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This position has closed. Caterpillar removed this listing from their careers page on Oct 5, 2026. The interview prep below is still useful, and there are similar open roles at the bottom of this page.

Machinist Trainee - 2nd and 3rd Shifts - East Peoria Bldg KK - Supplemental

Caterpillar · East Peoria, IL · Full time

Posted Aug 5, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 4, 2026

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

What hands-on experience do you have with tools or machines, at work, school or home?

What they are checking: Whether they have the mechanical aptitude to learn machining as a trainee.

Tell me about a time you learned a new skill from someone more experienced.

What they are checking: Whether they listen and learn well, which is the core of a trainee role.

Tell me about a time you made a mistake. What did you do next?

What they are checking: Whether they admit mistakes quickly, which matters when learning on expensive machines.

This is 2nd and 3rd shift and a supplemental role. How does that fit your situation?

What they are checking: Whether they understand the terms and can commit to the shifts.

Why does working in a division focused on electrification interest you?

What they are checking: Whether they have real interest in the work, not just any open job.

What does working safely mean to you?

What they are checking: Whether they take safety seriously before they have learned the machines.

What would you do

You're told to do a task one way, but you saw someone else do it differently. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they ask questions instead of guessing, which keeps trainees safe.

How do you stay focused on repetitive work over a long shift?

What they are checking: Whether they can stay careful and alert, which prevents injuries and scrap.

About the work

Have you taken any machining, CNC or blueprint reading classes?

What they are checking: Whether they have any foundation to build on during training.

How would you read a tape measure or a micrometer?

What they are checking: Whether they have basic measurement skills that machining relies on.

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. Electrification + Energy Solutions (E+ES): Caterpillar’s Electrification + Energy Solutions (E+ES) Division focuses on delivering advanced electrified power train, zero-emissions products/technologies, and the solutions and services associated with these technologies. Focus areas include batteries, fuel cells, motors, inverters, micro grid controllers, charging, energy storage systems, lifecycle solutions/services and integration of components for ePowertrain solutions across industries. We are looking for top talent to build and scale the next generation of technologies, products and services to help our customers build a better—more sustainable—world. We need self-motivated, intelligent and team-oriented individuals to make our plans a reality. Individuals with high emotional intelligence, humility and openness to discovery will thrive in the teams we are building. Role Definition: Do you have the desire to be a CNC machinist and need the opportunity to learn? Caterpillar in East Peoria, IL is looking to hire entry level machining trainees. The Machining Trainee program is a paid program designed to provide a unique learning experience for highly motivated individuals who are interested in pursuing a career in machining. Positions available on 2nd and 3rd shifts after 4 - 6 weeks of training. What You Will Do (including but not limited to): Upon completion of the program, individuals will be able to: • Set up and operate a variety of CNC machines used to produce high precision parts. • Read blueprints & drawings to determine product dimensions and tolerances. • Verify conformity of part to specification using measurement instruments such as micrometers or calipers. • Accurately apply intermediate mathematical skill, including geometry, trigonometry, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and conversion of fractions and decimals. • Ability to determine feed, speeds, and select tooling. Basic Qualifications: • Previous troubleshooting and equipment repair experience with agricultural, automotive, industrial, or military equipment. • Good communication skills and strong commitment to safety and teamwork. • Ability to work overtime when required, including weekends. Top Candidates Will Have: • Previous CNC training or experience. • High mechanical aptitude. • Excellent attitude and willingness to learn. • Ability to work any shift. Additional Information: • 2nd shift: Monday - Friday 2:30PM - 10:30PM. • 3rd shift: Monday - Friday 10:30PM - 6:30AM. • Starting pay is $23.22 per hour. • $1.00 an hour night shift premium. • Training is completed on 1st shift hours Monday - Friday. • This is a supplemental position – minimum 40 hours per week with limited benefits available. • Relocation is not offered for this position. • This position requires no travel. • 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: August 5, 2026 - October 4, 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 .