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.
Welder Trainee – Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW)
Location: South Milwaukee, WI
Shifts: 2nd & 3rd Shift
Sign-On & Retention Bonus: Up to $2,000
Pay Progression
- Step 1: $29.30/hr
- Step 2: $30.44/hr (after passing 2 of 4 certification tests)
- Step 3: $31.60/hr (after passing 3 of 4 tests)
- Certified Welder Pay Scale After First Two Months:
- Step 1: $33.35/hr
- Step 2: $34.59/hr
- Step 3: $35.82/hr
- Shift Premium: +$1.00/hr for 2nd or 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 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 our South Milwaukee facility, you’ll be part of a team that builds some of the largest and most powerful mining machines in the world. This facility specializes in the production of Cat® Electric Rope Shovels (ERS) used in mining operations around the world.
Job Summary
As an FCAW Welder, you’ll perform high-quality welds on heavy structural steel components using Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW). You’ll work in a safety-first environment, contributing to the production of industry-leading equipment.
What You’ll Do
- Perform multi-pass FCAW welds on heavy 1” plate in all positions
- Follow blueprints, standard work, and safety procedures to ensure high-quality welds
- Use jib or gantry cranes to position weld equipment
- Grind and dress fabricated weldments
- Operate forklifts, scissor lifts, and aerial lifts to access weldments
What You Need
- 1+ year of FCAW welding experience
- Experience with 3-5 pass welds on heavy plate
- Familiarity with back gouging, carbon arcing, or air arcing
- Strong safety-first mindset
- Willingness to work overtime as needed
Preferred Qualifications
- Strong safety mindset
- Ability to read and interpret blueprints
- Understanding of quality standards and defect-free welding
- Team-oriented with the ability to work independently
- Willingness to work overtime to meet production needs
Compensation & Benefits
- Full-Time (40 hours/week)
- Paid Vacation & Holidays
- Parental Leave, Bereavement, Jury Duty, Military Duty Paid Benefits
- Health, Vision, Dental, Life Insurance – Effective Day One
- Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical & Dependent Care)
- 401(k) with 6% Company Match
- Referral Bonuses
- PPE Provided (including prescription safety glasses)
- Safety Boot Reimbursement
- Company Uniforms, Caps, Lockers, Showers
- Lunchroom with Self-Service Canteen
- Employee Assistance & Adoption Assistance Programs
- Recognition Programs & Advancement Opportunities
See the Work in Action
Check out this video showcasing welding at Caterpillar:
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1EiikDZxJA/?mibextid=wwXIfr
How to Apply
Ready to build something big? Apply today and become part of a team that powers progress around the world.
Note: Please check your email (including spam/junk folders) regularly for updates throughout the hiring process.
Visa Sponsorship 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 which can be found through our employment website at www.caterpillar.com/careers.
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.
Summary Pay Range:
$27.00 - $29.21
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
Visa Sponsorship 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 which can be found through our employment website at www.caterpillar.com/careers.
Posting Dates:
October 31, 2025 - January 4, 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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