Jobs › Companies › Caterpillar › Machinist Trainee - 2nd and 3rd Shifts - Supplemental

About this Machinist Trainee - 2nd and 3rd Shifts - Supplemental role at Caterpillar

Caterpillar · Onsite · Pontiac, 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.

About Large Power Systems Division (LPSD):


We design and manufacture the most comprehensive lineup of large diesel and natural gas engines in the industry, as well as engine components and powertrains.


Job Summary:


As a Machinist Trainee at Caterpillar Pontiac, you could learn any of the following areas:

  • Grinding Specialist – Sets up, operates, and adjusts grinders to perform surface and cylindrical grinding operations and/or the rough grinding of main and pin bearings on crankshafts.
  • Bead Blast – Sets up and operates the sand blasting machine to smooth out burrs (splinters of metal) from various parts.
  • Extrude Hone – Sets up and operates the machine with various parts and clay. The clay will act like a binder to grip metal shavings from the inside and outside of the part, resulting in a smooth and clean finished product. 
  • Robodrill – Sets up, operates, and monitors the machine to perform precise drilling, tapping, and milling operations on metal components. Adjusts tool offsets, inspects finished parts for accuracy, and ensures quality and efficiency in production.

 

What You Will Do (including but not limited to):

  • Set up and operate a variety of CNC machines used to produce high precision parts.
  • Read blueprints & drawings to determine product dimensions and tolerances.
  • Accurately apply intermediate mathematical skills (i.e., fractions, geometry, addition, subtraction, etc.). 
  • Learn to determine feed, speeds, and select tooling.

 

Minimum Requirements:

  • A minimum of 6 months of experience working in a manufacturing, engine maintenance, or machining role.
  • Ability to follow written instructions (ex. schematics, standard work, and/or blueprints).
  • Strong communication and organizational skills.
  • Strong commitment to safety and teamwork.

 

Additional Information:

  • 2nd Shift: Monday – Friday 3:00PM – 11:00PM.
  • 3rd Shift: Sunday – Thursday 11:00PM – 7:00AM.
  • Starting pay is $23.22 per hour.
  • $1.00 an hour night shift premium.
  • Training is completed on 1st shift hours Monday – Friday.
  • Positions start as supplemental (36 or more hours per week but with no holiday pay and limited benefits).
  • Relocation assistance is not available.
  • Please ensure you frequently sign in to your Candidate Home for any updates or correspondence for positions that you have applied for: https://cat.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/CaterpillarCareers

 

 

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:

October 21, 2026 - December 13, 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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How this Machinist salary compares

This role pays $48,298/yr — below the typical range for Machinist roles.

$50,482 median $65,000 $88,400

Typical range $56,160–$76,960/yr, from 444 comparable Machinist listings on JobsRadar (pay annualized to USD). See Machinist 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 →

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