Industrial Paint Specialist 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.
Location: South Milwaukee, WI
Shifts: 2nd or 3rd Shift
Bonus: $2,000 Sign-On BonusPay Progression:
Step 1: $27.93/hrStep 2: $29.09/hrStep 3: $30.26/hrShift Premium: +$1.00/hr for 2nd/3rd shift
Job Summary:
Caterpillar is hiring a Paint Specialist to support manufacturing operations at our South Milwaukee, WI facility. In this role, you will prepare and apply industrial coatings to parts, sub-assemblies, and complete machines—ensuring quality, durability, and visual standards are consistently met. You'll work in a production environment using spray equipment, paint mixing/viscosity adjustment, masking/decals, and material handling tools to deliver finished components that meet specification. At our South Milwaukee facility, you'll help build some of the largest and most powerful mining machines in the world, including Cat Electric Rope Shovels (ERS) used in mining operations globally.
Key Responsibilities:- Prepare, prime, and paint parts, sub-assemblies, and complete machines (prime and finish coats)
- Operate spray booths and maintain paint vault equipment
- Operate shot blast equipment to clean materials prior to painting
- Mix paints and adjust viscosity using thinners or heat as required
- Apply coatings evenly using spray guns or hand brushes, maintaining correct stroke, spray pattern, nozzle adjustment, and air pressure
- Apply decals and masking to meet quality standards
- Position work manually or using jib/overhead cranes
- Maintain cleanliness of paint areas, tools, and equipment
Required Qualifications:- 2+ years of industrial painting experience, including prime and finish coats
- Previous paint experience in a manufacturing environment
- Ability to determine proper sequence of operations and follow standard work instructions
- Proven ability to apply coatings evenly using spray equipment or hand brushes
- Experience operating shot blast equipment and positioning work manually or with jib/overhead cranes
- Knowledge of safety, quality, and inspection requirements in a paint environment
Preferred Qualifications:- Experience applying coatings on large components (frames, booms, cabs, etc.)Strong attention to detail and adherence to quality standards
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Willingness to work overtime as needed to meet production demands
- Experience cleaning and preparing parts using wire brushes, scrapers, solvents, and masking materials
- Proficiency mixing paints and adjusting viscosity for proper application
Additional Information:- Full-time position, 40 hours/week
- No relocation assistance available
- Pre-employment drug screen and medical evaluation required
- Please check your email (including spam/junk folders) for application updates
