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.
Structural Fitter / Fabricator – Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW)
Location: South Milwaukee, WI Shift: 2nd or 3rd Shift Employment Type: Full‑Time
Sign‑On & Retention Bonus: $2,000
Pay Progression
- Step 1: $33.97/hour
- Step 2: $35.22/hour
- Step 3: $36.49/hour
- Shift Premium: +$1.00/hour for 2nd or 3rd 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.
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.
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
Apply Today
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:
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.
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