Welder Technologist (1st Shift)

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.

At Caterpillar, safety is our top priority, and you'll join a team where integrity matters and teamwork and excellence drive the results in every product we build.

Whether you're beginning a manufacturing career or bringing years of experience, the Caterpillar Peoria Proving Grounds, a nearly 3k acre R&D facility, is a place where you can impact the future of products, build strong relationships, and build a career with global impact. If you're someone who takes pride in quality work, embraces challenges and wants to be part of a team that builds products with global impact, you'll fit right in.

What to expect: As a Welder Technologist on 1st Shift at the Caterpillar Peoria Proving Grounds, you will perform work that requires precise heat treat application on experimental and prototype parts, product, plant or equipment using all position techniques. Engages with engineering in discussions about potential design modifications and alternate fabrication methods on tomorrows heavy equipment.

FINAL POSTING CLOSES JANUARY 1st, 2027

Applicants may be asked to complete screening questionnaires and phone screens as part of the pre-screen process. Please check your email frequently.

Day to Day

• Performs advanced welding on fixturing, tooling, machine tools, prime product, and machine-related equipment.
• Repairs and maintains welding and fabrication equipment and various fixtures required for testing and/or experimentation.
• Performs necessary layout and development work to facilitate job functions.
• Determines methods, procedures, and equipment appropriate for material to be used and operations to be performed.

• Assists engineers in the design, development, and testing of equipment, including supporting equipment and test fixtures.
• Performs a variety of operations and experiments to test and evaluate materials, techniques, and equipment.
• Determines and alters as necessary the operation procedures and test parameters to achieve desired results.
• Relates welder preferences to engineering requirements.

Develops processes and writes optimum welding procedures using parts and general guidelines. Fabricates parts from drawings and engineering instructions. Learns and becomes proficient in water jet, press brake and other parts fabrication equipment to enable parts fabrication onsite and to expand individual and facility parts fabrication capability.

Pay Rate and Schedule

The position includes a compensation grade W40 LG06 at $35.81/hour; Step 1, plus a comprehensive Day-One Benefit program. Schedule for this role is Monday - Friday 7:00a.m.- 3:00p.m.

The Successful Candidate Must Bring (minimum qualifications)

• Prior professional welding experience
• Intermediate or greater computer experience (Microsoft Office and other platforms)
• Must-have the ability to safely lift up to 50lbs

Top Candidates Will Have

• The current ability to achieve top rate in this classification within Caterpillar, the individual must be capable of assisting and consulting others to resolve problems.
• Strong ability to analyze data
• Develops, validates, and recommends welding parameters for testing and process improvement.
• Develops process and writes optimum welding procedure using parts and general guidelines

Skills

• Demonstrated initiative, a growth mindset, and a sustained commitment to professional development
• Strong collaboration, communication, and documentation capabilities
• Advanced technical skills (formal training anticipated for most candidates)

Digital and computing proficiency

• Proficiency across Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams
• Working knowledge of AI tools such as Copilot, and the judgment to apply them effectively

Earthmoving concepts and application expertise

• Expert understanding of earthmoving best practices across the full range of Earthmoving machines
• Additional Details: Shift: 1st Shift, Monday-Friday
• Hours: 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM
• Location: Peoria, IL - Peoria Proving Grounds

Compensation

W40-L06 Step 1; UAW- under the Central Labor Agreement

Physical Requiremen ts

• Lift up to 50 lbs frequently
• Stand for a minimum of 8-hour shifts with minimal breaks
• Work at multiple heights
• Exposure to magnets that may impact medical devices
• Repetitive grasping, pushing, pulling, rotating
• Use of hand tools including band cutters and box cutters
• Operate mobile equipment reach trucks
• Operate overhead cranes, jib cranes and hoists

Work Environment

• Limited exposure to welding and paint fumes and noise levels of 85db or greater
• Work in environment with frequently changing temperatures
• Work in tight spaces
• Required Personal Protective Equipment: hearing protection, safety glasses, steel toed/metatarsal foot gear, bump caps and protective material handling equipment including safety/fall harness. All PPE is provided.

What We Offer

• Other Details: Alternative work schedules available, Cafeteria, ample parking, uniform options
• Relocation assistance is not available for this position.
• ISE is not available for this position.
• 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. As a global company, Caterpillar offers many job opportunities outside of the U.S.

Summary Pay Range

$35.81 - $38.49

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: November 10, 2026 - November 26, 2026
• Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.
• Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.