Preventative Maintenance Technician- 2nd & 3rd Shift

Caterpillar Brazil; Lafayette, Northern (IN, KY); Hybrid; USD 41,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

401(k) savings plans

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Paid time off

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. is seeking a Preventative Maintenance Technician for 2nd and 3rd shifts in Lafayette, Indiana. The role focuses on preventive maintenance and lubrication of machines in the machine shop, including chip and coolant handling systems. You will support Machine Repairmen and perform minor mechanical repairs as needed.

Starting pay is $30.28–$38.52 per hour with a 6% shift premium, and benefits include medical/dental/vision, 401(k), and PTO. Relocation is not offered.

Qualifications

• Must have through understanding and possess basic welding and cutting skill, lubrication principles, and pipefitting.
• Must have previous experience with preventive maintenance in an industrial environment on CNC machine tools, conveyors, robots, and/or coolant systems.
• Basic electrical and print reading will be required along with a thorough understanding of hydraulics, pneumatics, lubrication, systems, and welding skills.

Responsibilities

• Primary area of focus for the Preventative Maintenance Technician will be in the service level for the chip and coolant handling systems.
• Candidate will also provide assistance to the Machine Repairmen to accomplish various “two persons” tasks on equipment in the facility.
• Candidate will autonomously perform minor mechanical repairs and process duties such as unplugging sluices, replacing way wipers, piping, and elimination of air, coolant, and hydraulic leaks.

Skills

Welding

Lubrication

Pipefitting

Electrical

Hydraulics

Tools

CNC machines

Conveyors

Robots

Coolant systems

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.

Preventative Maintenance Technician- 2nd & 3rd Shift $2,500 Sign On Bonus - $30.28/hour + 6 % Shift Premium

Location: Lafayette, Indiana Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance, Incentives/Bonus Opportunities, Matching 401k, available first day of employment.

CATERPILLAR - BUILD WHAT MATTERS

What matters most to you? Is it being part of a strong team? Supporting your family? Solving global problems? You can do these and more at Caterpillar; where your work enables progress around the globe, and you contribute to meaningful work. Together, we can build what matters!

The Large Power Systems Division in Lafayette, IN currently has openings for Preventative Maintenance Technicians. In this role you will have the responsibility to perform preventive maintenance and lubrication on machines and equipment in the machine shop. One of the primary areas of focus for the Preventative Maintenance Technician will be in the service level for the chip and coolant handling systems. The Preventative Maintenance Technician will also provide assistance to the Machine Repairmen to accomplish various “two persons” tasks on equipment in the facility. This individual will autonomously perform minor mechanical repairs and process duties such as unplugging sluices, replacing way wipers, piping, and elimination of air, coolant, and hydraulic leaks.

Additional Information

Location of this position is in Lafayette, IN. Starting hourly pay range of $30.28-$38.52 plus 6% premium for off shift. Higher rates offered based on experience. Positions available on 2nd shift 3:30pm-11:30pm & 3rd shift 11:30pm-7:30am. Relocation assistance is not available for this position. Any relocation costs incurred would be the responsibility of the selected candidate. Climate controlled work environment – most areas. Clean/safe work environment. 40-hour work weeks with potential for Overtime. 13 days/104 hours of paid Personal Time Off (PTO) – (Prorated based upon start date). 11 Paid holidays.

Job Duties/Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

Primary area of focus for the Preventative Maintenance Technician will be in the service level for the chip and coolant handling systems. Candidate will also provide assistance to the Machine Repairmen to accomplish various “two persons” tasks on equipment in the facility. Candidate will autonomously perform minor mechanical repairs and process duties such as unplugging sluices, replacing way wipers, piping, and elimination of air, coolant, and hydraulic leaks. This solicitation is NOT for a mechanical apprenticeship program.

Basic Qualifications

• Must have through understanding and possess basic welding and cutting skill, lubrication principles, and pipefitting.
• Must have previous experience with preventive maintenance in an industrial environment on CNC machine tools, conveyors, robots, and/or coolant systems.
• Basic electrical and print reading will be required along with a thorough understanding of the basic knowledge of hydraulics, pneumatics, lubrication, systems, and welding skills.

Top Candidates will also:

• Work large amounts of overtime opportunities to support production demands.
• Possess and show strong interpersonal skills, self-motivation and apply customer‑based focus.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to work at heights, climb ladders, work underground, and in confined spaces.
• Candidates for all positions must have the ability to work in a fast pace, medium to heavy duty assembly, and technical environment.
• Work may involve frequent bending, stooping, and kneeling, twisting, turning, climbing, and standing on concrete for 8+ hours.
• Must be able to lift 40 pounds.

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

#LI Summary Pay Range

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 2, 2026 - December 1, 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.

There's more to work at Caterpillar than just the work itself. We hire smart, friendly people and it shows in our culture. We hold ourselves to high standards and make sure our values of integrity, excellence, teamwork, commitment and sustainability come to life in the way we work. We make sure our employees feel continuously challenged while also supported. We provide professional growth opportunities, including leadership programs. We celebrate the diversity of our team, while also working together as one Caterpillar. Our culture, like everything at our company, is made possible by each employee's contribution. Person by person, we create the environment we work in, and we are proud of the Caterpillar we've built.