OfferDrill.

Jobs › Caterpillar

Machine Operator - 2nd/3rd Shifts - Sign-On Bonus

Caterpillar · Pontiac, IL · Full time

Posted Sep 14, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

Apply at Caterpillar

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 safety habit you never skip at a machine.

What they are checking: Whether safe working methods are real habits for them, as the posting stresses.

This job is 2nd or 3rd shift at the Pontiac plant. How have you handled shift work before?

What they are checking: Whether they can show up consistently on an off shift.

Tell me about a time you had a disagreement with a coworker on the floor. How did you resolve it?

What they are checking: Whether they can work through conflict calmly in a team setting.

What would you do

Your first part off a setup is slightly out of tolerance. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they adjust carefully and recheck before running more parts.

How do you follow standard work and written instructions when you think there's a better way?

What they are checking: Whether they follow the process while raising ideas through the right channel.

How do you hand off a machine to the next shift?

What they are checking: Whether they share setup status and problems so the next operator starts safely and on track.

About the work

Tell me about the vertical, horizontal or multi-axis turret lathes you've run manually.

What they are checking: Whether they have the manual lathe experience the posting lists first.

How do you set up and adjust a single spindle automatic cutoff machine?

What they are checking: Whether they can handle setup and adjustment, not just load and unload parts.

Walk me through how you read a blueprint with geometric tolerances.

What they are checking: Whether they can read advanced blueprints and GD&T well enough to hold the required tolerances.

What measuring tools do you use, and how often do you check parts during a run?

What they are checking: Whether they verify quality throughout a run instead of only at the start.

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.

Practice this out loud

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. 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. Role Definition: As a Machine Operator at Caterpillar Pontiac, you will operate, set up and adjust automatic lathes or numerically controlled drilling and boring machines to perform various combinations of machining operations on miscellaneous parts. Complex or limited combinations will be performed. What You Will Do (including but not limited to): • Manually operate vertical, horizontal, and multi-axis turret lathes. • Adjust single spindle automatic cutoff machines. • Advanced blueprint reading. • Geometric tolerances. • Applying safe working methods. • Ability to follow written and verbal instructions (ex. schematics, standard work, and/or blueprints). Minimum Requirements: • A minimum of 12 months 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. • Awareness of Sort, Set, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain (5S) and Total Productive Maintenance (TPM). What You Will Get: Safety in words and actions. Safety is a core value at Caterpillar. We encourage and commit to safety in all processes that we do. We strive to provide a safe and secure work environment for all our employees. A rewarding career. Our teams are critical to the success of our customers who build a better world. Here you earn more than just wage. Because we value your performance, we offer a total rewards package that provides: • Competitive base pay – pay starting at $26.66 an hour • Medical, dental, and vision coverage • Paid time off plan • 401k savings plan • Wellness programs Additional Information: • 2nd shift: Monday - Friday 3:00PM - 11:00PM. • 3rd shift: Sunday - Thursday 11:00PM - 7:00AM. • Starting pay is $26.66 per hour. • $1.00 an hour night shift premium. • Sign-On Bonus: up to $2000 • Training completed on 1st shift hours Monday - Friday. • Relocation assistance is not available. • Please frequently check the email associated with your application, including the junk/spam folder, as this is the primary correspondence method. If you wish to know the status of your application – please use the candidate log-in on our career website as it will reflect any updates to your status. 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 14, 2026 - October 18, 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 .

Apply at Caterpillar