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.
Manufacturing Technician Trainee
No Manufacturing Experience Required – We Will Train You!
At the Solar Turbines facility in Wamego, Kansas, we take pride in working together to safely build quality products for our customers to help them succeed. We're looking for dependable, hard-working individuals who are ready to learn a new trade and build a long-term career.
We provide on-the-job training and opportunities to develop valuable technical skills while working with a team committed to safety, quality, and success.
Why Join Solar Turbines?
✅ Paid on-the-job training
✅ Four-day workweek (Monday–Thursday); Openings available on first or second shift
✅ Competitive pay and shift differential
✅ Career development
✅ Tuition reimbursement
✅ Comprehensive health and retirement benefits
✅ Work for a global Caterpillar company
What You'll Do
As a Manufacturing Technician Trainee, you'll learn skills that may include:
Fabrication
- Operate manufacturing equipment with training provided
- Move and organize materials safely
- Learn cutting, machining, and metalworking processes
- Read basic work instructions and quality standards
Assembly
- Assemble components using hand and power tools
- Follow written and verbal instructions
- May reassemble or rework units as required
- Inspect completed work for quality and accuracy
Paint & Finishing
- Prepare products for paint and final finishing
- Operate cleaning and blasting equipment
- Use tools and lifting devices safely
- Help ensure products meet customer and quality requirements
You may be placed in different work areas based on business needs, interests, and demonstrated skills.
What Makes Someone Successful in This Role?
We are looking for people who:
- Show up on time and work reliably
- Take pride in doing quality work
- Follow safety procedures
- Have a positive attitude and willingness to learn
- Work well as part of a team
- Follow instructions and standard processes
- Demonstrate a strong work ethic
Experience That Transfers Well
Candidates with experience in any of the following are encouraged to apply:
- Retail
- Fast food or restaurant work
- Construction
- Landscaping
- Agriculture
- Warehousing and distribution
- Military service
- Automotive service
- Delivery and transportation
- Customer-facing service roles
Manufacturing experience is a plus but not required.
Minimum Qualifications
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- Ability to lift up to 35 pounds
- Ability to stand for extended periods
- Ability to perform repetitive tasks safely
- Ability to work regular scheduled hours with reliable attendance
- Ability to safely perform work accurately and thoroughly
- Ability to produce quality work at a sustained pace
- Ability to follow instructions and established work processes
No manufacturing experience required. Training will be provided.
Compensation & Benefits
Hourly pay range : $17.89 – 24.14 (additional 7% shift differential for second shift)
Compensation and benefits 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 15, 2026 - August 13, 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.
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