Technology

Welding courses completed or willing to take

Tools

Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

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.

The Machinist Apprentice Program at the Tucson Proving Ground is a two-year, hands‑on, immersive, competency‑based program developed in partnership with Pima Community College. The program provides structured on‑the‑job training alongside academic learning to develop the skills needed to support Caterpillar’s mining equipment operations. Apprentices gain exposure to large mining equipment and the engine, hydraulic, electronic, and powertrain systems that enable machine operation while progressing through defined learning milestones.

This is a learning focused and developmental role designed for individuals with curiosity, mechanical aptitude, critical thinking capabilities, and a passion for hands‑on work. Throughout the program, apprentices work through a variety of training assignments aligned to their skill development path, working under the guidance of experienced technicians. Upon successful completion of the program and required coursework, apprentices are prepared for continued growth and potential advancement into machining or fabrication roles within Caterpillar.

Program Highlights

• One-of-a-kind location: Based at the Tucson Proving Ground—one of Caterpillar’s premier research, development, and validation facilities
• Hands‑on mentorship: Develop skills alongside world‑class machinist
• Earn while you learn: Structured fully paid two‑year apprentice program providing tuition reimbursement and competitive benefits package.
• Exposure to world‑class research, development, and validation operations

Job Responsibilities

• Assist experienced development Machinist in producing parts necessary for machine validation - 10% manual machining 90% CNC
• Follow written work instructions, repair manuals, engineering drawings, specifications, and solid models to set up machine tooling accurately to meet specifications.
• Develop foundational knowledge of mining machines and their systems to support improvements and identify possible concerns prior to manufacturing parts.
• Learn and actively participate in Caterpillar’s strong safety culture, supporting continuous improvement in safe work practices.
• Provide input to supervisors and teams on Continuous Improvement (CI) and capital projects focused on improving safety, quality, velocity, and cost.
• Support supervisors in implementing CI ideas generated by team members.

Required Qualifications

• Current enrollment in the Pima Community College program: Machine Tool Technology.
• Ability to commit to a minimum of 32 hours per week while completing related technical instruction. A typical shift is from 7 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
• Strong interest in working around large mining equipment (e.g., mining trucks, dozers, wheel loaders)
• Working knowledge Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

Physical Requirements (with Or Without Reasonable Accommodation)

• Ability to work in a physically demanding environment and varying conditions
• Ability to sit, kneel, squat, or stand for prolonged periods
• Ability to climb, work from, and descend ladders/platforms/steps
• Ability to operate lifting devices

Preferred Qualifications

• Working towards an Associate of Applied Science in Machine Tool Technology
• Completion of welding courses at Pima Community College and/or are willing to take welding courses while in the apprenticeship program
• Experience with CNC programming
• Exposure to or knowledge of mechanical systems, instrumentation, or fabrication processes
• Project or team leadership experienceStrong interpersonal and communication skills

Additional Information

• Relocation assistance is not available.
• Sponsorship is not available for this position

Summary Pay Range

$18.65 - $27.95

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

September 25, 2026 - October 18, 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.