Industrial Paint Specialist

Career Area:OperationsJob 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.Industrial Paint SpecialistLocation: South Milwaukee, WIShifts: 2nd or 3rd ShiftBonus: $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 shiftJob SummaryCaterpillar 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.When you join Caterpillar, you’re joining a global team that 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—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.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 ResponsibilitiesPrepare, prime, and paint parts, sub‑assemblies, and complete machines (prime and finish coats)Operate spray booths and maintain paint vault equipmentOperate shot blast equipment to clean materials prior to paintingMix paints and adjust viscosity using thinners or heat as requiredApply coatings evenly using spray guns or hand brushes, maintaining correct stroke, spray pattern, nozzle adjustment, and air pressureApply decals and masking to meet quality standardsPosition work manually or using jib/overhead cranesMaintain cleanliness of paint areas, tools, and equipmentRequired Qualifications2+ years of industrial painting experience, including prime and finish coatsPrevious paint experience in a manufacturing environmentAbility to determine proper sequence of operations and follow standard work instructionsProven ability to apply coatings evenly using spray equipment or hand brushesExperience operating shot blast equipment and positioning work manually or with jib/overhead cranesKnowledge of safety, quality, and inspection requirements in a paint environmentPreferred QualificationsExperience applying coatings on large components (frames, booms, cabs, etc.)Strong attention to detail and adherence to quality standardsAbility to work independently and as part of a teamWillingness to work overtime as needed to meet production demandsExperience cleaning and preparing parts using wire brushes, scrapers, solvents, and masking materialsProficiency mixing paints and adjusting viscosity for proper applicationAdditional InformationFull‑time position, 40 hours/weekNo relocation assistance availablePre‑employment drug screen and medical evaluation requiredPlease check your email (including spam/junk folders) for application updatesApply TodayJoin a company that values your skills, supports your growth, and rewards your hard work.Please ensure you frequently check the email account you provided on your application, including the junk/spam folder, as this is the primary correspondence method in our recruiting process. Caterpillar 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  Summary Pay Range:$26.86 - $33.57Compensation 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. 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 benefitsLife InsuranceParental leaveAdoption benefitsTuition Reimbursement       * These benefits also apply to part-time employees        Posting Dates:June 2, 2026 - July 2, 2026Any 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.