Manufacturing Technician II / Mechanic

Posted:
7/14/2026, 8:20:16 AM

Location(s):
Kansas, United States ⋅ Wamego, Kansas, United States

Experience Level(s):
Junior ⋅ Mid Level

Field(s):
Mechanical Engineering

Workplace Type:
On-site

Pay:
$19–$29/hr

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.

Role Definition

This is a mid-level manufacturing position on the hex bucket line at the Caterpillar Work Tools facility in Waco, TX.  The hex bucket line consists of seven manufacturing cells which include; first operations cell, side plate cell, hinge top cell, cutting edge cell, bucket assembly cell, bucket welding cell, and paint cell.  Employees in this position will be expected to perform up to expectations in two to three of the primary work cells by performing the following duties.

- Unloads trucks and/or rail cars loaded with steel plate and ensures accurate inventory
- Move materials through blasting operation to storage by operating forklift, plate de-scaling (blasting) machine, and overhead cranes
- Reviews manufacturing order checking for cutting operations and material requirements
- Nests required part profiles onto appropriate material type, move cutting machine to material, and square on plate
- Operates Computer Numerical Control (CNC) cutting machine using plasma or oxy-fuel as appropriate to cut part, making adjustments to the machine settings as needed to achieve a quality part
- Removes parts from the cutting table with the overhead crane, jib crane, hand magnet or by hand.  
- Cleans cut parts and places them on the correct cart for delivery to the next cell.
- Cut-to-shape steel parts using a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining center, fitting parts together using a fixture, tack welding, operating a robot welding system, and finish welding sub-assemblies; all to given print tolerances.
- Selects, aligns, and secures holding fixtures, cutting tools, attachments, accessories, and materials on vertical milling machine.
- Calculates and sets controls to regulate machining factors such as speed, feed, coolant flow, and depth and angle of cut, or enters commands to retrieve, input, or edit computerized machine control media
- Starts and observes milling or drilling operation to detect malfunctions or out-of-tolerance machining, and adjusts machine controls as required.
- Follows set-up guidelines and procedures to assemble and tack weld unit by using various tools and fixtures available
- Places part into holding fixture for robot welding.  Starts and observes robot welding operation to detect malfunctions or out-of-tolerance welding, and adjusts controls and/or program as required.
- Sets the weld machine to correct setting for the weld application.  Finish welds unit to print specifications following guidelines and procedure 
- Uses air arc and grinder to remove or repair unacceptable welds in order to meet quality guidelines
- Inspects welds and checks critical measurements upon completion to ensure they meet specifications and criteria. Verifies conformance of finished work piece to specifications

Required Qualifications

  • 1 year certificate from college or technical school; and 1 to 2 years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Read and understand manufacturing prints
  • Safely use overhead lifting devices
  • Operate forklifts
  • Knowledge of quality standards and tolerances
  • Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              
  • Ability to write simple correspondence
  • Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to other employees of the organization
  • Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals
  • Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs
  • Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions
  • Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations
  • Regularly required to stand and use hands to finger, handle, or feel
  • Frequently required to walk, sit, reach with hands and arms, and climb or balance
  • The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds

Desired Qualifications

  • Previous manufacturing experience

 

 

Summary Pay Range:

$19.21 - $28.81

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:

July 14, 2026 - July 28, 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.

Solar Turbines Incorporated

Website: https://www.solarturbines.com/

Headquarter Location: San Diego, California, United States

Employee Count: 5001-10000

Year Founded: 1927

IPO Status: Private

Industries: Energy ⋅ Manufacturing ⋅ Oil and Gas

Visa Sponsorship: Sponsors work visas