Career Area:
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.
This position is for entry level welders who are able to use the necessary equipment for MIG and TIG welding of structures, enclosures, and other components, as well as general fabrication and refurbishment, and operating equipment and heavy machinery.
Nature and Scope
An employee in this position must be able to work with their peers as well as individually, and follow directions from team leads, supervisors, and managers. They must follow work instructions and processes, weld according to part drawings, execute tasks, and assist higher level welders. Employees in this position are expected to learn from higher level employees and must ask for help and/or instruction when unsure how to handle a task.
They must have the ability to take guidance, feedback, and priority from Team Leads, Inspector, Welding Engineer, supervisor, or respective manager to continually improve performance, productivity and/or quality of completed product.
Employees in this role must pass and maintain required welding qualification tests. They must be fully able to read, comply and understand welding procedures, and must be able to climb and work from ladders, scissor/man lifts, and scaffolds.
Equipment that may need to be set up and operated to complete duties:
• Welding equipment for GTAW, GMAW, or FCAW
• Fabrication equipment such as a saw, grinder or drill press
• Measurement tools and gauges for checking work
• Forklift or crane for moving materials, tools, and equipment
• Computer for completing work orders, recording work hours, and online training
• Welding equipment and software for semi- automated or automated machines
• Other equipment that may be necessary for completion of work
Principal Accountabilities
• Comply with all of Solar’s Environmental, Health and Safety Programs, Regulations and Guidelines, Policies, procedures, and best practices; use proper PPE, proper tools, etc.
• Weld primarily per AWS D1.1, minor welding per ASME B31.3
• Clean welds including the cutting and repairing of unacceptable welds
• Ensure that the welding procedures have been followed and quality has not been compromised
• Take feedback on their work, and correct work that is not up to standard
• Provide welding/ fabrication support to other departments as needed (i.e., mock-up, rework, stud shooting, etc.)
• Participate in Lean Continuous Improvement projects and trainings on safety, quality, velocity, and cost
• Meet or exceed individual and team performance metrics for quality and on time delivery
Qualifications
• Must be able to recognize and avoid hazards and unsafe operation of equipment
• Must have experience with GMAW (MIG), FCAW (Flux Core), and/or GTAW (TIG) welding
• Must be able to certify on specified welding methods within required timeline.
• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent experience required.
• Familiarity with shop floor procedures is strongly preferred.
• Annual eye exam may be required
• Annual hearing conservation exam may be required
Employees will be required to take a welding test to demonstrate proficiency prior to being hired.
Pay Range:
$30.06– $45.09
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.
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
Sign on Bonus
* These benefits also apply to part-time employees
Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position. 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. As a global company, Caterpillar offers many job opportunities outside of the U.S which can be found through our employment website at www.caterpillar.com/careers.
Posting Dates:
May 14, 2026 - May 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

Headquartered in San Diego, California, USA, Solar Turbines Incorporated, a subsidiary of Caterpillar Inc., is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of industrial gas turbines, with more than 16,000 units and over 3 billion operating hours in over 100 countries. Products from Solar Turbines play an important role in the development of oil, natural gas and power generation projects around the world. Solar Turbines’ products include gas turbine engines (rated from 1,590 to 52,500 horsepower), gas compressors, and gas turbine-powered compressor sets, mechanical-drive packages and generator sets (ranging from 1 to 39 megawatts). Solar’s customers put the company’s products to work in many areas including production, processing and pipeline transmission of natural gas and crude oil and generation of electricity and thermal energy for processing applications, such as manufacturing chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and food products.
Solar’s foundation is people and Solar’s culture is one where individual contributions are valued, diversity in the workplace is encouraged, and safety is emphasized in all aspects of the business. Solar Turbines, founded in 1927, is comprised of a dedicated and multi-talented workforce of more than 8,000 employees with decades of experience working as a global team.