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Patternmaker Helper- Cast Metal Org. (CMO)

Caterpillar
Full-time
On-site
Illinois

Career Area:

Operations

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.

The 7F23 Patternmaker Helper position is a trainee program designed to facilitate the development of the Patternmaker skilled trades workforce within the Mapleton Foundry. The position allows employees to gain the knowledge and skills required to become a 7F13 Patternmaker. A 30-month On-The-Job Training (OJT) and Work Based Learning Program with college courses at Illinois Central College is required to graduate. Tuition, fees, and books are all covered expenses.

What You Will Learn (including but not limited to):

  • Operating conventional machines
  • Construct and repair all types of metal, wood, and plastic patterns using
  • Utilize Computer Numerical Control
  • Utilize Computer Aided Design
  • Utilize Computer Aided Manufacturing
  • Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications:

  • Knowledge and/or willingness to learn new skills
  • Good time management and analytical skills
  • Basic aptitude as demonstrated on Toolmaker aptitude test (to be scheduled)
  • Good attendance record (for current Caterpillar employees)

Top Candidates Will Also Have:

  • CNC Machining Experience
  • Programming Experience
  • CAD/CAM Experience
  • Machine Tool set up Experience
  • Tool Making Experience

Physical Requirement:

  • Ability to frequently lift and carry boxes weighing up to 35 pounds
  • Ability to stand throughout an 8 to 12-hour shift

What You Will Get:

  • Safety in words and actions. Safety is a core value at Caterpillar. We encourage and commit to safety in all processes that we do. We strive to provide a safe and secure work environment for all our employees.
  • A rewarding career. Our teams are critical to the success of our customers who build a better world. Here you earn more than just wage. Because we value your performance, we offer a total rewards package that provides:
  • Competitive base pay
  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Paid time off plan
  • 401k savings plan
  • Wellness programs
  • College credit hours. You will earn 21 credit hours while attending ICC. Each school day will be a paid 8-hour day for scheduled classes and study time. Non-school days will be spent in the Mapleton Foundry to complete OJT tasks.

Additional Information:

  • Full benefits
  • Starting salary $20.49
  • On Completion, Graduating Rate will be $25.61
  • Potential to progress into a Patternmaker role that pays $29.27 - $32.93
  • Position is in Mapleton, Illinois
  • Shift flexibility will be required during OJT (+$1.00/hr for off shift work)
  • No relocation reimbursement is offered
  • Classes start in January 2026. OJT Starts upon hire.

Salary Range- $20.49- $25.61

  • Please frequently check the email associated with your application, including the junk/spam folder, as this is the primary correspondence method. If you wish to know the status of your application – please use the candidate log-in on our career website as it will reflect any updates to your status.

Summary Pay Range:

$29.27 - $32.93

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.

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:

September 23, 2025 - October 6, 2025

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.

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