Machinist Apprentice

Caterpillar Brazil; Green Valley, Northern (AZ, KY); Hybrid; USD 26,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

Paid time off

401(k) savings plan

Tuition Reimbursement

HSA

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. in Green Valley, AZ invites applications for a Machinist Apprentice at the Tucson Proving Ground. This is a two-year, hands-on, immersive program developed with Pima Community College, offering paid training and tuition reimbursement.

You will gain exposure to large mining equipment and learn engine, hydraulic, electronic, and powertrain systems. The program emphasizes safety, continuous improvement, and structured milestones that prepare you for machining or fabrication roles

Qualifications

• Enrollment in Pima Community College Machine Tool Technology program.
• Commit to minimum 32 hours per week; typical shift 7:00–3:30.
• Interest in large mining equipment and safety culture.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Assist experienced machinist in producing parts for machine validation.
• Follow instructions, drawings, specs to set up tooling.
• Learn mining equipment systems to support improvements.
• Contribute to Caterpillar CI and safety initiatives.
• Support CI projects related to safety, quality, velocity and cost.
• Provide input to supervisors on CI ideas.

Skills

CNC programming

Microsoft Office (Excel)

Commitment 32 hrs/wk

Education

Machine Tool Technology enrollment

Welding courses (preferred)

Job description

## Machinist ApprenticeApply: Green Valley, Arizona: Full time: Posted Today: R0000395414**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 experience* Strong interpersonal and communication skills **Additional Information*** Please attach your **resume** and an **unofficial copy of your transcript** with your application* Relocation assistance is **not** available.* Sponsorship is **not** available for this position### ### **Summary Pay Range:**$18.65 - $27.95Compensation 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, 2026Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.