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Industrial Machinery Assembler – 2nd Shift

Caterpillar · South Milwaukee, WI · $28.54–$35.67 an hour

Posted Oct 1, 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 largest or most complex thing you've assembled.

What they are checking: Whether their experience scales to building large mining equipment rather than small parts on a bench.

Tell me about a time you took extra care because a mistake would have been costly.

What they are checking: Whether they show the pride in craftsmanship and accuracy the posting asks for.

This is 2nd shift, 3pm to 11pm. How does that schedule work for you?

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

How do you hand off a partially built assembly to the next person or shift?

What they are checking: Whether they communicate clearly so work picks up exactly where it stopped.

What would you do

You find a part that doesn't fit the way the instructions say it should. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they stop and escalate instead of forcing, grinding or shimming a part on their own.

A teammate is skipping a step to speed things up. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they protect quality and safety while keeping a good working relationship.

About the work

How do you work from detailed work instructions and prints when building something?

What they are checking: Whether they follow documented steps closely, which is how accuracy is held on complex assemblies.

What precision tools are you comfortable with, like torque wrenches, micrometers or dial indicators?

What they are checking: Whether they can measure and torque to spec, not just bolt parts together by feel.

Have you worked with overhead cranes or rigging to position heavy components?

What they are checking: Whether they can safely move and set heavy parts, which is a daily part of mining equipment assembly.

How do you keep track of torque sequences or steps you've completed so nothing gets missed?

What they are checking: Whether they have a reliable method for avoiding missed steps on long builds.

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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. Industrial Machinery Assembler – 2nd Shift (Assembly Specialist | Heavy Equipment Manufacturing) Location: South Milwaukee, WI Shift: 2nd Shift (3pm-11pm) Sign-On & Retention Bonus: $2,000 Pay Progression • Step 1: $29.69/hr • Step 2: $30.92/hr • Step 3: $32.15/hr • Shift Premium: +$1.00/hr for 2nd shift Job Summary As an Industrial Machinery Assembler at Caterpillar’s South Milwaukee manufacturing facility, you will build and assemble large, complex mining equipment using precision tools, fixtures, and detailed work instructions. This role is ideal for experienced mechanical assemblers who take pride in hands-on work, accuracy, and craftsmanship. You will work in a safety-focused, team-oriented environment producing equipment used in mining operations around the world. About Caterpillar – South Milwaukee When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team that cares not just about the work we do but about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders 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. At our South Milwaukee facility , you will help manufacture some of the largest and most powerful mining machines in the world , including Cat® Electric Rope Shovels (ERS) used globally in mining operations. Key Responsibilities • Prepare, layout, align, and assemble parts, sub‑assemblies, and complete heavy equipment machines • Use hand and power tools, jigs, fixtures, gauges, and measuring devices to perform high‑precision assembly • Position and align components using jib cranes, overhead cranes, hoists, and jacks • Install power units and accessories, fit keys and splines, and perform press and shrink fits • Conduct functional tests and adjustments; disassemble and prepare machines for shipment or storage • Maintain a clean, organized work area and follow all safety, quality, and manufacturing protocols Required Qualifications • 3–5 years of heavy equipment or industrial mechanical assembly experience • Proficiency with hand tools including thread dies, drills, saws, screwdrivers, pipe wrenches, and chisels • Experience using cranes, hoists, and layout tools in a manufacturing environment • Familiarity with steel, tubing, fittings, grease, oil, and hydraulic components • Working knowledge of high‑, medium‑, and low‑pressure hydraulic and automated lubrication systems • Ability to read and interpret blueprints, drawings, and precision measurement tools (including micrometers) Preferred Qualifications • Experience assembling heavy equipment, large machinery, or complex mechanical systems. • Experience using overhead cranes/hoists/jib cranes and/or rigging practices (as qualified/authorized). • Experience with press fits/shrink fits, alignment, and installation of mechanically integrated components (keys/splines). • Familiarity with 5S / lean manufacturing / continuous improvement practices in production environments. • Background assembling products for shipment (tear‑down, preservation, packaging, securing components) Additional Information • Full-time role, 40 hours per week • No relocation assistance available • Pre-employment drug screen and medical evaluation required • Recruiting updates are sent via email—please monitor your inbox and spam/junk folders 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 . Summary Pay Range: $28.54 - $35.67 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 5, 2026 - October 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 .

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