Structural Fitter / Fabricator

About the role

As a Structural Fitter / Fabricator (FCAW) at Caterpillar’s South Milwaukee facility, you will fit, assemble, and weld heavy structural steel components used to build some of the largest mining machines in the world, including Cat Electric Rope Shovels (ERS). In this hands-on role, you will perform precision fit-up and multi-pass welding on thick plate material while working from complex blueprints and documented procedures.

Responsibilities

• Weld plain and alloy structural steel in all positions using Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW)
• Perform multi-pass welds (10+ passes) on heavy plate (2+ inches thick)
• Read and interpret complex blueprints, weld symbols, and layout specifications
• Fit and assemble large structural weldments using jacks, clamps, jigs, and layout tools
• Clamp, tack weld, burn, air arc, and label components per blueprint and process requirements
• Use jib, gantry, and overhead cranes to position large components safely
• Grind and dress fabricated weldments to meet quality standards
• Operate forklifts, scissor lifts, and aerial lifts as required

Requirements

• 5+ years of FCAW welding experience on heavy plate
• 3+ years of structural fitting / fit-up experience
• 3+ years of blueprint reading and interpretation
• Working knowledge of back gouging, carbon arcing, or air arcing
• Ability to pass: 3 FCAW weld qualification tests, 2 structural fitter qualification tests

Skills

• Strong safety-first mindset in heavy manufacturing environments
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Proficiency with layout and measurement tools, including: Tape measure, level, surface gauges, Tram points, calipers, combination sets, Wedges and blocks
• Willingness to work overtime to meet production demands

Pay

Pay Progression Step 1: $33.97/hour, Step 2: $35.22/hour, Step 3: $36.49/hour. Shift Premium: +$1.00/hour for 2nd Shift. Sign-On & Retention Bonus: $6,000.

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

Schedule

Full-time schedule: 40 hours/week, 2nd Shift (3pm to 11pm)