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.
Paint Specialist
Location: South Milwaukee, WI
Shifts: 3rd Shift
Bonus: $2,000 Sign-On Bonus
Pay Progression:
- Step 1: $27.93/hr
- Step 2: $29.09/hr
- Step 3: $30.26/hr
- Shift Premium: +$1.00/hr for 3rd shift
Job Summary
Caterpillar is hiring a Paint Specialist to support manufacturing operations at our South Milwaukee, WI facility. In this role, you will prepare and apply industrial coatings to parts, sub‑assemblies, and complete machines, ensuring quality, durability, and visual standards are met.
When you join Caterpillar, you’re joining a global team that 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—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 help build some of the largest and most powerful mining machines in the world, including Cat® Electric Rope Shovels (ERS) used in mining operations globally.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare, prime, and paint parts, sub‑assemblies, and complete machines (prime and finish coats)
- Operate spray booths and maintain paint vault equipment
- Operate shot blast equipment to clean materials prior to painting
- Mix paints and adjust viscosity using thinners or heat as required
- Apply coatings evenly using spray guns or hand brushes, maintaining correct stroke, spray pattern, nozzle adjustment, and air pressure
- Apply decals and masking to meet quality standards
- Position work manually or using jib/overhead cranes
- Maintain cleanliness of paint areas, tools, and equipment
Required Qualifications
- 2+ years of industrial painting experience, including prime and finish coats
- Previous paint experience in a manufacturing environment
- Ability to determine proper sequence of operations and follow standard work instructions
- Proven ability to apply coatings evenly using spray equipment or hand brushes
- Experience operating shot blast equipment and positioning work manually or with jib/overhead cranes
- Knowledge of safety, quality, and inspection requirements in a paint environment
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience applying coatings on large components (frames, booms, cabs, etc.)
- Strong attention to detail and adherence to quality standards
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Willingness to work overtime as needed to meet production demands
- Experience cleaning and preparing parts using wire brushes, scrapers, solvents, and masking materials
- Proficiency mixing paints and adjusting viscosity for proper application
Benefits Starting Day One
- Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
- 401(k) with 6% company match
- Paid Vacation, Holidays, and Parental Leave
- PPE and Safety Boot Reimbursement
- Uniforms, Lockers, Showers, and On‑site Canteen
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Adoption Assistance Program
- Bonuses for New Hires and Referrals
Additional Information
- Full‑time position, 40 hours/week
- No relocation assistance available
- Pre‑employment drug screen and medical evaluation required
- Please check 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.
Please ensure you frequently check the email account you provided on your application, including the junk/spam folder, as this is the primary correspondence method in our recruiting process.
Caterpillar 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
Summary Pay Range:
$26.86 - $33.57
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:
April 7, 2026 - May 3, 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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