Structural Fitter / Fabricator
- Pay
- $35 – $38 per hour
- Location
- South Milwaukee, WI · On-site
- Job type
- Full-time
- Level
- Senior
- Experience
- 5+ years
- Listed
- 7 days ago
Skills & highlights for this role
- FCAW welding on heavy plate (5+ years)
- Structural fitting / fit-up (3+ years)
- Blueprint reading and interpretation (3+ years)
- Back gouging, carbon arcing, or air arcing
- Passing 3 FCAW weld qualification tests
- Passing 2 structural fitter qualification tests
Also useful
- Safety-first mindset in heavy manufacturing
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Layout and measurement tools (tape measure, level, surface gauges, tram points, calipers, combination sets, wedges and blocks)
- Willingness to work overtime
About the role
Career Area: Operations
About the role
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.
- 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.
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 relocation assistance available
- Pre‑employment drug screen and medical evaluation required
- Please monitor your email (including spam/junk folders) for application updates
Join a company that values your skills, supports your growth, and rewards your hard work.
Summary Pay Range
$27.40 - $36.49
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 30, 2026 - November 29, 2026
- Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.
- Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.
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.
Equal opportunity and legal notices
Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.
From Cat's careers page, first listed on Rolev.ai on November 6, 2026. Rolev.ai is not the employer.
How Rolev.ai helps with this application
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Common questions
What is the salary for the Structural Fitter / Fabricator role at Cat?
The Structural Fitter / Fabricator posting at Cat states compensation of $35 – $38 per hour. It is listed as a full-time position. Final pay may depend on location, experience, and interview evaluation on Cat's official career site.
Where is the Structural Fitter / Fabricator job at Cat located?
This Structural Fitter / Fabricator position at Cat is located in South Milwaukee, WI (On-site). Always check Cat's application page for specific state eligibility or relocation policies.
What qualifications are required for Structural Fitter / Fabricator at Cat?
For the Structural Fitter / Fabricator role, Cat highlights 5+ years of relevant experience; experience with FCAW welding on heavy plate (5+ years), Structural fitting / fit-up (3+ years), Blueprint reading and interpretation (3+ years), Back gouging, carbon arcing, or air arcing, Passing 3 FCAW weld qualification tests, Passing 2 structural fitter qualification tests. Rolev.ai can score your existing resume against these requirements and show any skill gaps before you apply.
How do I apply for the Structural Fitter / Fabricator position at Cat?
This listing links directly to Cat's Workday application page. You can apply directly on Cat's site, or use Rolev.ai to check your resume fit, generate a zero-hallucination tailored resume and cover letter for this posting, and autofill the Workday application form in 1 click with the Rolev.ai Chrome extension. You always review the form and press Submit yourself.