Machinist II - 1st Shift

Caterpillar; Sanford (NC); On-site; USD 37,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Day ONE benefits

Quarterly bonus

Paid time off

401(k) plan

Health/Dental/Vision

Job summary

Caterpillar in Sanford, NC, is hiring for a Machinist role. The position involves supporting fabrication and machining of structures, operating advanced machining centers, and performing quality checks.

Basic TPM and maintenance duties are required, with potential rotation across related areas on the shop floor. Starting wage is $26.75 per hour with a comprehensive Day ONE benefits package and a quarterly bonus potential.

Qualifications

• At least one year of Machinist experience.
• Experience with machining centers and quality checks is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support fabrication and machining of structures under supervision.
• Operate the advanced machining center following standard work instructions.
• Load/unload structures and perform quality checks with gages and micrometers.
• Maintain TPM and basic routine maintenance on tools and fixtures.
• Rotate through positions to support manufacturing processes.

Skills

Machinist experience

Tools

Advanced machining center

Micrometers

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.

Are you ready to build what matters? Build More Than Machines. Build a Career.

Caterpillar is looking for candidates that want to build a career. This is a rare opportunity to join the Caterpillar Sanford team as a direct hire. Position includes a wage of $26.75/hour, quarterly goal sharing program and a comprehensive benefit program that begins on Day 1.

What this looks like:

1st Shift: Monday - Friday 6:15 am - 2:15 pm

1st Shift Staring Pay: $26.75/hour

We don’t lead our industry - our people do. Watch our video to see our team build top-of-the-line compact track loaders.

Under general supervision, directly supports the fabrication and machining of structures. Position will utilize tooling, fixtures, handling systems, safety, quality checks, inspection, ergonomics, and other duties as assigned.

Uses various tools provided in the work area to perform machining duties including but not limited to:

• Safely load/unload structures and perform advanced quality checks at the advanced machining cells.
• Operate the advanced machining center, following standard work instructions
• Ability to perform perishable/durable cutting tool setup, maintenance and replacement of inserts, drills, taps as needed
• Ability to perform TPM, basic error recovery, pallet change, tool changer, and error trouble shooting
• Inspects own work quality utilizing gages, micrometers, etc.
• Make basic machine program changes

Job Responsibility

• Use of lifting devices to move heavy components of weights of more than 35 lbs to position heavy fabricated metal components in machining fixtures.
• Basic rework by changing a single axis offset at assigned home cell
• General knowledge of manufacturing, methods, and processes
• Rotation to various positions within the Job Function area to perform related activities
• Ability to perform routine maintenance (TPM, Coolant Concentration)
• Rotation to various positions within the Job Function area to perform related activities.

Physical Requirements:

• Willing and able to sit or stand for prolonged periods
• Willing and able to perform repetitive operation
• Willing and able to lift up to 35 lbs.

Required Qualifications

• At least one year of Machinist experience

Desired Qualification

• Intermediate proficiency (basic skills/knowledge, capable of functioning independently) in standard work

Additional Information: Position is located in Sanford, NC. No relocation benefits are available.

Employee benefit details

Our goal at Caterpillar is for you to have a rewarding career. Here you earn more than just an hourly wage. We offer a total rewards package that provides Day ONE benefits (medical, dental, vision, RX, and 401K) along with the potential of a quarterly bonus. Additional benefits include paid holidays and paid time off.

Final details

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.

Summary Pay Range:

$26.75 - $33.45

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:

November 9, 2026 - November 23, 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.