Structural Fitter / Fabricator

Caterpillar Inc.•South Milwaukee, WI

4d•$27 - $36•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. Structural Fitter / Fabricator – Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) Location: South Milwaukee, WI Shift: 2nd or 3rd Shift Employment Type: Full‑Time Sign‑On & Retention Bonus: $2,000 Pay Progression Step 1: $33.97/hour Step 2: $35.22/hour Step 3: $36.49/hour Shift Premium: +$1.00/hour for 2nd or 3rd shift Job Summary As a Structural Fitter / Fabricator (FCAW) at Caterpillar’s South Milwaukee facility, you will fit, assemble, and weld heavy structural steel components used to build some of the largest mining machines in the world, including Cat® Electric Rope Shovels (ERS). In this hands‑on role, you will perform precision fit‑up and multi‑pass welding on thick plate material while working from complex blueprints and documented procedures. You’ll join a safety‑first manufacturing team where craftsmanship, quality, and teamwork directly impact world‑class equipment used in mining operations around the globe. This role is ideal for experienced welders and fitters who take pride in heavy fabrication work and want stable, well‑paid manufacturing careers. About Caterpillar South Milwaukee When you join Caterpillar, you’re joining a global team that cares not just about the work we do—but about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders creating stronger, more sustainable communities. Our South Milwaukee facility specializes in the fabrication and assembly of Electric Rope Shovels, supporting mining customers worldwide with some of the most powerful machines ever built.

Requirements

5+ years of FCAW welding experience on heavy plate
3+ years of structural fitting / fit‑up experience
3+ years of blueprint reading and interpretation
Working knowledge of back gouging, carbon arcing, or air arcing
Ability to pass: 3 FCAW weld qualification tests 2 structural fitter qualification tests

Nice To Haves

Strong safety‑first mindset in heavy manufacturing environments
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Proficiency with layout and measurement tools, including: Tape measure, level, surface gauges Tram points, calipers, combination sets Wedges and blocks
Willingness to work overtime to meet production demands

Responsibilities

Weld plain and alloy structural steel in all positions using Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW)
Perform multi‑pass welds (10+ passes) on heavy plate (2+ inches thick)
Read and interpret complex blueprints, weld symbols, and layout specifications
Fit and assemble large structural weldments using jacks, clamps, jigs, and layout tools
Clamp, tack weld, burn, air arc, and label components per blueprint and process requirements
Use jib, gantry, and overhead cranes to position large components safely
Grind and dress fabricated weldments to meet quality standards
Operate forklifts, scissor lifts, and aerial lifts as required