Paint Apprentice- 1st shift

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.

About the role

This is a terrific opportunity to join the Caterpillar North Little Rock, AR team as a Paint Apprentice on our 1st shift. This position works under general supervision to assemble/test parts, components, or systems for wheel loaders and motor graders according to specified work orders. The role is based on the assembly line at the North Little Rock, AR site.

Pay

$21.75/hour with a summary pay range of $21.75 - $27.30. Compensation may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance, and experience.

Schedule

1st shift: Monday – Friday, 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Overtime opportunities may be available on a voluntary basis based on business needs and with prior leader authorization.

Responsibilities

• Participates in the identification and implementation of Lean Principles; understand, identify, and eliminate wastes.
• Training within multiple operations in the assigned area to maximize the area’s ability to respond to changing needs.
• Load, mask, seam seal, paint application, demask, and unload structures from the paint line.
• Participate in process troubleshooting and help determine root cause.
• Provide process feedback and improvement ideas through Continuous Improvement Cards.
• Safely perform sanding operations following standard work instructions.
• Properly identify paint defects according to engineering specifications.
• Properly identify metal substrate defects according to engineering specifications.
• Properly mix paint according to engineering-specified mix ratios.
• Paint parts using liquid and/or powder application and follow proper painting techniques.
• Properly adjust/maintain equipment to achieve the highest safety, velocity, and quality standards.

Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Willingness and ability to sit or stand for prolonged periods.
• Willingness and ability to adapt to various operations.
• Willingness and ability to lift up to 35 lbs.

Qualifications

Top candidates will also have a minimum of one (1) year of experience with:

• Liquid Paint Application Process and/or
• Powder Paint Application Process and/or
• Paint Masking, Seam Seal & Touch-up
• Paint Application Certification
• Ability to work safely and wear required personal protective equipment.
• Ability to follow standard work instructions.
• Ability to work overtime to support production demands.

Physical Job Requirements

• Constantly stands on concrete floors while retrieving parts/tools and completing tasks at assigned workstation.
• Walks on concrete floors while retrieving parts/tools from distances of a few feet to approximately 80 feet; frequently to constantly throughout the shift.
• Sits on scooter or creeper (close to floor) on an occasional basis to position body under the machine or at the bottom of the part or machine.
• Kneels on an occasional basis to position body under the bottom of the part or machine.
• Squats on a frequent basis to lift material/tools from a cart to the point of operation. May need to remain in a static squatted position for a few minutes at a time on an occasional basis.
• Climbs up and down stairs, platforms, and ladders on an occasional basis up to a height of 15 feet.
• May rotate and bend at the waist while reaching into storage bins and positioning body in front of the machine/part on an occasional basis.
• Reaches with hands/arms in any direction from approximately 3 inches off the floor to overhead range on a frequent basis in any direction.
• On an occasional basis, holds in a static position with sustained reaching to the waist to head range while pushing or pulling up to 70 lbs to achieve the proper level of torque.
• Frequently lifts up to 10-15 lbs throughout the shift. Occasionally lifts up to 25 lbs; on a rare basis, lifts up to 35 lbs.
• On an occasional basis, holds in a static position with sustained reaching to the waist to head range while holding 10-15 lbs.
• Frequently operates heavy equipment or machinery.
• Frequently bends the neck forward. Occasionally twists the neck, tilts the neck sideways, or extends the neck to look in different directions. On a rare basis, holds neck in a static position for a few minutes at a time.
• Handling: Seizing, holding, grasping, turning, or otherwise working with the hand or hands, constantly with a light to moderate grip. Occasionally, a forceful grip may be needed to assemble parts into the correct position.
• Occasional exposure to vibration tools.
• Occasionally uses fingers to operate a computer and frequently uses fingers to operate hoist controls.

Benefits

• Day one benefits including medical, dental, vision, prescription (RX), and 401K.
• Paid vacation days, holidays, personal time off (PTO), and a paid volunteer day (prorated based on hire date).
• Opportunity for quarterly bonus.
• Annual pay increases based on performance.
• Opportunity to transfer to first shift based on performance, attendance, and business need after 6 months.
• Potential to advance into operations leadership and other advanced manufacturing jobs.
• Safety is a top priority; all personal protective equipment provided:
  • Painter’s helmet & protective clothing
  • Metatarsal guard steel-toe boots
  • Safety glasses & hearing protection
  • Uniform shirts and pants

Additional Information

• All eligible candidates must pass the following pre-employment screenings before they can be hired:
  • Background screening
  • Drug screening
  • Post-offer medical questionnaire (clearance from Corporate Medical)
• Resumes (most recent) are highly encouraged.