Machining Technician

Career Area:
Manufacturing

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.

We are hiring multiple Machining Technicians to support our operations in East Peoria, IL! We have openings on 1st, 2nd, and 3rd shift for talented machining technicians! Come join the team that is solving our customers toughest challenges!

Position Summary:

The Machining Technician provides flexible machining support across the business while serving as a technical resource for employees. The position helps maintain safe, consistent production across multiple machines and work areas.

This role supports employee onboarding and skill development, reinforces standardized work, shares machining knowledge and best practices, and supports enterprise capabilities inside and outside of Caterpillar. The successful candidate will be an experienced machinist who adapts quickly, communicates effectively, and builds the skills and confidence of others.

Essential Responsibilities:

Machining and Production Support

• Read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, work instructions, process documentation, and specifications.

• Knowledge of appropriate tooling, fixtures, gauges, and precision measuring equipment.

• Verify that completed parts meet dimensional, quality, and workmanship requirements.

• Suggest approved machine adjustments and troubleshoot routine machining, tooling, and process issues.

• Support production priorities and move between assignments as business needs change.

• Work collaboratively with operations leadership, manufacturing engineering, quality, maintenance, tooling, and other support functions.

• Identify and communicate safety, quality, equipment, tooling, or process concerns promptly.

• Participate in continuous improvement activities focused on safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity.

• Apply knowledge of CNC programming, machining processes, and machine controls to optimize production performance, troubleshoot process issues, and implement machining parameter adjustments to maintain quality and throughput.

• Support the integration and operation of automated machining cells, including CNC equipment, robotics, sensors, and material handling systems, to achieve production, quality, and safety objectives.

Employee Training and Development

• Provide technical guidance to employees on machining processes, equipment operation, safety expectations, quality requirements, and standardized work.

• Provide structured, hands-on instruction using approved training materials and processes.

• Ability to communicate proper machine setup, operation, inspection, material handling, and documentation practices.

• Reinforce safe work practices, quality standards, and established operating procedures.

• Evaluate employee understanding through observation, demonstration, and established qualification methods.

• Document training progress, completed qualifications, skill gaps, and additional development needs.

• Provide timely, respectful, and constructive feedback to employees.

• Adjust training methods to accommodate different levels of experience and learning styles.

• Partner with operations leadership to develop training plans and prioritize qualification needs.

• Assist with cross-training experienced employees to improve workforce flexibility.

• Recommend improvements to training materials, work instructions, and qualification processes.

• Serve as a knowledgeable and approachable technical resource for employees.

Safety and Quality Expectations

• Follow all company safety policies, procedures, and personal protective equipment requirements.

• Reinforce safe machine operation, including lockout tagout and machine guarding

requirements.

• Stop work and escalate conditions that could create a safety or quality risk.

• Promote personal accountability, hazard recognition, and defect prevention.

• Ensure that training and production activities follow approved processes and quality control requirements.

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.

Supplier Support

• Ability to support enterprise constraints, both inside and outside of CAT.

Leadership Expectations

Although this position does not have direct reports, the Machining Technician is expected to demonstrate leadership through technical expertise, professional conduct, adaptability, and the ability to positively influence others.

• Model company values and workplace expectations.

• Treat employees consistently and respectfully.

• Build trust with both new and experienced employees.

• Communicate clearly across shifts, departments, and levels of the organization.

• Maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.

• Address performance or behavioral concerns through the appropriate supervisor rather than independently administering discipline.

• Support a positive, inclusive, and team-oriented work environment.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.

• Five or more years of machining experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Knowledge of proper set up and operation of machining equipment.

• Ability to read blueprints, understand geometric dimensioning and tolerancing, and interpret manufacturing specifications.

• Proficiency with precision measuring instruments and inspection methods.

• Demonstrated troubleshooting and problem-solving ability.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

• Ability to teach technical information in a clear, patient, and practical manner.

• Ability and willingness to work across different areas, departments, and schedules based on operational needs.

• Consistent record of safe work practices, quality performance, reliability, and teamwork.

• Basic computer skills and the ability to complete electronic training and production documentation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Completed apprenticeship, technical degree, or recognized machining certification.

• Experience operating multiple machine types, including but not limited to gear hobbing, shaping, grinding or working across several machining processes.

• Experience training, mentoring, or onboarding employees in a machining environment.

• Experience in a high-mix, low-volume machining operation.

• Knowledge of lean manufacturing, standardized work, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement methods.

• Familiarity with learning management systems, qualification tracking, or formal on-the-job training programs.

Additional Information:

- This role is located in East Peoria, IL
- Sponsorship is not available for this role
- Relocation Is not available for this role
- Travel may be required up to 25%

Summary Pay Range:

$72,360.00 - $108,540.00

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.