Machining Technician - Bevel Gears

Caterpillar•East Peoria, IL

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Caterpillar is hiring multiple Machining Technicians to support bevel gear operations at its East Peoria Building KK in East Peoria, Illinois. The position provides flexible machining support across the business and serves as a technical resource for employees, helping maintain safe, consistent production across multiple machines and work areas. The technician applies machining expertise to production, troubleshooting, quality, and process improvement, and helps employees develop machining skills and confidence through structured, hands-on instruction. The role has openings on second and third shift and requires working onsite five days a week. Travel may be required up to 25%. Visa sponsorship and relocation are not available. Although the position has no direct reports, the technician is expected to demonstrate leadership through technical expertise, professional conduct, adaptability, and positive influence. The technician supports onboarding and cross-training, reinforces standardized work, and collaborates with operations leadership and other support functions. The listed summary pay range is $72,360.00–$108,540.00; compensation may vary based on individualized factors. Benefits are subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines.

Requirements

High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
Five or more years of machining experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Knowledge of proper setup 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 clearly, patiently, and practically.
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 ability to complete electronic training and production documentation.

Nice To Haves

Bevel gear experience.
Completed apprenticeship, technical degree, or recognized machining certification.
Experience operating multiple machine types, including gear hobbing, shaping, or grinding, or experience 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.

Responsibilities

Read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, work instructions, process documentation, and specifications.
Use appropriate tooling, fixtures, gauges, and precision measuring equipment; verify 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.
Collaborate with operations leadership, manufacturing engineering, quality, maintenance, tooling, and other support functions.
Promptly identify and communicate safety, quality, equipment, tooling, or process concerns.
Participate in continuous improvement activities focused on safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity.
Apply CNC programming, machining-process, and machine-control knowledge to optimize production, troubleshoot issues, and adjust machining parameters to maintain quality and throughput.
Support integration and operation of automated machining cells, including CNC equipment, robotics, sensors, and material-handling systems.
Provide technical guidance and structured, hands-on instruction on machining processes, equipment operation, safety, quality, and standardized work.
Teach proper machine setup, operation, inspection, material handling, and documentation practices.
Evaluate employee understanding through observation, demonstration, and established qualification methods; document training progress, qualifications, skill gaps, and development needs.
Provide timely, respectful, constructive feedback and adapt training to different experience levels and learning styles.
Partner with operations leadership to develop training plans and prioritize qualification needs; assist with cross-training employees.
Recommend improvements to training materials, work instructions, and qualification processes; serve as an approachable technical resource.
Follow safety policies, procedures, and personal protective equipment requirements; reinforce safe machine operation, lockout tagout, and machine guarding.
Stop work and escalate conditions that may create safety or quality risks; promote accountability, hazard recognition, and defect prevention.
Ensure training and production follow approved processes and quality control requirements; maintain a clean, organized, safe work area.
Support enterprise constraints inside and outside Caterpillar.
Model company values, treat employees consistently and respectfully, build trust, and communicate across shifts, departments, and organizational levels.
Maintain confidentiality and sound judgment; refer performance or behavioral concerns to the appropriate supervisor rather than independently administering discipline.
Support a positive, inclusive, team-oriented work environment.