Machinist Trainee - 2nd and 3rd Shifts - Supplemental

Caterpillar; Pontiac (IL); On-site; USD 26,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

Paid time off plan

401(k) savings plans

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Incentive bonus

Career development

Job summary

Caterpillar Pontiac is seeking a Machinist Trainee to learn and operate CNC machines across grinding, bead blast, extrude hone, and Robodrill processes. You will read blueprints, apply math for feeds and speeds, and ensure safety and quality in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Starting pay is $23.22 per hour with night shift premium and training on first shift.

This role starts as supplemental with 36+ hours per week and multiple shift options. Relocation assistance is not offered.

Qualifications

• Minimum 6 months of experience in a manufacturing, engine maintenance, or machining role.
• Ability to follow written instructions (schematics, standard work, and/or blueprints).
• Strong communication and organizational skills and safety mindset.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate CNC machines to produce high-precision parts.
• Read blueprints and drawings to determine product dimensions and tolerances.
• Accurately apply intermediate mathematical skills for feed, speeds, and tooling.
• Learn to determine feed, speeds, and select tooling.

Skills

Communication

Organizational skills

Safety mindset

Teamwork

Blueprint reading

Reading blueprints

Tools

CNC machines

Grinding equipment

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.

About Large Power Systems Division (LPSD):

We design and manufacture the most comprehensive lineup of large diesel and natural gas engines in the industry, as well as engine components and powertrains.

Job Summary:

As a Machinist Trainee at Caterpillar Pontiac, you could learn any of the following areas:

• Grinding Specialist – Sets up, operates, and adjusts grinders to perform surface and cylindrical grinding operations and/or the rough grinding of main and pin bearings on crankshafts.


• Bead Blast – Sets up and operates the sand blasting machine to smooth out burrs (splinters of metal) from various parts.


• Extrude Hone – Sets up and operates the machine with various parts and clay. The clay will act like a binder to grip metal shavings from the inside and outside of the part, resulting in a smooth and clean finished product.


• Robodrill – Sets up, operates, and monitors the machine to perform precise drilling, tapping, and milling operations on metal components. Adjusts tool offsets, inspects finished parts for accuracy, and ensures quality and efficiency in production.

What You Will Do (including but not limited to):

• Set up and operate a variety of CNC machines used to produce high precision parts.


• Read blueprints & drawings to determine product dimensions and tolerances.


• Accurately apply intermediate mathematical skills (i.e., fractions, geometry, addition, subtraction, etc.).


• Learn to determine feed, speeds, and select tooling.

Minimum Requirements:

• A minimum of 6 months of experience working in a manufacturing, engine maintenance, or machining role.


• Ability to follow written instructions (ex. schematics, standard work, and/or blueprints).

• Strong communication and organizational skills.

• Strong commitment to safety and teamwork.

Additional Information:

• 2nd Shift: Monday – Friday 3:00PM – 11:00PM.


• 3rd Shift: Sunday – Thursday 11:00PM – 7:00AM.


• Starting pay is $23.22 per hour.


• $1.00 an hour night shift premium.


• Training is completed on 1st shift hours Monday – Friday.


• Positions start as supplemental (36 or more hours per week but with no holiday pay and limited benefits).


• Relocation assistance is not available.

Summary Pay Range:

$0.00 - $0.00

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:

October 21, 2026 - December 13, 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.