ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Caterpillar Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Caterpillar

Welder I

Victoria, TX · On-site

$19.10/hr

... of Caterpillar machines, equipping them for a wide range of tasks and operating requirements. Being a member of our team is rewarding! Have welding experience or a welding certification? Piece by ...

Caterpillar

Welder I (2nd Shift)

Victoria, TX · On-site

$19.10/hr

... of Caterpillar machines, equipping them for a wide range of tasks and operating requirements. Being a member of our team is rewarding! Have welding experience or a welding certification? Piece by ...

Caterpillar

Grinding Specialist

East Peoria, IL · On-site

$23.22/hr

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 ...

Caterpillar

CNC Machinist

South Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$28.27 - $35.33/hr

Familiarity with Fanuc machine controls and operator machine interface. Additional Information: * This position is located at the Caterpillar manufacturing facility located in South Milwaukee ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsCaterpillar Operator Jobs

Caterpillar Operator information

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

To thrive as a Caterpillar Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, knowledge of heavy equipment operation, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, along with relevant operator certifications. Familiarity with equipment such as bulldozers, excavators, and GPS or telematics systems is crucial. Attention to detail, strong communication, and situational awareness help operators work safely and efficiently on job sites. These skills and qualities are essential to ensure productivity, safety, and the proper handling of expensive machinery in demanding construction environments.

What are some common challenges Caterpillar Operators face on construction sites, and how can they overcome them?

Caterpillar Operators often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, navigating uneven or tight spaces, and maintaining safety around other workers and equipment. To overcome these, operators should stay up-to-date on safety protocols, communicate clearly with team members, and regularly inspect their machinery for optimal performance. Continuous training and staying alert on the job also play key roles in successfully managing these challenges.

What is a Caterpillar Operator?

A Caterpillar Operator is a skilled worker who operates heavy machinery manufactured by Caterpillar Inc., such as bulldozers, excavators, loaders, and graders. These professionals are responsible for controlling and maneuvering equipment to perform tasks like digging, grading, lifting, and moving earth or materials on construction sites, mining operations, and other large-scale projects. Operators must follow strict safety protocols, inspect their equipment regularly, and perform basic maintenance. Proper training and certification are usually required to ensure safe and efficient operation.

What is the difference between Caterpillar Operator vs Excavator Operator?

AspectCaterpillar OperatorExcavator Operator
CertificationsTypically requires CDL or specific heavy equipment certificationsRequires excavator-specific certifications, often overlapping with general heavy equipment licenses
Work EnvironmentOperates on construction sites, mining, or industrial settings using Caterpillar machineryWorks mainly on construction sites, digging, trenching, and material handling with excavators
Industry UsageCommonly used in construction, mining, and forestry industriesPrimarily found in construction, demolition, and landscaping industries

Both Caterpillar Operators and Excavator Operators work with heavy machinery in construction and industrial settings. While their roles overlap in operating large equipment, Caterpillar Operators specifically focus on Caterpillar brand machines, requiring familiarity with their controls and maintenance. Excavator Operators specialize in operating excavators, which may include various brands but often require similar certifications. Understanding these differences helps employers and workers identify the right skills and credentials for each role.

More about Caterpillar Operator jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Caterpillar Operator jobs? The most popular types of Caterpillar Operator jobs are:
What states have the most Caterpillar Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Caterpillar Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Caterpillar Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Caterpillar Operator jobs are:
Caterpillar Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Caterpillar Operator job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.
Machine Operator - 2nd and 3rd Shifts

Machine Operator - 2nd and 3rd Shifts

Caterpillar

Pontiac, IL • On-site

$26.66/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Caterpillar Inc. rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 458 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

218th of 417 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Job description

Career Area:
Operations
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.
About Large Power Systems Division (LPSD):
We design and manufacture the most comprehensive lineup of large diesel and natural gas engines in the industry, as well as engine components and powertrains.
Role Definition:
As a Machine Operator at Caterpillar Pontiac, you will operate, set up and adjust automatic lathes or numerically controlled drilling and boring machines to perform various combinations of machining operations on miscellaneous parts. Complex or limited combinations will be performed.
What You Will Do (including but not limited to):
  • Manually operate vertical, horizontal, and multi-axis turret lathes.
  • Adjust single spindle automatic cutoff machines.
  • Advanced blueprint reading.
  • Geometric tolerances.
  • Applying safe working methods.
  • Ability to follow written and verbal instructions (ex. schematics, standard work, and/or blueprints).

Minimum Requirements:
  • A minimum of 12 months experience working in a manufacturing, engine maintenance, or machining role.
  • Ability to follow written instructions (ex. schematics, standard work, and/or blueprints).
  • Strong communication and organizational skills.
  • Strong commitment to safety and teamwork.
  • Awareness of Sort, Set, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain (5S) and Total Productive Maintenance (TPM).

What You Will Get:
Safety in words and actions. Safety is a core value at Caterpillar. We encourage and commit to safety in all processes that we do. We strive to provide a safe and secure work environment for all our employees.
A rewarding career. Our teams are critical to the success of our customers who build a better world. Here you earn more than just wage. Because we value your performance, we offer a total rewards package that provides:
  • Competitive base pay - pay starting at $26.66 an hour
  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Paid time off plan
  • 401k savings plan
  • Wellness programs

Additional Information:
  • 2nd shift: Monday - Friday 3:00PM - 11:00PM.
  • 3rd shift: Sunday - Thursday 11:00PM - 7:00AM.
  • Starting pay is $26.66 per hour.
  • $1.00 an hour night shift premium.
  • Training completed on 1st shift hours Monday - Friday.
  • Relocation assistance is not available.
  • Please frequently check the email associated with your application, including the junk/spam folder, as this is the primary correspondence method. If you wish to know the status of your application - please use the candidate log-in on our career website as it will reflect any updates to your status.

Summary Pay Range:
$0.00 - $0.00
Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar.
Benefits:
Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of benefits.
  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits*
  • Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)*
  • 401(k) savings plans*
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)*
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)*
  • Health Lifestyle Programs*
  • Employee Assistance Program*
  • Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts*
  • Career Development*
  • Incentive bonus*
  • Disability benefits
  • Life Insurance
  • Parental leave
  • Adoption benefits
  • Tuition Reimbursement

* These benefits also apply to part-time employees
Posting Dates:
May 27, 2026 - July 12, 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.

What Caterpillar Inc. employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply