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Industrial Electrician - 2nd/3rd Shift - Decatur, IL

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 the industrial equipment you've built, installed or repaired circuits on.

What they are checking: Whether their experience is on plant machine tools and controls rather than only residential or light commercial wiring.

How do you hand off an unfinished repair to the next shift?

What they are checking: Whether they leave clear notes so 3rd shift does not repeat work or walk into an unknown hazard.

Tell me about a repair you're proud of, where the cause was hard to find.

What they are checking: Persistence and reasoning on intermittent faults, which is where good electricians earn their pay.

What would you do

A machine tool goes down mid-shift with no obvious cause. Walk me through how you troubleshoot it.

What they are checking: Whether they work a logical path from symptoms to the fault instead of swapping parts until it runs.

Production is pushing you to get a machine back up, but you think the fix you'd need is a temporary bypass. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they refuse to defeat safety circuits even when the line is waiting on them.

How do you work with mechanics and operators when you're not sure whether a problem is electrical or mechanical?

What they are checking: Whether they collaborate across trades instead of handing the problem back and forth.

About the work

How do you lock out and verify a machine is de-energized before you put your hands in it?

What they are checking: Whether lockout/tagout and verifying zero energy is a habit for them, which is non-negotiable in a plant.

What instruments do you reach for when you're diagnosing electronic faults, and when do you use each one?

What they are checking: Whether they are comfortable with meters, scopes and other tools to locate defects in electronic circuits.

The posting mentions calibrating testing instruments. How do you know your meter is telling you the truth?

What they are checking: Whether they understand that a bad reading from an uncalibrated tool sends a whole repair the wrong way.

What's your experience with PLCs, drives or motor controls?

What they are checking: Whether they can handle the automated controls common on modern production equipment in Decatur.

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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. Job Description Industrial Electrician – 2nd/3rd Shift (Decatur, IL) Location: Decatur, Illinois Job Type: Full-Time Pay: Starting at $35.81/hour + $1.00/hour shift premium Shifts Available: • 2nd Shift: 2:30 PM – 10:30 PM • 3rd Shift: 10:30 PM – 6:30 AM Job Summary Join the world-class manufacturing team at Caterpillar Inc. as an Industrial Electrician in Decatur, IL. This hands-on role is ideal for individuals with strong electrical and electronic troubleshooting skills who thrive in fast-paced environments and are committed to safety, quality, and teamwork. You’ll be responsible for building, installing, and repairing electrical and electronic circuits on machine tools and plant equipment, diagnosing malfunctions, and calibrating testing instruments. Key Responsibilities • Build, install, and repair electrical and electronic circuits used on machine tools and plant equipment • Diagnose malfunctions on machine tools and NC controlled equipment • Apply knowledge of electronic units and systems to troubleshoot and test faulty equipment • Calibrate and service electronic testing instruments • Read and interpret blueprints and schematics to troubleshoot motors, transformers, communication devices, and controllers • Perform preventive maintenance on electrical/electronic manufacturing systems • Maintain a clean and organized work area following 5S principles Basic Qualifications • Completion of a field-related college degree, electrical apprenticeship, technical school, military training, or equivalent experience • Strong knowledge of electronics, electronic controls, and PLC logic • Proven problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities on complex electrical/electronic systems • Ability to read and interpret blueprints and schematics • Excellent communication skills Preferred Qualifications • Previous job-related experience in a warehouse or factory environment Additional Information Employment Type: Full-Time with Benefits Relocation: Not offered Shift Flexibility: Employees may be reassigned to any shift or position as needed Pre-employment Requirements: All candidates for employment must successfully pass a preemployment drug screen for prohibited substances Work Authorization: This position does not offer employer-sponsored work visa support Why Caterpillar? Safety is a core value at Caterpillar. We are committed to providing a secure and inclusive workplace for all employees. As a global leader in manufacturing, Caterpillar offers opportunities for growth and development across a wide range of roles. Application Process Shortly after applying, you will receive an email titled "Your Online Assessment..." . Please complete this assessment promptly. Check your inbox and spam/junk folders regularly for updates. 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 10, 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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