Production Operator - 1st Shift

Caterpillar; Boonville (MO); On-site; USD 29,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401(k) savings plan

HSA

Tuition Reimbursement

Paid time off

Job summary

Caterpillar in Boonville, MO is hiring an Entry Level Production Operator to set up and operate machines producing plastic and/or rubber parts. The role emphasizes safety, quality, and teamwork. On 1st shift, 7:00am–3:30pm, you will work with manufacturing equipment and participate in training.

Applicants must pass a background and drug screen; offers include day-one medical, dental, vision, RX benefits and opportunities for overtime, tuition assistance, and annual merit increases.

Qualifications

• Basic computer experience with independent computer use.
• Experience in manufacturing/operations.
• Experience with rubber injection molding.
• Forklift experience and safety awareness.
• Ability to follow Standard Operating Procedures.

Responsibilities

• Monitor equipment to ensure proper temperature and pressures are maintained to produce quality product.
• Inspect parts for quality.
• Complete required paperwork to account for production and quality activity.
• Read and follow Safe Job Procedures.
• Set-up and operate complex production equipment.
• Maintain production on multiple machines simultaneously.
• Operate and adjust automated and/or robotic equipment.
• Maintain a positive environment requiring communication with other team members.
• Complete job functions required to support CPS principles.
• Focus on safety and quality.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Coordinate multiple efforts at once.
• Work in a team environment.
• Be flexible to business needs.
• Be cross trained in all areas.

Skills

Basic computer skills

Manufacturing experience

Rubber molding experience

Forklift experience

Tools

Forklift operation

Molding equipment operation

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.

Entry Level Production Operator – Boonville, MO

Set up and operate a variety of machines and equipment to produce plastic and/or rubber parts.

Key Job & Application Aspects

• *Starting wage is $21.40/hour
• *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

*Shift Available:

• *1st Shift: Monday - Friday 7:00am - 3:30pm

*All offers for employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a Background and Drug Screen.

What to Expect After Applying:
*Applicants that meet the qualifications will receive a call from our talent acquisition team to talk through your qualifications and answer questions you may have.
*Applicants that have passed the phone screen will be sent an online assessment that can be taken from your phone or computer.
*On-site interviews will be scheduled for candidates that pass the phone screen and the online assessment.

Essential job responsibilities & expectations but are not limited to the following

• *Monitor equipment to ensure proper temperature and pressures are maintained to produce quality product
• *Clean and inspect parts for quality
• *Complete required paperwork to account for production and quality activity
• *Read and follow Safe Job Procedures
• *Set-up and operate complex production equipment
• *Maintain production on multiple machines simultaneously
• *Operate and adjust automated and/or robotic equipment
• *Maintain a positive environment requiring communication with other team members
• *Complete job functions required to support CPS principles
• *Focus on safety and quality
• *Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• *Ability to coordinate multiple efforts at once
• *Ability to work in a team environment
• *Flexible to business needs
• *Willing to be cross trained in all areas

Basic Qualifications

• *Basic computer experience (Intermediate skill level - basic skills/knowledge, capable of functioning independently while using computers)

Top Candidates will also have

• *Rubber injection molding experience
• *Previous manufacturing/operations experience
• *Previous fork truck experience
• *Previous experience working with written instructions for a given job such as Standard Operating Procedures or Standard Work instructions

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

*Please ensure you frequently check the e-mail account you provided on your application, including the junk/spam folder, as this is the primary correspondence method in our recruiting process. If you wish to know the status of your application - please review your job submissions on our career website as it will reflect any updates to your status.

Summary Pay Range:

$21.40 - $26.70

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 3, 2026 - November 12, 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.