Machinist I - Day Shift

Caterpillar Inc.; Sumter (SC); On-site; USD 29,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k match

Medical benefits (Day one)

Bonus up to 11%

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. in Sumter, SC is seeking a Machinist I to set up and operate robotic cells and CNC centers, ensuring part quality per drawings.

You will calibrate measuring tools, read blueprints, and troubleshoot setups; day shift, overtime when required; starting pay $20.90/hour with a potential to earn up to $27.10/hour.

Qualifications

• 1 year of manufacturing experience.
• 1 year of machining experience.
• 1 year of CNC experience.
• Intermediate proficiency in blueprint reading.
• Experience using precision measurement tools (eg: micrometers, calipers).

Responsibilities

• Set-up and operate CNC machines and robotics within the cell.
• Calibrate precision measuring equipment (calipers, micrometers, lasers).
• Read and interpret blueprints; relate dimensions to CNC programs.
• Ensure final product quality and perform quality checks per the control plan.
• Troubleshoot setup issues and extend tooling life through programming insights.

Skills

Manufacturing experience

Machining experience

CNC experience

Blueprint reading

Education

No degree specified

Tools

Micrometers

Calipers

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

Machinist I Job Description

• Set-up and operate all of the following machines interconnected via robotics: GM Fanuc Robots, machine centers, lathes, induction hardening units, direct hardening units and grinders.
• Set-up, use and ensure calibration of precision measuring equipment such as calipers, micrometers and lasers.
• Read and interpret blueprints to ensure product quality.
• Able to read/understand blueprints.
• Must be able to relate the blueprint dimensioning to the CNC machine programs.
• Have basic background in mathematics and a general understanding of basic trigonometry functions.
• Requires an understanding of micrometers, veneers, height gauges, dial indicators, and multiple specialty gauges (ie: hole location jigs to thread and plug gauges, go and no gauges).
• Complete quality checks by following a control points plan that establish quality control at the cell level.
• Responsible for final quality of product to customer.
• Must be able to confirm the part dimensional quality by gauging the part, comparing it to the print, and recording the information as required. Responsible for all machine and robot setups, tooling and fixture alignments. Must have strong knowledge of the following: CNC operations of horizontal machining centers, CNC turning centers, saws, and robotics.
• Must be able to read and understand programming code for equipment and how to write recipes for robotic cells.
• Must have a good operating knowledge of programming to extend the life of tooling.
• Must be able to troubleshoot problems that arise during setups.

Company Benefits

• 6% 401k match
• Day one medical, dental, vision, RX (get all starting as low as $33.00/month!)
• HSA with company contribution
• Monthly bonus (possibility of up to 11%)
• 10 paid vacation days (prorated first calendar year)
• Paid personal days
• 11 paid holidays
• Annual merit increases
• Opportunity for overtime hours/shifts
• Education Tuition Assistance

Basic Qualifications

• 1 year of manufacturing experience
• 1 year of machining experience
• 1 year of CNC experience
• Intermediate proficiency in blueprint reading
• Experience using precision measurement tools (ex: micrometers, calipers, etc.)

Additional Information

• Starting pay rate: $20.90/hour
• Day Shift: M-TH, 6:00am-4:00pm
• Successful candidates must be able to work overtime when required including weekends.

Please ensure you frequently check the e-mail account you provided on your application, including the junk/spam folder, as this is the primary correspondence method in our recruiting process. If you wish to know the status of your application - please review your job submissions on our career website as it will reflect any updates to your status.

This employer 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.

Summary Pay Range

$20.90 - $27.10

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

Posting Dates

August 20, 2026 - August 27, 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.

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