Structural Fitter / Fabricator

Caterpillar; South Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 49,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-On Bonus $6,000

Job summary

Structural Fitter / Fabricator (FCAW) at Caterpillar's South Milwaukee facility fits, assembles, and welds heavy structural steel components for large mining machines, based on complex blueprints and procedures.

You’ll join a safety-first manufacturing team with strong craftsmanship, quality, and teamwork driving world‑class equipment. This role suits experienced welders and fitters seeking stable, well‑paid manufacturing careers on 2nd shift.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of FCAW welding experience on heavy plate.
• 3+ years of structural fitting / fit-up experience.
• 3+ years of blueprint reading and interpretation.
• Experience with back gouging or air arc techniques.
• Must pass 3 FCAW weld qualification tests.
• Must pass 2 structural fitter qualification tests.

Responsibilities

• Weld plain and alloy structural steel in all positions using FCAW.
• Perform multi-pass welds (10+ passes) on heavy plate (2+ inches thick).
• Read and interpret complex blueprints, weld symbols, and layouts.
• Fit and assemble large structural weldments using jacks, clamps, jigs, and layout tools.
• Clamp, tack weld, burn, air arc, and label components per blueprint and process requirements.
• Operate jib, gantry, and overhead cranes to position large components safely.
• Grind and dress fabricated weldments to meet quality standards.
• Operate forklifts, scissor lifts, and aerial lifts as required.

Skills

FCAW welding

Structural fit-up

Blueprint reading

Back gouging

FCAW weld tests

Structural fitter tests

Job description

Career Area:

Operations

Job Description:

Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.

When you join Caterpillar, you’rejoining 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’tjust 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.

Structural Fitter / Fabricator - Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW)

Sign-On & Retention Bonus: $6,000

Location: South Milwaukee, WI
Shift: 2nd Shift (3pm to 11pm)
Employment Type: Full-Time

Pay Progression

• Step 1: $35.47/hour
• Step 2: $36.72/hour
• Step 3: $37.99/hour
• Shift Premium: +$1.00/hour for 2nd Shift

Job Summary

As a Structural Fitter / Fabricator (FCAW) at Caterpillar's South Milwaukee facility, you will fit, assemble, and weld heavy structural steel components used to build some of the largest mining machines in the world , including Cat® Electric Rope Shovels (ERS). In this hands-on role, you will perform precision fit-up and multi-pass welding on thick plate material while working from complex blueprints and documented procedures.

You'll join a safety-first manufacturing team where craftsmanship, quality, and teamwork directly impact world-class equipment used in mining operations around the globe. This role is ideal for experienced welders and fitters who take pride in heavy fabrication work and want stable, well-paid manufacturing careers.

About Caterpillar South Milwaukee

When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team that cares not just about the work we do - but about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders creating stronger, more sustainable communities.

Our South Milwaukee facility specializes in the fabrication and assembly of Electric Rope Shovels, supporting mining customers worldwide with some of the most powerful machines ever built.

Key Responsibilities

• Weld plain and alloy structural steel in all positions using Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW)
• Perform multi-pass welds (10+ passes) on heavy plate (2+ inches thick)
• Read and interpret complex blueprints , weld symbols, and layout specifications
• Fit and assemble large structural weldments using jacks, clamps, jigs, and layout tools
• Clamp, tack weld, burn, air arc, and label components per blueprint and process requirements
• Use jib, gantry, and overhead cranes to position large components safely
• Grind and dress fabricated weldments to meet quality standards
• Operate forklifts, scissor lifts, and aerial lifts as required

Required Skills

• 5+ years of FCAW welding experience on heavy plate
• 3+ years of structural fitting / fit-up experience
• 3+ years of blueprint reading and interpretation
• Working knowledge of back gouging, carbon arcing, or air arcing
• Ability to pass:
  • 3 FCAW weld qualification tests
  • 2 structural fitter qualification tests

Preferred Skills

• Strong safety-first mindset in heavy manufacturing environments
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Proficiency with layout and measurement tools, including:
  • Tape measure, level, surface gauges
  • Tram points, calipers, combination sets
  • Wedges and blocks
• Willingness to work overtime to meet production demands

Additional Information

• Full-time schedule: 40 hours/week
• No