Tool & Die Technician – 3rd Shift

Caterpillar Inc.; Lafayette (IN); On-site; USD 80,000 - 102,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Relocation assistance

Medical/dental/vision insurance

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. is seeking a Tool & Die Technician in Lafayette, IN for the 3rd shift. You will perform setup, adjustment, and repair of dies, jigs, fixtures, and related tooling in a climate-controlled shop. Relocation assistance and a strong benefits package accompany a competitive hourly pay.

Key tasks include reading blueprints, programming CNC machines, and ensuring tight tolerances on precision parts. Must be willing to work overtime and pass a background/drug screen.

Qualifications

• 6+ years Job Shop/Tool Room experience or an associate degree with 4 years of related work.
• Able to read, write, and edit CNC programs.
• Capable of holding tight tolerances on grinding, lathe, and milling operations.

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and adjust machine tools to produce dies, jigs, fixtures, and related parts.
• Determine methods and procedures for operations including setups and tooling selection.
• Use gauges and perform basic welding and heat treatment.
• Read and interpret complex machine schematics and blueprints.

Skills

Job Shop experience

Tool Room experience

CNC machining

Reading blueprints

CAD/CAM

Education

Associate degree or tech school

Tools

CAD/CAM software

CNC machines

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.

TOOL & DIE TECHNICIAN - $5,000 Sign On Bonus

3rd Shift- $38.52/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!

Tool & Die Technicians needed at The Large Power Systems Division located in Lafayette, IN. In this role, you will perform a variety of functions in the construction, alteration and repair of jigs, fixtures, gauges, metal working dies and machine tool parts. You will be required to trouble shoot and repair jigs, fixtures, dies, etc. on the shop floor.

Additional Information:

• Hourly pay range of $38.52-$49.03 plus 6% shift premium for off shift. Higher rates offered based on Experience.
• Location of this position is in Lafayette, IN
• Generous lump sum payment for eligible relocating candidates (up to $15,000)
• Position available on 3rd Shift (11:30pm-7:30am)
• Relocation assistance is available to eligible candidates
• Climate controlled work environment – most areas
• Clean/safe work environment
• 13 days/104 hours of paid Personal Time Off (PTO) - (Prorated based upon start date)
• 11 Paid holidays
• 40-hour work weeks with potential for overtime
• Please attach an updated resume

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

• Set up, operation, and adjustments on one or more machine tools to perform machining operations for various industrial production & maintenance operations, including dies, jigs, fixtures, repair parts, miscellaneous tooling, experimental parts, etc. to required tolerances
• Determine methods and procedures applicable to operations to be performed, which include improvising of setups, selection of materials and tooling
• Use of gauges, performs basic welding and heat treatment
• General housekeeping and other duties as assigned to maintain a safe and productive department
• CNC controlled machines are required in this position. Including the ability to read, write, & edit programs
• Basic computer skills with experience with Office 360
• Ability to properly communicate verbally & electronically
• Applicant must be willing to work overtime opportunities to support production demands.

Basic Qualifications:

• 6+ years’ Job Shop or Tool Room experience and/or an Associate Degree from an accredited Technical School with four years of experience and/or completion of an accredited four-year Toolmaker Apprenticeship.

Top Candidates Will Also Have:

• Successful completion of the Tooling Services Intermediate Math assessment
• Knowledge and ability to plan & execute complex tooling jobs
• Ability to hold tight tolerances on grinding, lathe work, and milling/drilling work on both manual & CNC equipment
• Machinist skills (ALL types: Grinders, Mills, Lathes, Drills, Welding, Heat Treat, Jig/Bore grinding, etc.)
• Possess the ability to troubleshoot and repair fixtures, tooling, and machines in the shop
• Ability to gauge tight tolerance parts
• Ability to determine heat treat required and perform said functions
• CAD/CAM software
• Ability to interpret complex machine schematics & blueprints

Physical Requirements:

• 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.
• All positions also require the ability to lift 40 pounds and withstand frequent repetitive movement of hands with a variety of tooling.
• Must be able to work in heights and confirmed spaces

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.

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Summary Pay Range:

$38.52 - $49.03

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 29, 2026 - December 28, 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.