Machining Technician

Caterpillar Inc.•East Peoria, IL

2d•$72,360 - $108,540•Onsite

About The Position

Caterpillar is hiring multiple Machining Technicians to support operations in East Peoria, Illinois. The Machining Technician 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 role supports employee onboarding and skill development, reinforces standardized work, shares machining knowledge and best practices, and supports enterprise capabilities inside and outside Caterpillar. The successful candidate is an experienced machinist who adapts quickly, communicates effectively, and builds the skills and confidence of others. The position applies knowledge of machining processes, CNC programming, and machine controls to support production performance, troubleshoot process issues, and adjust machining parameters to maintain quality and throughput. It also supports automated machining cells, including CNC equipment, robotics, sensors, and material-handling systems. The technician provides structured, hands-on employee instruction, evaluates and documents qualifications and development needs, and partners with operations leadership on training plans. The role has no direct reports but is expected to demonstrate leadership through technical expertise, professional conduct, adaptability, and positive influence. This position is onsite five days a week in East Peoria, IL. Travel may be required up to 25%. Sponsorship and relocation are not available. The salary range is $72,360 to $108,540. An offer is conditioned on successful completion of a drug screen.

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

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 performance, 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, standardized work, setup, inspection, material handling, and documentation.
Reinforce safe work practices, quality standards, and operating procedures; evaluate employee understanding and provide constructive feedback.
Document training progress, qualifications, skill gaps, and development needs; partner with operations leadership on training plans and qualification priorities.
Adapt training methods to employee experience and learning styles, assist with cross-training, and recommend improvements to training materials, work instructions, and qualification processes.
Follow company safety policies, procedures, and PPE requirements, including safe machine operation, lockout/tagout, and machine guarding requirements.
Stop work and escalate conditions that could create safety or quality risks; promote hazard recognition and defect prevention.
Ensure training and production activities follow approved processes and quality control requirements, and maintain a clean, organized, safe work area.
Support enterprise constraints inside and outside Caterpillar.
Model company values, treat employees respectfully, build trust, communicate across shifts and departments, maintain confidentiality, exercise sound judgment, and support a positive, inclusive, team-oriented work environment.
Refer performance or behavioral concerns to the appropriate supervisor rather than independently administering discipline.