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Production Assembler - Decatur, IL (2nd Shift)

Caterpillar · Decatur, IL · Full time

Posted Oct 2, 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 your experience with hands-on assembly work. What tools and equipment have you used?

What they are checking: Whether they are mechanically inclined enough to assemble heavy machinery components and final drives.

Tell me about a time you noticed a safety hazard at work. What did you do?

What they are checking: Whether they speak up about safety in a heavy equipment plant rather than working around a hazard.

The job includes testing and rework. Tell me about a time you had to find and fix a mistake in something you built.

What they are checking: Ownership of their own quality and a calm approach to troubleshooting.

What does working safely in a fast-paced environment mean to you?

What they are checking: Whether they see speed and safety as working together rather than trading one for the other.

What would you do

You find a part that does not fit the way the instructions say it should. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they stop and ask instead of forcing a part or guessing, which prevents rework and injuries.

This is a 2nd shift job, 3:00 to 11:00 PM. How will you make sure you are here on time every day?

What they are checking: Reliability and attendance, which a production line depends on more than almost anything else.

Assembly work can be repetitive and physical. How do you stay focused and careful late in a shift?

What they are checking: Awareness that quality and safety mistakes rise with fatigue, and a plan to manage it.

How do you handle it when a team lead asks you to move to a different station than you are used to?

What they are checking: Flexibility in a fast-paced plant where staffing shifts daily.

About the work

How do you read and follow a work instruction or assembly drawing when you are building something new?

What they are checking: Whether they can follow standard work exactly, which keeps quality the same on every unit.

Have you used torque wrenches or air tools? How do you make sure a fastener is torqued correctly?

What they are checking: Basic precision habits that matter when a bad joint can cause a failure in the field.

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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. Production Assembler – Caterpillar Decatur, IL (2nd Shift) Location: Decatur, Illinois Shift: 2nd Shift (3:00 PM – 11:00 PM) Pay: Starting at $20.40/hour + $1.00/hour shift premium Job Type: Full-Time, Supplemental Industry: Manufacturing, Heavy Equipment, Industrial Assembly Job Summary Caterpillar is hiring Production Assemblers for our 2nd shift team at the Decatur, IL facility. As a vital part of our manufacturing operations, you will assemble, test, and prepare heavy equipment components for shipment. This hands-on role is ideal for mechanically inclined individuals who thrive in a fast-paced, safety-focused environment. Join a global leader in heavy equipment manufacturing and help build the machines that move the world. Key Responsibilities · Assemble, test, rework, and repair heavy machinery components and final drive assemblies. · Operate test machines and remote-controlled cranes to move and position equipment. · Disassemble and reassemble complex assemblies to replace or repair damaged parts. · Prepare prime products and attachments for shipment. · Perform salvage operations and maintain a clean, organized work environment. · Follow safety protocols and quality standards at all times. Basic Qualifications · Mechanical background or experience in industrial assembly. · Strong communication skills and a commitment to safety and teamwork. · Comfortable working at heights up to 20 feet using ladders or lifts. · Ability to use hand tools and pneumatic (air) tools. · Basic computer skills for data entry and system navigation. Preferred Qualifications · Previous experience in a manufacturing or production environment. · Familiarity with standard and metric measurement systems. · Overhead crane operation experience. · Forklift certification. · Understanding of 5S workplace organization principles. · Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and 3D/2D schematics. Compensation & Benefits · Starting Pay: $20.40/hour + $1.00/hour shift premium · Schedule: 40 hours/week, with overtime pay (1.5x) for hours over 40 · Benefits: o Health care coverage starting Day 1 (must enroll within 31 days) o Paid lunch period o Automatic wage increases every 26 weeks (or faster based on performance) o Annual market-based pay adjustments Note: This is a supplemental position with limited benefits. Competencies • Safety Focus – Demonstrates a commitment to working safely, following procedures, identifying potential hazards, and contributing to a safe work environment. • Responsibility & Dependability – Takes ownership of assigned work, follows through on commitments, maintains attendance standards, and consistently delivers quality results. • Teamwork & Collaboration – Works effectively with others, communicates respectfully, supports team goals, and contributes to a positive and productive work environment. • Functional Expertise & Continuous Learning – Learns and applies job-related knowledge, follows established processes, solves routine work challenges, and adapts to new tools, equipment, and procedures. Additional Information · Assessment Required: Candidates must complete an online assessment sent via email after applying. Look for an email titled “Your Online Assessment…” · Pre-employment Screening: All candidates must pass a drug screening for prohibited substances. Safety is a core value at Caterpillar. We owe it to our employees and families to work in a safe and secure workplace. This employer is not currently hiring foreign national applicants that require or will require sponsorship tied a specific employer, such as H, L, TN, F, J, E, or O; however, as a global company, Caterpillar offers many job opportunities outside of the U.S. which can be found through our employment website at www.caterpillar.com/careers Caterpillar is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.  All qualified individuals - including minorities, females, veterans, and individuals with disabilities - are encouraged to apply. Please ensure you frequently check the e-mail account you provided on your application, including the junk/span folder, as this is the primary correspondence method in our recruiting process. 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: 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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