Production Associate (Paint)

Caterpillar Inc.; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

401(k) savings plans

Paid time off

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. in the United States is hiring a Production Associate (Paint) to support finishing operations on the shop floor. You will perform masking, demasking, loading/unloading, caulking and pre-inspection tasks while following strict safety procedures and using provided PPE.

The role offers day, evening and night shift options with competitive wages and a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) and paid time off.

Qualifications

• Prior work experience is required.
• Ability to sit or stand for prolonged periods.
• Ability to perform repetitive operations.
• Ability to lift up to 35 lbs.
• Experience with forklifts is a plus.
• Experience in masking/demasking, loading/unloading, shot blasting, etc.
• Experience in equipment paint processing.
• Experience in top coat, prime coat and electrostatic paint.
• Ability to read blueprints / engineering drawings.

Responsibilities

• Complete various tasks to meet production schedules, including masker/demasker, load/unload, caulker, pre-inspection, blow off operator and shot blast operator.
• Follow required safety procedures and use PPE; all PPE is provided by Caterpillar.
• Training may be provided to operate forklifts.

Skills

Prior work experience

Sit/stand for long periods

Repetitive operations

Lift up to 35 lbs

Forklifts

Masking/demasking

Loading/unloading

Shot blasting

Top coat / primer coat / electrostatic

Read blueprints / drawings

Tools

Forklifts

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

What You Will Do

As a Production Associate (Paint), you will complete various tasks to meet production schedules, which can include masker/demasker, load/unload, caulker, pre-inspection, blow off operator, shot blast operator, and other duties as assigned. Additional training may be provided for qualified candidates to drive forklifts. This position does not require associates to have prior experience painting in an industrial setting. You must follow required safety procedures at all times; all required personal protective equipment for these roles are provided by Caterpillar.

What You Have

• Prior work experience
• Ability to sit or stand for prolonged periods
• Ability to perform repetitive operations
• Ability to lift up to 35 lbs.

Top Candidates Will Also Have

• Experience with Forklifts
• Experience in masking/demasking, loading/unloading, shot blasting, etc
• Experience in equipment paint processing
• Experience in top coat, prime coat and electrostatic paint
• Ability to read blueprints / engineering drawings

What You Will Get

You have a lot to offer, so we offer a commitment in return to you as a professional - and as a person. We offer competitive wages, quarterly bonus, comprehensive benefits (medical, dental, vision, RX, and 401K) paid holidays, paid time off and paid training that begin on day one of employment!

1st Shift:

$19.28/hour

• Monday-Thursday 4 day/10-hour shift schedule
• Start time determined by role, ten-hour shift beginning at either 7 a.m., 8 a.m. or 11 a.m. (The 11 a.m. shift receives the 8% night shift premium.)

2nd Shift:

$20.82/hour (includes 8% night shift premium)

• Monday-Thursday 4 day/10-hour shift schedule
• Start time determined by role, ten-hour shift beginning at either 4 p.m. or 5 p.m.

3rd Shift:

$20.82/hour (includes 8% night shift premium)

• Sunday-Thursday 4 day/10-hour shift schedule
• Start time determined by role, eight-hour shift beginning at either 9 p.m., 10 p.m. or 1 a.m.
• Role requires overtime as needed to support business needs**

Additional Information

• Successful candidates must pass an online assessment, interview, background check, drug screen and medical review.

About Caterpillar

Caterpillar Inc. is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. For nearly 100 years, we’ve been helping customers build a better, more sustainable world and are committed and contributing to a reduced-carbon future. Our innovative products and services, backed by our global dealer network, provide exceptional value that helps customers succeed.

Summary Pay Range

$19.28 - $24.12

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

August 14, 2026 - August 30, 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.