Paint Apprentice - 2nd shift
About The Position
Caterpillar is hiring a Paint Apprentice for the assembly line at its North Little Rock, Arkansas site. Under general supervision, this role supports production by assembling and testing parts, components, or systems for wheel loaders and motor graders according to work orders. The apprentice trains across multiple operations in the assigned area and performs paint-line work, including loading and unloading structures, masking, seam sealing, paint application, and demasking. The role follows standard work and engineering specifications to prepare and paint parts, identify paint and metal substrate defects, mix paint to specified ratios, and adjust and maintain equipment. The employee contributes to troubleshooting, Lean practices, and continuous improvement while following safety requirements and using required personal protective equipment. The scheduled shift is Monday through Friday, 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. Overtime may be available based on business needs, with voluntary participation and prior leader authorization described for overtime opportunities. The position requires prolonged sitting or standing, adaptability across operations, and lifting up to 35 pounds. Physical work includes frequent standing and walking on concrete floors, operating machinery and hoist controls, bending, reaching, squatting, and handling tools and materials. Caterpillar provides day-one benefits and opportunities for annual performance-based pay increases, quarterly bonuses, and potential advancement. Applicants must pass a background screening, drug screening, and post-offer medical questionnaire clearance.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Willingness and ability to sit or stand for prolonged periods.
- Willingness and ability to adapt to various operations.
- Willingness and ability to lift up to 35 pounds.
- Ability to work safely and wear required personal protective equipment.
- Ability to follow standard work instructions.
- Ability to work overtime to support production demands.
- Pass required pre-employment background and drug screenings and post-offer medical questionnaire clearance.
Nice To Haves
- At least one year of experience with liquid paint application, powder paint application, paint masking, seam sealing, and/or touch-up.
- Paint Application Certification.
Responsibilities
- Participate in identifying and implementing Lean principles, including understanding, identifying, and eliminating waste.
- Train in multiple operations in the assigned area to help the area respond to changing needs.
- Load and unload structures from the paint line and perform masking, seam sealing, paint application, and demasking.
- Participate in process troubleshooting and help determine root causes.
- Provide process feedback and improvement ideas through Continuous Improvement Cards.
- Perform sanding operations safely and according to standard work instructions.
- Identify paint defects and metal substrate defects according to engineering specifications.
- Mix paint according to engineering-specified mix ratios.
- Paint parts using liquid and/or powder application and follow proper painting techniques.
- Adjust and maintain equipment to achieve safety, velocity, and quality standards.
- Assemble and test parts, components, or systems for wheel loaders and motor graders according to work orders.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, vision, and prescription benefits beginning on day one, subject to eligibility and plan terms.
- 401(k) savings plan.
- Paid vacation, holidays, personal time off, and a paid volunteer day, prorated based on hire date.
- Annual performance-based pay increase opportunities.
- Quarterly bonus and incentive bonus.
- Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Accounts.
- Health Lifestyle Programs and Employee Assistance Program.
- Voluntary benefits and employee discounts.
- Career development and potential advancement into operations leadership and other advanced manufacturing jobs.
- Disability benefits and life insurance.
- Parental leave and adoption benefits.
- Tuition reimbursement.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
