Jobs › Companies › Caterpillar › CNC Machinist Systems Operator - Decatur, IL

About this CNC Machinist Systems Operator - Decatur, IL role at Caterpillar

Caterpillar · Onsite · Decatur, Illinois

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.

Title: Manufacturing Systems Operator (5M92)

Career Area: Manufacturing

 Location: Decatur Facility, Decatur, IL

 Shift: 2nd / 3rd Shift

Pay: $31.37/hr + $1/hr Off Shift Premium


Job Summary

As a Manufacturing Systems Operator at Caterpillar, you will set up, operate and adjust all machines and equipment in a computer-controlled manufacturing system. The system uses supervisory controls that connect all machine and programmable controllers, and it handles scheduling, status reporting, and tracking of material and tools in process. You will keep the system running continuously and make sure parts meet production and quality standards.

This role supports a highly integrated, high-complexity manufacturing system, and is suited for experienced operators and machinists who can run the whole system, not just a single machine.


What You Will Do

  • Set up, operate and adjust multiple CNC machine tools inside an integrated, computer-controlled manufacturing system
  • Monitor the system’s supervisory controls (scheduling, part and tool tracking, status reporting) and respond to alarms and interruptions
  • Load and unload components into storage and retrieval systems integrated with machining systems
  • Load and verify programs and fixtures, and complete first-piece setups across many unique part numbers
  • Edit programs, offsets and tool data to hold close tolerances and keep cycle times on target
  • Troubleshoot machine, tooling, fixture and control issues to keep downtime low
  • Manage tool life, tool changes and tool data within the system
  • Inspect parts with precision measuring instruments and correct the process so parts stay in conformance
  • Read and interpret blueprints, GD&T and work instructions
  • Work with maintenance, engineering and quality on root cause and process improvements
  • Train and support less experienced machinists in the cell
  • Follow all safety procedures and support a zero-incident workplace

What You Will Have


Required:

  • 5+ years of hands-on CNC machining experience, including setting up and operating multiple machine tools
  • Able to read blueprints, GD&T and technical drawings
  • Skilled with precision measuring instruments and inspection methods
  • Strong troubleshooting skills on CNC equipment
  • Experience with the following:
    • Integrated tool management systems (tool life, tool data and tool tracking at the cell or system level)
    • Producing a high mix of unique part numbers (4 to 7+)
    • Machining complex, close-tolerance parts
    • Working in a system that combines multiple disciplines (for example machining, heat treat or welding)

Preferred:

  • Experience in an FMS or automated multi-machine cell
  • CNC program editing experience (G-code / M-code) on Siemens Control Type
  • Completed machinist apprenticeship, trade school or technical certificate
  • Experience with horizontal machining centers, pallet systems and tool management systems
  • Experience machining large or complex castings and weldments
  • Computer-controlled material handling - robotic or automated pallet / part transfer

 

Additional Requirements:

  • Able to wear required PPE
  • Able to work overtime, weekends and rotating shifts as needed

What You Will Get

  • Competitive pay with scheduled increases [per contract]
  • Medical, dental and vision coverage [confirm start date]
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Paid holidays and vacation
  • Tuition assistance and ongoing training

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.

 

 

Summary Pay Range:

$0.00 - $0.00

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:

November 5, 2026 - November 29, 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.

Ready to apply to Caterpillar?
Apply to Caterpillar

How this CNC Operator salary compares

This role pays $65,250/yr — in line with the typical range for CNC Operator roles.

$47,389 median $64,896 $91,338

Typical range $52,000–$77,035/yr, from 286 comparable CNC Operator listings on JobsRadar (pay annualized to USD). See CNC Operator salary insights →

About Caterpillar

There’s more to work at Caterpillar than just the work itself. We hire smart, friendly people and it shows in our culture. We hold ourselves to high standards and make sure our values of integrity, excellence, teamwork, commitment and sustainability come to life in the way we work. We make sure our employees feel continuously challenged while also supported. We provide professional growth opportunities, including leadership programs. We celebrate the diversity of our team, while also working together as one Caterpillar. Our culture, like everything at our company, is made possible by each employee’s contribution. Person by person, we create the environment we work in, and we are proud of the

See all jobs at Caterpillar →

Similar jobs

Johnson Electric
CNC Setter Operator (Co-op) - Winter 2027
Johnson Electric
⚡ Apply early Canada, Stratford Onsite $41,600–$47,840
● New 👁 Seen ✓ Applied 8h ago
Applied Materials
Sr. CNC Machinist | 5-Axis | Fanuc | Swing Shift
Applied Materials
⚡ Apply early Tempe Spares Mfg,AZ Onsite $67,600–$92,768
● New 👁 Seen ✓ Applied 10h ago
Neuralink
CNC Machinist
Neuralink
⚡ Apply early South San Francisco, Californi... Onsite $74,006–$122,990
● New 👁 Seen ✓ Applied 14h ago
Rocket Lab Corporation
CNC Operator
Rocket Lab Corporation
⚡ Apply early Auckland, NZ Onsite
● New 👁 Seen ✓ Applied 15h ago
Rocket Lab Corporation
Senior CNC Machinist - B Shift
Rocket Lab Corporation
⚡ Apply early Long Beach, CA Onsite $72,800–$104,000
● New 👁 Seen ✓ Applied 15h ago
Plansee Group
Operator CNC Tool & Cutter Grinding
Plansee Group
⚡ Apply early Bengaluru, Attibele, India Onsite
● New 👁 Seen ✓ Applied 17h ago
Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope
CNC Operator - Custom 3rd Shift 11P-7A
Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope
⚡ Apply early Terrell, TX Onsite
● New 👁 Seen ✓ Applied 22h ago
Vast
CNC Machinist
Vast
⚡ Apply early Long Beach, California, United... Onsite $47,840–$116,480
● New 👁 Seen ✓ Applied 23h ago
Vast
Senior CNC Programmer
Vast
⚡ Apply early Hawthorne, California, United... Onsite $91,520–$131,040
● New 👁 Seen ✓ Applied 23h ago

Sign up for suggestions tailored to the jobs you open and the searches you save.

More jobs at Caterpillar

See all jobs at Caterpillar →

Apply now
🤖

Whoa — hold up

JobsRadar was built for real people having a rough time in their job search — not for automated requests. You're clicking way too fast and you're now temporarily blocked.

Come back later. If you're genuinely job hunting, we've got your back — just act like a human.

Catch your next role the second it’s posted.

Create a free account and we’ll watch the boards for you — the instant a job matches your search, it lands in your inbox or Telegram. No digging, no refreshing.

Create free account

Free forever · takes 30 seconds · already have one?

Get an edge on your job hunt.

Join our Telegram channel for the stuff that helps you land the role — salary benchmarks, the weekly market pulse, and new-feature drops. No spam, just signal.

Join the channel — it's free