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Welder -2nd Shift- East Peoria LL- HIRING & RETENTION BONUS

Caterpillar · East Peoria, IL · Full time

Posted Sep 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 had to keep up with a production rate while still doing quality work.

What they are checking: Whether they balance speed and quality in production welding.

Tell me about a time a supervisor or inspector rejected your work. How did you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they take feedback and fix problems without getting defensive.

The retention bonus applies after you finish training. What makes you want to stay long term?

What they are checking: Whether they are looking for steady, long-term work here.

What would you do

Training is on 1st or 3rd shift for the first four to five weeks, then you move to 2nd. Can you handle that change?

What they are checking: Whether they can commit to the training schedule and the shift that follows.

You notice your welds are coming out inconsistent halfway through the shift. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they stop and find the cause instead of producing bad parts.

About the work

Tell me about your MIG welding experience. What kinds of parts and metal thickness have you welded?

What they are checking: Whether they have real GMAW experience on heavy steel like the parts made in East Peoria.

How do you check that a weld is good before you move on?

What they are checking: Whether they know what a quality weld looks like and how to spot defects.

What causes porosity or undercut in a MIG weld, and how do you fix it?

What they are checking: Whether they can diagnose common weld defects and adjust their technique or settings.

Can you read a weld symbol on a blueprint? Tell me what a few common ones mean.

What they are checking: Whether they can follow drawings correctly on production parts.

What PPE do you wear when welding, and why does each piece matter?

What they are checking: Whether they take welding safety seriously, including eyes, skin and fumes.

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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. Pay and Shift Details • $3,000 New Hire Bonus • Up to $29.97 per hour base pay, based on experience • includes $1.00 per hour off-shift premium • includes $4.00 per hour retention bonus after successful completion of training. • Incremental increases will be applied every 26 weeks until the maximum rate is reached . • 2nd Shift: M-F 2:00pm-10:00pm • Training completed on 1st or 3rd shift for the first 4 to 5 weeks 2nd shift available - Full Time - East Peoria LL Caterpillar is hiring MIG Welders for 2nd shift at our East Peoria manufacturing facility LL. This is a full-time production welding job offering Day 1 benefits as well as Company Provided PPE such as Safety Glasses (includes prescription safety glasses) and Weld Hood as well as Safety Boot Reimbursement. What You Will Do • Perform MIG welding and GMAW welding on steel components • Weld plain and alloy steel in all positions • Operate robotic welding equipment in a production environment • Follow standard work, safety procedures, and quality requirements • Perform carbon arc cutting and gouging • Use overhead cranes and jib cranes to position materials Required Experience • At least 1 year of production MIG or GMAW welding experience in an industrial or manufacturing setting or • A welding certification from an accredited college or institution. • Relevant experience must be within the past 6 months. • Experience welding steel 1/2 inch thickness or greater • Basic computer skills Qualifications • Ability to pass Caterpillar weld qualification testing • Ability to work 2nd or 3rd shift and overtime as needed Top Candidates will also possess: • Good communication skills and strong commitment to safety and teamwork • Ability to work well individually or in a team environment 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. • Mechanical Aptitude & Problem Solving – Demonstrates the ability to understand equipment, troubleshoot issues, interpret technical information, and apply mechanical reasoning to complete work safely and effectively. Additional Information: • 90 Day probationary period includes weld school training • This position is located in East Peoria Bldg LL • No relocation package is available • Must be able to pass welder qualification requirements during the Caterpillar provided training by a Certified Welding Educator (CWE), Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) or approved personnel • Safety is a core value at Caterpillar. We owe it to our employees and families to work in a safe and secure workplace. All candidates for employment must successfully pass a preemployment drug screen held to the DOT standards for prohibited substances Please ensure you frequently check the email account you provided on your application, including the junk/spam folder, as this is the primary correspondence method in our recruiting process. Caterpillar is not currently hiring foreign national applicants that require or will require sponsorship tied to a specific employer, such as H, L, TN, F, J, E, O. 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 For more information, visit caterpillar.com. To connect with us on social media, visit caterpillar.com/social-media 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 17, 2026 - November 1, 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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