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Assembly & Test Specialist - 2nd Shift - Full Time

Caterpillar · Decatur, IL · Full time

Posted Sep 28, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about your hands-on manufacturing experience. What did you build or assemble?

What they are checking: Whether they bring the hands-on manufacturing experience the posting asks for.

Tell me about a time you helped a coworker who was falling behind.

What they are checking: Whether they have the teamwork the posting mentions.

Tell me about a time you noticed a quality problem before it became a bigger issue.

What they are checking: Whether they pay close attention to quality during their work.

How do you keep your energy and focus up through a full shift of physical work?

What they are checking: Whether they can handle the physical demands of the job.

Why do you want a regular full-time job at Caterpillar?

What they are checking: Whether they are looking for a long-term role and will stay.

What would you do

This is a full-time 2nd shift job, 2 PM to 10 PM. How will that schedule work for you?

What they are checking: Whether they can commit to the shift long term.

What does a safety-focused work environment mean to you day to day?

What they are checking: Whether safety is a habit for them, not just a word.

You are testing a component and the reading is just outside the limit. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they follow the spec exactly and do not pass a part that is close enough.

Your supervisor asks you to move to a different station for the day. How do you respond?

What they are checking: Whether they are flexible and willing to help where needed.

About the work

What tools and measuring devices have you used on the job?

What they are checking: Whether they can handle the assembly and testing tools used in Decatur.

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at Caterpillar from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

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The full job description

As published by Caterpillar.

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. Caterpillar | Decatur, IL Pay: Starting at $2 3.22 /hour + $1.00/hour shift premium Shift: 2nd Shift ( 2 :00 PM – 1 0 :00 PM) Job Type: Full-Time, Regular Industry: Manufacturing / Heavy Equipment Benefits : Effective Day 1 Job Description Summary Caterpillar is hiring Production Assemblers for our Assembly & Test operations on 2nd shift at our Decatur, Illinois facility. In this full-time, regular role , you will assemble, test, and prepare heavy equipment components in a safety-focused manufacturing environment. This position offers stable hours, competitive pay, and f ull Caterpillar benefits starting on your first day of employment. Successful candidates bring hands-on manufacturing experience, strong teamwork skills, and a commitment to quality and safety. Join a global manufacturing leader and help build the equipment that powers industries around the world. Key Responsibilities • Assemble, test, rework, and repair heavy machinery components and assemblies • Disassemble and reassemble complex components to repair or replace parts • Operate test equipment and remote-controlled cranes to position materials • Prepare completed products and attachments for shipment • Use hand tools and pneumatic (air) tools to complete assembly tasks • Read and interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and 2D/3D schematics • Maintain a clean and organized work area following 5S standards • Follow all safety, quality, and operational procedures Required Qualifications • Minimum 2 years of experience in a manufacturing, industrial, or assembly environment • Recent experience working in a manufacturing environment with regular shifts and defined operational expectations • Ability to work at heights of up to 20 feet using ladders or lifts, in accordance with safety requirements • Ability to safely use hand tools and pneumatic (air) tools • Intermediate computer skills , including data entry and basic system navigation • Demonstrated problem-solving skills in a production or industrial setting • Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and 2D/3D schematics • Working knowledge of 5S workplace organization principles or similar lean practices • Demonstrated ability to maintain regular and reliable attendance • Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team in a production environment • Strong communication skills • Demonstrated commitment to safety Preferred Qualifications • Experience with heavy equipment or large-scale industrial assemblies • Familiarity with standard and metric measurement systems • Overhead crane operation experience • Forklift certification Compensation & Benefits • Starting Pay: $2 3.22 /hour + $1.00/hour shift premium • Schedule: 40 hours per week with overtime paid at 1.5x for hours over 40 • Benefits Starting Day One: • Medical, dental, and vision coverage • Paid lunch period • Automatic wage increases every 26 weeks (or sooner based on performance) • Annual market-based pay adjustments 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: September 28, 2026 - October 17, 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 .

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