Fabrications Machinist Technician - 5S Specialist - 1st Shift

Caterpillar•Sanford, NC

2d•$20 - $25•Onsite

About The Position

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. Are you ready to build what matters? Build More Than Machines. Build a Career. Caterpillar is looking for candidates that want to build a career. Position includes a wage of $20.20 /hour, quarterly goal sharing program and a comprehensive benefit program that begins on Day 1. What this looks like: 1st Shift Starting Pay: $20.20/hour 1st Shift: Monday-Friday 6:15 AM - 2:15 PM, Overtime as business needs require We don’t lead our industry - our people do. Watch our video to see our team build top-of-the-line compact track loaders. Job Purpose The 5S Coordinator/Specialist is responsible for implementing, sustaining, and continuously improving 5S practices— Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain —to create a clean, safe, efficient, and visually controlled workplace. This role supports operational excellence by enabling teams to eliminate waste, improve workflow, and maintain consistent standards through disciplined work habits.

Requirements

Technical Understanding of Lean methodologies and CPS principles (5S, Standard Work, Waste Elimination, Kaizen).
Ability to identify abnormal vs. normal conditions at a glance through visual management.
Operational Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to assess workplace conditions, storage practices, cleanliness, safety, and workflow.
Leadership / Soft Skills Effective communication across cross-functional teams.
Ability to train, influence, and engage frontline employees.
Problem-solving abilities to address barriers to 5S sustainment.
Physical & Work Environment Requirements (Based on Caterpillar shop-floor job descriptions where 5S is embedded.) Ability to spend extended periods on the shop floor.
Ability to lift materials or objects when facilitating workplace organization.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience in Lean deployment, workplace organization, industrial operations, or continuous improvement roles.
Experience leading CI events or acting as an area point-of-contact for operational excellence.

Responsibilities

5S Implementation & Oversight Lead and facilitate 5S activities across assigned areas, ensuring adherence to Caterpillar’s structured 5S methodology. Guide teams through Sort, Set, Shine, Standardize, Sustain according to company standards, including proper use of Red Tags, point‑of‑use storage, and visual standard practices. Ensure the 5S process supports creation of a “visual factory” and exposes hidden waste such as excess motion and transportation.
Workplace Organization & Visual Control Establish visual standards that define how areas should look at shift change. Standards may include layout diagrams, PPE requirements, and emergency information. Create, update, and maintain 5S documentation and standard work instructions to ensure uniformity and repeatability.
Training & Employee Engagement Educate employees on 5S principles and disciplined work habits needed to sustain improvements. Coach work groups on using 5S as a tool for continuous improvement, defect reduction, and safety enhancement. Partner with Lean/CI facilitators for workshops, rapid improvement events, or area transformations.
Auditing & Compliance Conduct regular 5S audits to ensure compliance and sustainment using Caterpillar’s audit processes. Identify abnormalities in work areas and work with leaders to resolve root causes.
Continuous Improvement Support cross-functional teams in identifying waste and recommending improvement ideas. Help maintain stability in work areas by reinforcing standard work and addressing deviations immediately. Document before/after improvements to show impact and encourage engagement.