Welder 1 - 1st & 3rd Shifts

Caterpillar; Sanford (NC); On-site; USD 30,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

401(k) savings plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Caterpillar is seeking a Welder to join our team in Sanford, NC. You will operate robotic and manual MIG weld machines, inspect your own work, and perform in-station repairs as needed. The role requires lifting up to 35 lbs and adhering to safety and quality procedures.

You will work on rotating shifts with competitive starting pay and a comprehensive benefits package starting Day One. Overtime may apply based on business needs.

Qualifications

• Experience with welding operations and quality checks.
• Ability to read blueprints and follow standard work instructions.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills.
• Familiarity with robotic welding systems and manual MIG welding.

Responsibilities

• Operate welding equipment and robotic MIG weld machines.
• Inspect own work using gauges and measurements.
• Perform in-station repair on welds and clear robotic faults.
• Move heavy components (over 35 lbs) as needed.
• Follow CPS principles of 5S and continuous improvement.

Skills

Welding operation

Blueprint reading

Microsoft Office

Team player

Effective communication

Robotic MIG welding

Tools

MIG welding machines

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.

Are you ready to build what matters? Build More Than Machines. Build a Career.

Caterpillar is looking for candidates that want to build a career. Position includes a wage of $21.70/hour (+ 8% shift premium for 3rd Shift), quarterly goal sharing program and a comprehensive benefit program that begins on Day 1.

What this looks like:

1st Shift Starting Pay: $21.70/hour
2st Shift: Monday-Friday 6:15AM - 2:15PM

3rd Shift Starting Pay: $21.70/hour (+ 8% shift premium)
3rd Shift: Monday-Friday 10:15 PM - 6:15 AM

Overtime as business needs require.

We don’t lead our industry - our people do. to see our team build top-of-the-line compact track loaders.

As a Welder at Caterpillar you will:

• Uses various tools provided in the work area to perform welding duties including but not limited to: Operating robotic and manual MIG weld machines.
• Inspecting own work including quality checks utilizing weld and attribute gauges and other measuring tools.
• Performing in station repair on defective welds utilizing carbon air arc process, grinders, etc.
• Clearing common robotic welding system faults.
• Mechanical job duties may include: Use of lifting devices to move heavy components of weights of more than 35 lbs to position heavy fabricated metal components in weld fixtures.
• Perform routine maintenance (wire change, tip/nozzle change).
• Follows documented procedures standard work, routings, and blueprints to perform safe and defect free operations to create and machine components.
• Follows and utilizes CPS principles of 5S, Continuous Improvement Idea Reporting, Waste Elimination, and Standard Work.
• Responsible for process and final inspections.

What you will have:

• Must have welding operation 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:

• Blueprint reading experience
• Microsoft office applications experience (Word, Excel and PowerPoint)
• Ability to function as part of a team and be multi-trained
• Ability to be a contributing team member
• Effective communications skills

Additional Information: Resumes are highly encouraged for all applicants. Failure to attach a resume may lead to application to not be considered.

Employee benefit details

Our goal at Caterpillar is for you to have a rewarding career. Here you earn more than just an hourly wage. We offer a total rewards package that provides Day ONE benefits (medical, dental, vision, RX, and 401K) along with the potential of a quarterly bonus. Additional benefits include paid holidays and paid time off.

Final details

Please frequently check the email associated with your application, including the junk/spam folder, as this is the primary correspondence method. If you wish to know the status of your application – please use the candidate log-in on our career website as it will reflect any updates to your status.

This employer is not currently hiring foreign national applicants that require or will require sponsorship tied to a specific employer, such as H, L, TN, F, J, E, O.

Summary Pay Range:

$21.70 - $27.35

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:

October 14, 2026 - October 29, 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.