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.
Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) – Flux Cored Arc Welding
Location: Caterpillar Manufacturing Facility, South Milwaukee, WI
Shift: 3rd Shift
Sign-On & Retention Bonus: Up to $2,000
**Hourly Pay: **
- $31.79/ Base Pay
- +$1.62/hr with PT/MT Certification
- +$3.23/hr with UT Level 1 Certification
- +$1.00/hr Shift Premium for 3rd Shift
About Caterpillar South Milwaukee
When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who 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. We don’t just talk about progress and innovation — we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world.
At our South Milwaukee facility, you’ll support the production of some of the largest and most powerful mining machines in the world. This site specializes in the manufacture of Cat® Electric Rope Shovels (ERS) used in mining operations globally, leveraging advanced welding and fabrication technologies.
Job Summary
As a Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) at Caterpillar’s South Milwaukee manufacturing facility, you will serve as a technical authority for weld quality and compliance on large, complex welded structures.
This role is heavily focused on Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) processes supporting the manufacture of Cat® Electric Rope Shovels (ERS) used in global mining operations. You will perform in‑process and final inspections, validate weld procedures, and partner with welding, engineering, and quality teams to ensure structural integrity, safety, and adherence to AWS and Caterpillar standards.
This is a hands‑on, production‑floor role ideal for experienced CWIs who thrive in heavy manufacturing environments. Your expertise directly impacts product reliability, operator safety, and customer trust.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform in‑process, final, and audit inspections of welded components with a strong focus on FCAW welds
- Inspect large structural weldments for compliance with AWS D1.1, engineering drawings, WPS, and Caterpillar quality standards
- Verify welder qualifications, welding parameters, joint fit‑up, preheat/interpass temperatures, and post‑weld conditions
- Identify weld discontinuities and defects; document findings and drive corrective actions with production and engineering teams
- Support root cause analysis and continuous improvement initiatives related to weld quality and rework reduction
- Partner closely with Manufacturing Engineering, Welding Engineering, and Production teams on process optimization
- Ensure compliance with OSHA safety requirements and Caterpillar safety policies
- Maintain accurate inspection records and quality documentation within manufacturing systems
- Provide technical guidance and mentoring to welding operators and inspectors as needed
Required Qualifications
- Active Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification (AWS)
- Demonstrated experience inspecting Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) in a manufacturing or heavy fabrication environment
- Strong knowledge of welding symbols, blueprints, WPS/PQR documentation, and inspection methods
- Hands‑on experience with visual inspection and weld quality evaluation of heavy plate and structural weldments
- Understanding of welding metallurgy, defect identification, and weld acceptance criteria
- Ability to work independently on 3rd shift in a production environment
- Strong documentation, communication, and problem‑solving skills
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience supporting large, complex welded structures (mining, construction, or heavy equipment)
- Exposure to automated or robotic welding systems
- Familiarity with Caterpillar Production System (CPS), Lean, or continuous improvement tools
- Proficiency using Microsoft Office and manufacturing quality systems
- Previous experience in high‑mix, low‑volume manufacturing environments
How to Apply
Ready to help shape the future of welded manufacturing at Caterpillar? Apply today and become part of a team that builds the equipment powering industries around the world.
Note: Please check your email (including spam/junk folders) regularly for updates throughout the hiring process.
Summary Pay Range:
$26.89 - $29.14
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:
May 4, 2026 - May 31, 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.
Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.