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Level 4 CNC Machinist Technician- 2nd & 3rd Shift- LAFAYETTE, IN

Caterpillar · WI · $30.28–$38.52 an hour · Full time

Posted Aug 17, 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 a time you crashed a machine or scrapped a part. What did you learn?

What they are checking: Whether they are honest about mistakes and changed their habits afterward.

This is 2nd and 3rd shift. How have you managed off shifts in the past?

What they are checking: Whether they will be reliable on the shift schedule this role requires.

What would you do

You're halfway through a costly part and a dimension starts drifting. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they stop, find the cause and protect the part instead of pushing through.

A newer machinist asks you for help with a setup while you're busy. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they share knowledge and support others, as expected of a Level 4 technician.

About the work

The posting asks for a strong background with boring mills. Tell me about the boring mills you've run and the parts you made.

What they are checking: Whether their boring mill experience matches the large engine parts made in the Lafayette Large Power Systems facility.

Walk me through setting up a large part on a horizontal boring mill.

What they are checking: Whether they can fixture, indicate and set offsets on heavy work without help.

How do you read a print with geometric dimensioning and tolerancing, and what features do you check most carefully?

What they are checking: Whether they understand GD&T well enough to hold position and form on precision engine components.

How comfortable are you editing a CNC program at the machine?

What they are checking: Whether they can safely make program changes and know when not to.

How do you decide on tooling, speeds and feeds for a tough material?

What they are checking: Whether they understand cutting conditions instead of always using whatever was loaded last.

How do you use measuring tools like bore gauges, micrometers or a CMM report?

What they are checking: Whether they can verify their own work to tight tolerances.

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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. LEVEL 4 CNC MACHINIST TECHNICIAN - 2nd & 3rd Shift $2500 Sign On Bonus $30.28/hour pay + 6 % Shift Differential Location: Lafayette, Indiana Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance, Incentives/Bonus Opportunities, Matching 401k available day one. www.caterpillar.com/careers : Apply online and create a candidate account. CATERPILLAR - BUILD WHAT MATTERS What matters most to you? Is it being part of a strong team? Supporting your family? Solving global problems? You can do these and more at Caterpillar; where your work enables progress around the globe, and you contribute to meaningful work. Together, we can build what matters! This position description is for Level 4 CNC Machinist within the Large Power Systems Division located in our Lafayette, IN facility. Candidates must have a strong background with experience in boring milling, drilling and reaming. Must have knowledge of CNC programs and be able to make offset adjustments as required. Actual shift availability varies week by week and successful candidates will be started as soon as a position becomes available on their requested shift. Please note that this could mean a sizable waiting period before starting. Job Duties/Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to: • Responsible for production, quality, housekeeping and other related duties associated with the operation and set up of CNC and NC controlled machines, transport material, audit, operate wash tanks and operate some manual operations. • Interpret CNC programs Job Instruction Sheet, CMM data, Gageit (gage tracking) and accountable for processes by monitoring Infinity. • At times may be required to work overtime to support the manufacturing requirements. • Must have the ability to trouble shoot and solve problems dealing with machine, tooling, and program malfunction and solve everyday problems. • Must be able to manage time and work well in a team environment. Position Notes: • There are no 1st shift openings available • Please include detailed work history to be considered, attached resume preferred. • Candidates must complete the full hiring process which includes, but not limited to: Caterpillar Online Production Assessment (COPA), successful completion of CNC Technical Interview, Targeted Selection Interview (TSI), background check, post offer medical questionnaire and drug screen • Candidates must successfully complete and pass Basic Machinist Training (BMT), which is completed as a part of the new-hire orientation and onboarding process. Basic Qualifications: • Two or more years of experience in a manufacturing environment: multi-axis CNC machining experience, ability to program CNC machines with Fanuc, Siemens or other controllers. • Strong working knowledge of machining principles; basic SPC, blueprint reading; understanding of geometric tolerances; ability to interpret CMM reports; quality data; and work experience in a lean manufacturing environment. • Must pass CNC skills assessment in order to win position • Required to stay in section for 12 months except for a promotion or nights to days move Physical Requirements: • Candidates for all positions must have the ability to work in a fast pace, medium to heavy duty assembly, technical environment. • Work may involve frequent bending, stooping, and kneeling, twisting, turning, climbing, and standing on concrete for 8+ hours. • All positions also require the ability to lift 40 pounds and withstand frequent repetitive movement of hands with a variety of tooling. • Some positions require the ability to perform tasks on a moving conveyor under time constraints • Some positions require the ability to climb ladders, stairs, work on platforms and work at heights • Some positions require the ability to work in confined spaces • Some positions require the ability to wear a respirator • Must be able to lift and manipulate engine components during the assembly process • Must be able to use hand and pneumatic tools as well as automatic torque equipment Additional Information: • Shift: 2nd Shift (3:30pm-11:30pm) & 3rd Shift (11:30pm-7:30am) • Possibility to train on a day shift anywhere from 3 weeks to 3 months • Generous lump sum payment for eligible relocating candidates (up to $15,000) • Please Attach an Updated Resume • Additional financial incentives for overtime and attendance • 40-hour work weeks with potential for Overtime • 104 hours of paid Personal Time Off (PTO) - (Prorated based upon start date) • 11 Paid holidays • Climate controlled work environment – most areas • Clean/safe work environment Please ensure you frequently check the e-mail account you provided on your application, including the junk/spam folder, as this is the primary correspondence method in our recruiting process. #LI Summary Pay Range: $30.28 - $38.52 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: August 17, 2026 - November 15, 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? 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