Summer Student Trainee - Manufacturing Operations Support

Career Area:

Business Services

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 EPD

Caterpillar's Electric Power Division (EPD) offers integrated solutions, parts, and services to meet the needs of our various commercial and industrial electric power customers. EPD supports a wide range of customer applications across the globe, including providing back-up power to hospitals, providing emergency power when natural disasters strike, and supporting critical infrastructure for data centers, municipalities, and more. With a rich history of more than 95 years in the electric power business, our team has world-class expertise and a proven ability to adapt to changing demands.

We're committed to providing sustainable and reliable solutions to our customers. Join our team to help build a better, more sustainable world for future generations!

Job Summary

The Electric Power Division offers a unique part‑time Summer Student Trainee experience for high school students seeking exposure to manufacturing operations. Students will rotate through assembly, wiring, mechanical tasks, and production support while learning how products are built and how operations function. The role may also include experience with administrative or business operations tasks that support daily production. This program provides hands‑on learning, mentoring, and opportunities to explore future careers in production, technical fields, operations, or business support.

What You Will Do:

* Participate in workflows across assembly, wiring, mechanical, and production support areas to gain a broad understanding of manufacturing operations.

* Shadow experienced technicians and operations staff to learn hands‑on production techniques, build processes, and shop‑floor workflows.

* Assist with documenting standard work, maintaining production records, and supporting daily operational activities.

* Support basic mechanical or wiring tasks under supervision to build familiarity with technical aspects of production.

* Contribute to operational improvement activities, including workflow organization, inventory checks, or process documentation updates.

* Gain exposure to operations administration, including production scheduling, documentation control, and use of technical libraries or administrative systems (as applicable).

* Help the team prepare reports or data summaries related to production performance, safety observations, or process updates.

* Work collaboratively with cross‑functional teams to understand the connection between shop‑floor activities and business operations.

* Assist with small projects that support efficiency, communication, or organization within production or operations teams.

What

You Will Have:

* Eligibility as a full-time high school junior or senior who is at least 16 years of age

* A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8 on a 4.0 scale

* An understanding of basic safety practices (with all safety gear provided)

* Strong communication and teamwork skills

* Reliable transportation to and from the facility

What Will Put You Ahead:

* Completion of engineering, STEM, or technical coursework.

* Participation in extracurricular activities related to manufacturing, trades, or STEM.

* Enrollment in dual‑credit, honors, or Advanced Placement courses.

* Interest or coursework in business, operations, or related fields.

Physical Requirements

* The ability to occasionally lift parts up to 20 lbs. individually or up to 50 lbs. with a team lift

* The ability to bend, reach, and squat while performing tasks

* The ability to wear required personal protective equipment for assigned tasks

* The ability to work in an environment with frequently changing temperatures

* The ability to stand and/or sit for extended periods…