Machinist I - Night Shift

Caterpillar Inc.; Alabama; On-site; USD 29,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

6% 401k match

Day one medical, dental, vision, RX

HSA with company contribution

Monthly bonus (up to 11%)

10 paid vacation days

Paid personal days

11 paid holidays

Annual merit increases

Overtime hours/shifts

Education Tuition Assistance

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. in Alabama is seeking a Machinist I to set up and operate robotics-enabled machines, including GM Fanuc robots, machine centers, lathes, and grinders. You will read blueprints, calibrate precision tools, and ensure product quality through the entire manufacturing cycle.

The role requires basic math and blueprint interpretation, along with the ability to troubleshoot during setups. Night shift options and overtime may apply, with benefits beginning day one and a clear path for

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.)

Responsibilities

• Set-up and operate robots, machine centers, lathes, grinders and related equipment.
• Read and interpret blueprints to ensure product quality.
• Calibrate precision measuring equipment and verify dimensions.
• Confirm part dimensional quality and record results per print.
• Troubleshoot issues during setups and optimize tooling life.
• Read/understand programming code and write/adjust robot cell recipes.

Skills

Manufacturing experience

Machining experience

CNC experience

Blueprint reading

Precision measurement tools

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.

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.)

Competencies

• Safety Focus - Demonstrates a commitment to working safely, following procedures, identifying potential hazards and contributing to a safe work environment.

• Responsibility & Dependability - Takes ownership of assigned work, follows through on commitments, maintains attendance standards, and consistently delivers quality results.

• Teamwork & Collaboration - Works effectively with others, communicates respectfully, supports team goals, and contributes to a positive and productive work environment.

• Functional Expertise & Continuous Learning - Learns and applies job-related knowledge, follows established processes, solves routine work challenges, and adapts to new tools, equipment, and procedures.

Additional information

• Starting pay rate: $20.90/hour + $1.00 night shift premium

• Night Shift: M-TH, 8:00pm -6:00am

• Successful candidates must be able to work overtime when required including weekends.

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

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 18, 2026 - September 28, 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.