Industrial Paint Specialist

Caterpillar Inc.•South Milwaukee, WI

4d•$27 - $34•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. Paint Specialist Location: South Milwaukee, WI Shifts: 3rd Shift Bonus: $2,000 Sign-On Bonus Pay Progression: Step 1: $27.93/hr Step 2: $29.09/hr Step 3: $30.26/hr Shift Premium: +$1.00/hr for 3rd shift Job Summary Caterpillar is hiring a Paint Specialist to support manufacturing operations at our South Milwaukee, WI facility. In this role, you will prepare and apply industrial coatings to parts, sub‑assemblies, and complete machines, ensuring quality, durability, and visual standards are met. When you join Caterpillar, you’re joining a global team that 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—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. At our South Milwaukee facility, you’ll help build some of the largest and most powerful mining machines in the world, including Cat® Electric Rope Shovels (ERS) used in mining operations globally.

Requirements

2+ years of industrial painting experience, including prime and finish coats
Previous paint experience in a manufacturing environment
Ability to determine proper sequence of operations and follow standard work instructions
Proven ability to apply coatings evenly using spray equipment or hand brushes
Experience operating shot blast equipment and positioning work manually or with jib/overhead cranes
Knowledge of safety, quality, and inspection requirements in a paint environment

Nice To Haves

Experience applying coatings on large components (frames, booms, cabs, etc.)
Strong attention to detail and adherence to quality standards
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Willingness to work overtime as needed to meet production demands
Experience cleaning and preparing parts using wire brushes, scrapers, solvents, and masking materials
Proficiency mixing paints and adjusting viscosity for proper application

Responsibilities

Prepare, prime, and paint parts, sub‑assemblies, and complete machines (prime and finish coats)
Operate spray booths and maintain paint vault equipment
Operate shot blast equipment to clean materials prior to painting
Mix paints and adjust viscosity using thinners or heat as required
Apply coatings evenly using spray guns or hand brushes, maintaining correct stroke, spray pattern, nozzle adjustment, and air pressure
Apply decals and masking to meet quality standards
Position work manually or using jib/overhead cranes
Maintain cleanliness of paint areas, tools, and equipment