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Caterpillar Engine Mechanic Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Engine Rebuild Shop Mechanic

Reno, NV · On-site

$18.90 - $34.14/hr

Founded in 1950, Empire Cat is a world-renowned Caterpillar dealer and a top private company in ... While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical ...

Engine Rebuild Shop Mechanic

Reno, NV · On-site

$18.25 - $25/hr

Troubleshoot, repair, recondition, and service Caterpillar and other Empire allied machines ... While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical ...

Engine Rebuild Shop Mechanic

Reno, NV

$18.25 - $25/hr

Troubleshoot, repair, recondition, and service Caterpillar and other Empire allied machines ... While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical ...

Be Seen First

We are an industrial and heavy duty diesel engine service and rebuilding company, located in ... We are an independent shop servicing all brands, including Caterpillar, Cummins, Detroit and many ...

$50K/yr

Instructor, Caterpillar, Transportation Technologies The Instructor, Caterpillar fulfills the ... power, mechanics, diesel engine repair, service concepts, refrigeration, drive-trains and ...

When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do ... The team at Hadady, LLC pioneered complex engine fabrications and has continued evolving into a ...

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Caterpillar Engine Mechanic information

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$11

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$33

How much do caterpillar engine mechanic jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for caterpillar engine mechanic in the United States is $21.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paying mechanic job?

The highest paying mechanic jobs are often specialized roles such as aircraft, industrial equipment, or diesel engine mechanics, including Caterpillar engine mechanics working in heavy equipment maintenance. These positions typically require advanced certifications, experience, and knowledge of complex machinery, leading to higher salaries compared to general mechanic roles.

What are Caterpillar engine mechanics?

Caterpillar engine mechanics are skilled technicians who specialize in the maintenance, repair, and overhaul of Caterpillar engines, which are commonly used in heavy equipment, trucks, and industrial machinery. Their duties include diagnosing engine problems, performing routine services, replacing parts, and ensuring engines operate efficiently and safely. These mechanics often work in construction, mining, agriculture, or marine industries where Caterpillar equipment is widely used. They require knowledge of diesel engine systems, electronic controls, and manufacturer-specific diagnostic tools.

Is a Caterpillar technician a good job?

A Caterpillar engine mechanic is a skilled trade job that involves diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining heavy equipment engines. It offers good job stability, competitive wages, and opportunities for certification and specialization, often requiring technical training and hands-on experience. The role can involve working in various environments, including outdoor and industrial settings, with a focus on safety and technical proficiency.

What is the difference between Caterpillar Engine Mechanic vs Heavy Equipment Diesel Technician?

AspectCaterpillar Engine MechanicHeavy Equipment Diesel Technician
CertificationsASE certifications, manufacturer-specific trainingASE certifications, manufacturer-specific training
Work EnvironmentRepairing Caterpillar engines in workshops, construction sites, or minesMaintaining and repairing heavy equipment engines in similar settings
Industry UsagePrimarily in construction, mining, and agriculture industriesConstruction, mining, and heavy equipment industries

The Caterpillar Engine Mechanic and Heavy Equipment Diesel Technician roles share similar certifications and work environments, often overlapping in industries like construction and mining. The main difference lies in specialization: Caterpillar Engine Mechanics focus specifically on Caterpillar engines, while Heavy Equipment Diesel Technicians work on a broader range of heavy machinery brands. Both roles require technical skills and certifications, making them closely related but distinct in their scope of work.

What are some typical challenges faced by Caterpillar Engine Mechanics, and how can new hires prepare for them?

Caterpillar Engine Mechanics often encounter challenges such as diagnosing complex engine issues, keeping up with evolving engine technologies, and working in varied environments ranging from workshops to field sites. New hires can prepare by familiarizing themselves with Caterpillar’s latest diagnostic tools and service manuals, developing strong problem-solving skills, and maintaining adaptability for field assignments. Collaborating with experienced team members and participating in ongoing training sessions are also key to overcoming these challenges and excelling in the role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Caterpillar Engine Mechanic, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Caterpillar Engine Mechanic, you need strong mechanical aptitude, hands-on experience with diesel engines, and typically a vocational qualification or certification in heavy equipment or diesel technology. Familiarity with diagnostic tools, Caterpillar-specific systems like CAT ET (Electronic Technician), and the ability to read technical manuals is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective communication are vital soft skills for troubleshooting and customer interaction. These skills and qualities ensure accurate diagnostics, efficient repairs, and safe, reliable engine performance in demanding environments.

What is the 160,000 mechanic job that Ford can't fill?

A Caterpillar engine mechanic is a highly skilled technician responsible for maintaining and repairing large industrial and construction equipment, often working in demanding environments. These roles typically require specialized training, certifications, and experience with heavy machinery and diesel engines, and they can offer high compensation due to the technical expertise involved.

How much does a Caterpillar technician make per hour?

A Caterpillar engine mechanic typically earns between $20 and $35 per hour, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Skilled technicians with specialized tools and knowledge of Caterpillar equipment tend to earn higher wages. Wages may also vary based on the complexity of the machinery and the work environment.
More about Caterpillar Engine Mechanic jobs
What states have the most Caterpillar Engine Mechanic jobs? States with the most job openings for Caterpillar Engine Mechanic jobs include:
Infographic showing various Caterpillar Engine Mechanic job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,021 per year, or $21.6 per hour.
Gas Turbine Mechanic

$24 - $44.54/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Solar Turbines rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

59th of 417 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

Career Area:
Job Description:
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.
Starting rate at $35
  • Perform layout, fabrication, and assembly of diversified types of parts, subassemblies, assemblies, and engines of an assigned project, work orders, travelers, Solar and customer engineering prints, specifications, drawings, sketches, lofting information,
  • and other oral and written instructions.
  • Recommend sequence of operations and methods necessary to complete fabrication or assembly assignments.
  • Work with or without the benefit of tooling, planning, and engineering information.
  • Collaborate in the solution of problems and provide information to benefit the assigned project.
  • Determine configuration, form, test, and assemble pneumatic lines and bracketry.
  • Make layout necessary to establish locations of parts, trim lines bosses, hole and flange patterns, where dimensions and fitting are exacting, requiring the use of mechanical aptitude.
  • Use torch for heating and hot forming. Perform such operations as plating, processing, metal finishing, and heat treating as required.
  • Alter and adapt standard tooling to locate and assemble parts and materials or improvise temporary tooling and production aids.
  • Utilize a thorough knowledge of the principles of gas turbine engines to assemble and build up parts, assemblies, and engines.
  • Exercise the utmost care while tearing down engines and accessory units in order not to disturb or destroy evidence developed during the engine run. Lay out parts undergoing tests and examine for variations from conditions recorded prior to testing, observing, and recording the condition of parts and assemblies for evidence of such conditions as heating, rubbing, discolorations, wearing, leaking, etc.
  • Set up and operate balancing machines and balance gas turbine engine parts, assemblies, and other hardware to critical requirements.
  • Maintain SFIS for engines worked through assembly status and assured the accumulation and retention of historical data for each engine.
  • Determine the sequence of operations and lay out, fabricate, assemble, repair, rework and alter subassemblies, and assemblies including first-run fixtures with or without adequate tooling and complete fabrication information, working from Company specifications, blueprints, sketches, and written or oral instructions and in accordance with shop practice.
  • Lay out, fabricate and assemble. Special field service tools as ordered by Solar and/or customers.
  • Perform the duties of engine mechanic classification as required.
  • Perform rework, repair, and overhaul wherein the operations are essentially the same level of difficulty as required for the operations described herein.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • High School Diploma, GED or equivalent.
  • 3 years of Mechanical Experience
  • Experience with Precision Measuring Devices (multi-meters, dial calipers, depth mics, etc)
  • Experience with hand tools and power tools
  • Blue Print Reading Experience
  • Experience with Forklift, Overhead Crane
  • Must be willing to work any shift

Preferred Qualifications:
  • 3+ years of experience working with gas turbines or other turbomachinery.
  • Proficiency in Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing
  • Thermocouples wiring with termination experience
  • Experience in the following: proximeter, bolt heater, hydraulic stretch tooling, pullers, torch, spot tacker, build stand elevator.
  • SFIS Experience

This employer is not currently hiring foreign national applicants that require or will require sponsorship tied to a specific employer, such as H, L, TN, F, J, E, O.
Compensation Grade Range:
$ 24.00-$44.54
  • Annual incentive bonus plan*
  • Medical, dental and vision coverage starting day 1
  • Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holiday, Volunteer, Etc.)
  • 401(k) Savings Plan including company match
  • Health savings account (HSA)
  • Flexible spending accounts (FSAs)
  • Short and long-term disability coverage
  • Life Insurance
  • Parental leave
  • Employee Assistance Programs
  • Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts
  • Career Development

*Subject to annual eligibility and incentive plan guidelines
Posting Dates:
June 8, 2026 - June 22, 2026
Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.
Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.
Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.

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