Welder

Caterpillar Inc.; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 31,051 - 38,848; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Paid time off

401(k) plan

HSA

FSAs

Career development

Incentive bonus

Life insurance

Parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. in Athens, GA is seeking a Welder to work on excavator and tractor lines, operating robotic and manual MIG weld machines, performing quality checks and repairs, and following documented procedures to ensure safe, defect‑free operations.

The role requires MIG welding experience or a welding certificate/diploma and the ability to lift up to 35 lbs, with nights/weekends on 2nd/3rd shifts and AWS D1.1 qualifications maintained through ongoing training and testing.

Qualifications

• Must have MIG welding experience.
• Or have a welding trade certificate/diploma.
• Or completed a high school welding program within the last year.

Responsibilities

• Operate robotic and manual MIG weld machines.
• Perform quality checks using gauges and measuring tools.
• Repair defective welds with grinders.
• Follow procedures for safe, defect-free operations.
• Use lifting devices for components over 35 lbs.
• Work nights and weekends on 2nd/3rd shift.
• Maintain AWS D1.1 qualification through training and testing.

Skills

MIG welding

Robotic welding

Education

Welding trade certificate/diploma

High school welding program

Tools

Welding gauges

Measuring tools

Job description

Job Summary

We are looking for a Welder to work on Caterpillar excavator and tractor lines. The position includes operating robotic and manual MIG weld machines, performing quality checks and repairs, and following documented procedures to ensure safe and defect‑free operations.

Responsibilities

• Operate robotic and manual MIG weld machines
• Perform quality checks utilizing weld and attribute gauges and other measuring tools
• Perform in‑station repair on defective welds using grinders
• Follow documented procedures, standard work and routings to perform safe and defect‑free operations to create and machine components
• Use lifting devices to move heavy components of more than 35 lbs.
• Work nights and weekends as required (2nd/3rd shift)
• Maintain AWS D1.1 welder qualifications through ongoing training and testing

Basic Qualifications

• Must have MIG welding experience
• or have a welding trade certificate/diploma
• or completed a high school welding program within the last year

Physical Requirements

• Willing and able to sit or stand for prolonged periods
• Willing and able to perform repetitive operations
• Willing and able to lift up to 35 lbs.

Desired Qualifications

• Welding experience in a manufacturing environment
• 2+ years of continuous employment in welding or manufacturing
• Continuous work history with progressive movement
• MIG welding experience and/or certification
• Robotic welding systems experience
• Caterpillar product knowledge

Technical Requirements – AWS D1.1 Qualification

• Fillet test in the 2F (horizontal), 3F (vertical) and 4F (overhead) positions
• Limited thickness groove test in the 1G (flat groove) position
• Welds will be inspected visually, destructively tested (bend test), and sectioned to verify proper penetration

Additional Requirements

• Must pass an online assessment, interview, background check, drug screen, and medical review
• Relocation assistance is provided for qualified individuals
• Position requires overtime as needed to support business needs

Shift Schedule

2nd shift – Excavator Line: Monday‑Friday, 3:00 pm – 11:10 pm

2nd shift – Tractor Line: Monday‑Thursday, 3:30 pm – 2:00 am

3rd shift: Sunday‑Friday, 11:00 pm – 7:10 am

Compensation

Summary pay range: $22.54 – $28.20 per hour ($24.34 per hour for 2nd/3rd shift with an 8% night shift premium).

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

Equal Opportunity Employer

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.