Machinist - 3rd shift - Athens, GA

Career Area:
Operations

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.

Watch our video to see our Athens Team build top‑of‑the‑line excavators and tractors.

• Follow documented procedures, standard work, routings, and blueprints to perform safe and defect‑free operations to create and machine components.
• Set up and operate CNC equipment and tooling.
• Operate CNC vertical and horizontal machining centers.
• Position heavy fabricated metal components in machining fixtures utilizing overhead and jib cranes.
• Inspect work quality utilizing gauges, micrometers, etc.
• Set up cutting tools and inspect for wear.
• Make and update CNC machine program changes.
• Research and test various cutting tools for cycle time/cost improvements.

• Must have machining experience including the load/unload of machining work-holding fixtures OR
• Currently attending or completed a Machinist technical program (Machine Tool Technology, etc.)
• Intermediate proficiency (basic skills/knowledge; capable of functioning independently in operating inspection equipment, gauges and tools

• Willing and able to stand for prolonged periods
• Willing and able to perform repetitive operations
• Willing and able to operate lifting devices
• Willing and able to lift up to 35 lbs.

• CNC machining experience
• Mazak machining experience
• CNC horizontal and vertical milling experience
• EIA Machine programming
• Intermediate proficiency using a computer
• Further education beyond high school
• Experience in manufacturing/planning
• Intermediate proficiency working with Standard Operating Procedures or Standard Work
• Basic print‑reading ability
• Knowledge of machine centers
• Intermediate level of knowledge of technical requirements such as tolerance and fit.

Note:

Resumes are highly encouraged from all applicants. Failure to attach a resume may lead to application not being considered.

Openings available on 3rd d shift. Position includes a wage of $25.92/hour ($24.00/hour plus 8% night shift premium). Machinists can progress with experience into advanced machinist positions (up to $32.00/hour).

3rd shift:
Sunday-Friday, 11 pm - 7:10 am

Our goal at Caterpillar is for you to have a rewarding career. Here you earn more than just an hourly wage, because we value your performance, we offer a total rewards package that provides day one benefits (medical, dental, vision, RX, and 401K) along with the potential of a quarterly bonus. Additional benefits include paid holidays and paid time off (prorated based upon hire date).

• 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

January 27, 2026 - February 3, 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.

Please ensure you frequently check the e‑mail account you provided on your application, including the junk/spam folder, as this is the primary correspondence method in our recruiting process.

$24.00 - $30.00

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.