Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) – Flux Cored Arc Welding
South Milwaukee, WI - USA
Job Summary
Career Area:
OperationsJob Description:
Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.
When you join Caterpillar yourejoining 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 dontjust 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.
Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) Flux Cored Arc Welding
Location: Caterpillar Manufacturing Facility South Milwaukee WI
Shift: 3rd Shift
Sign-On & Retention Bonus:Up to$2000
Hourly Pay:
$31.79/ Base Pay
$1.62/hr with PT/MT Certification
$3.23/hr with UT Level 1 Certification
$1.00/hr Shift Premium for 3rd Shift
About Caterpillar South Milwaukee
When you join Caterpillar youre joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do but about each other. We are the makers problem solvers and future world builders creating stronger more sustainable communities. We dont 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.
At our South Milwaukee facility youll support the production of some of the largest and most powerful mining machines in the world. This site specializes in the manufacture of Cat Electric Rope Shovels (ERS) used in mining operations globally leveraging advanced welding and fabrication technologies.
Job Summary
As a Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) at Caterpillars South Milwaukee manufacturing facility you will serve as a technical authority for weld quality and compliance on large complex welded structures.
This role is heavily focused on Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) processes supporting the manufacture of Cat Electric Rope Shovels (ERS) used in global mining operations. You will perform inprocess and final inspections validate weld procedures and partner with welding engineering and quality teams to ensure structural integrity safety and adherence to AWS and Caterpillar standards.
This is a handson productionfloor role ideal for experienced CWIs who thrive in heavy manufacturing environments. Your expertise directly impacts product reliability operator safety and customer trust.
Key Responsibilities
Perform inprocess final and audit inspections of welded components with a strong focus on FCAW welds
Inspect large structural weldments for compliance with AWS D1.1 engineering drawings WPS and Caterpillar quality standards
Verify welder qualifications welding parameters joint fitup preheat/interpass temperatures and postweld conditions
Identify weld discontinuities and defects; document findings and drive corrective actions with production and engineering teams
Support root cause analysis and continuous improvement initiatives related to weld quality and rework reduction
Partner closely with Manufacturing Engineering Welding Engineering and Production teams on process optimization
Ensure compliance with OSHA safety requirements and Caterpillar safety policies
Maintain accurate inspection records and quality documentation within manufacturing systems
Provide technical guidance and mentoring to welding operators and inspectors as needed
Required Qualifications
Active Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification (AWS)
Demonstrated experience inspecting Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) in a manufacturing or heavy fabrication environment
Strong knowledge of welding symbols blueprints WPS/PQR documentation and inspection methods
Handson experience with visual inspection and weld quality evaluation of heavy plate and structural weldments
Understanding of welding metallurgy defect identification and weld acceptance criteria
Ability to work independently on 3rd shift in a production environment
Strong documentation communication and problemsolving skills
Preferred Qualifications
Experience supporting large complex welded structures (mining construction or heavy equipment)
Exposure to automated or robotic welding systems
Familiarity with Caterpillar Production System (CPS) Lean or continuous improvement tools
Proficiency using Microsoft Office and manufacturing quality systems
Previous experience in highmix lowvolume manufacturing environments
How to Apply
Ready to help shape the future of welded manufacturing at Caterpillar Apply today and become part of a team that builds the equipment powering industries around the world.
Note: Please check your email (including spam/junk folders) regularly for updates throughout the hiring process.
Summary Pay Range:
$26.89 - $29.14Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors job level market locationjob-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 benefits
Life Insurance
Parental leave
Adoption benefits
Tuition Reimbursement
* These benefits also apply to part-time employees
Posting Dates:
April 17 2026 - May 3 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.
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Required Experience:
IC
About Company
Caterpillar is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial turbines and diesel-electric locomotives.