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Tool & Die Technician – 3rd Shift

Caterpillar · WI · $38.52–$49.03 an hour · Full time

Posted Sep 29, 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 jigs, fixtures and gauges you've built or repaired.

What they are checking: Whether they have real tool and die experience matching the posting's duties.

Tell me about a time you modified a tool to fix a production problem.

What they are checking: Whether they can improve tools to help the line, not just repair them.

What would you do

A fixture is causing parts to come out of tolerance on the line. How do you figure out why?

What they are checking: Whether they check locators, wear and clamping methodically to find the cause.

This is 3rd shift. How do you work when engineers aren't around to answer questions?

What they are checking: Whether they can make sound decisions independently on the overnight shift.

Production needs a tool repaired fast, but doing it right will take longer. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they balance speed with doing the job well and communicate the tradeoff.

About the work

Walk me through how you'd build a fixture from a print.

What they are checking: Whether they plan material, machining steps and tolerances before starting.

What machines do you use in a tool room, and which are you strongest on?

What they are checking: Whether they can use the range of tool room equipment, such as mills, lathes, grinders and EDM.

How do you hold very tight tolerances on a gauge?

What they are checking: Whether they understand precision work, including temperature and measurement method.

How do you read GD&T on a fixture print?

What they are checking: Whether they understand datums and tolerances that control how parts locate.

What safety practices do you follow in a tool room?

What they are checking: Whether they work safely around grinders, mills and heavy tooling.

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. TOOL & DIE TECHNICIAN - $5,000 Sign On Bonus 3rd Shift- $38.52/hour + 6 % Shift Premium Location: Lafayette, Indiana Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance, Incentives/Bonus Opportunities, Matching 401k, available first day of employment. 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! Tool & Die Technicians needed at The Large Power Systems Division located in Lafayette, IN. In this role, you will perform a variety of functions in the construction, alteration and repair of jigs, fixtures, gauges, metal working dies and machine tool parts. You will be required to trouble shoot and repair jigs, fixtures, dies, etc. on the shop floor. Additional Information: • Hourly pay range of $38.52-$49.03 plus 6% shift premium for off shift. Higher rates offered based on Experience. • Location of this position is in Lafayette, IN • Generous lump sum payment for eligible relocating candidates (up to $15,000) • Position available on 3rd Shift (11:30pm-7:30am) • Relocation assistance is available to eligible candidates • Climate controlled work environment – most areas • Clean/safe work environment • 13 days/104 hours of paid Personal Time Off (PTO) - (Prorated based upon start date) • 11 Paid holidays • 40-hour work weeks with potential for overtime • Please attach an updated resume Job Duties/Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to: • Set up, operation, and adjustments on one or more machine tools to perform machining operations for various industrial production & maintenance operations, including dies, jigs, fixtures, repair parts, miscellaneous tooling, experimental parts, etc. to required tolerances • Determine methods and procedures applicable to operations to be performed, which include improvising of setups, selection of materials and tooling • Use of gauges, performs basic welding and heat treatment • General housekeeping and other duties as assigned to maintain a safe and productive department • CNC controlled machines are required in this position. Including the ability to read, write, & edit programs • Basic computer skills with experience with Office 360 • Ability to properly communicate verbally & electronically • Applicant must be willing to work overtime opportunities to support production demands. Basic Qualifications: • 6+ years' Job Shop or Tool Room experience and/or an Associate Degree from an accredited Technical School with four years of experience and/or completion of an accredited four-year Toolmaker Apprenticeship. Top Candidates Will Also Have: • Successful completion of the Tooling Services Intermediate Math assessment • Knowledge and ability to plan & execute complex tooling jobs • Ability to hold tight tolerances on grinding, lathe work, and milling/drilling work on both manual & CNC equipment • Machinist skills (ALL types: Grinders, Mills, Lathes, Drills, Welding, Heat Treat, Jig/Bore grinding, etc.) • Possess the ability to troubleshoot and repair fixtures, tooling, and machines in the shop • Ability to gauge tight tolerance parts • Ability to determine heat treat required and perform said functions • CAD/CAM software • Ability to interpret complex machine schematics & blueprints Physical Requirements: • Candidates for all positions must have the ability to work in a fast pace, medium to heavy duty assembly, and 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. • Must be able to work in heights and confirmed spaces 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. Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position. #LI Summary Pay Range: $38.52 - $49.03 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 29, 2026 - December 28, 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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