Industrial Machinery Assembler

Caterpillar Caterpillar · Industrial · South Milwaukee, WI

This role is for an Industrial Machinery Assembler at Caterpillar's South Milwaukee manufacturing facility. The assembler will build and assemble large, complex mining equipment using precision tools and detailed work instructions. The role requires 3-5 years of heavy equipment or industrial mechanical assembly experience and proficiency with hand tools and cranes. The job is full-time with a shift premium and offers a sign-on bonus.

What you'd actually do

  1. Prepare, layout, align, and assemble parts, sub‑assemblies, and complete heavy equipment machines
  2. Use hand and power tools, jigs, fixtures, gauges, and measuring devices to perform high‑precision assembly
  3. Position and align components using jib cranes, overhead cranes, hoists, and jacks
  4. Install power units and accessories, fit keys and splines, and perform press and shrink fits
  5. Conduct functional tests and adjustments; disassemble and prepare machines for shipment or storage

Skills

Required

  • 3–5 years of heavy equipment or industrial mechanical assembly experience
  • Proficiency with hand tools including thread dies, drills, saws, screwdrivers, pipe wrenches, and chisels
  • Experience using cranes, hoists, and layout tools in a manufacturing environment
  • Familiarity with steel, tubing, fittings, grease, oil, and hydraulic components
  • Working knowledge of high‑, medium‑, and low‑pressure hydraulic and automated lubrication systems
  • Ability to read and interpret blueprints, drawings, and precision measurement tools (including micrometers)

Nice to have

  • Experience assembling heavy equipment, large machinery, or complex mechanical systems.
  • Experience using overhead cranes/hoists/jib cranes and/or rigging practices (as qualified/authorized).
  • Experience with press fits/shrink fits, alignment, and installation of mechanically integrated components (keys/splines).
  • Familiarity with 5S / lean manufacturing / continuous improvement practices in production environments.
  • Background assembling products for shipment (tear‑down, preservation, packaging, securing components).

What the JD emphasized

  • heavy equipment or industrial mechanical assembly experience