Jobs and Careers

Industrial Paint Specialist

Caterpillar Inc.

South Milwaukee, United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 2 Jun 2026

💰 $60,520/yr($55,860/yr – $60,520/yr)

About the role

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.

Industrial Paint Specialist

Location: South Milwaukee, WI

Shifts: 2nd or 3rd Shift

Bonus: $2,000 Sign-On Bonus

Pay Progression:

Step 1: $27.93/hr
Step 2: $29.09/hr
Step 3: $30.26/hr
Shift Premium: +$1.00/hr for 2nd/3rd shift

Job Summary

Caterpillar 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 Responsibilities

Prepare, prime, and paint parts, sub‑assemblies, and complete machines (prime and finish coats)
Operate spray booths and maintain paint vault equipment
Operate shot blast equipment to clean materials prior to painting
Mix paints and adjust viscosity using thinners or heat as required
Apply coatings evenly using spray guns or hand brushes, maintaining correct stroke, spray pattern, nozzle adjustment, and air pressure
Apply decals and masking to meet quality standards
Position work manually or using jib/overhead cranes
Maintain cleanliness of paint areas, tools, and equipment

Required Qualifications

2+ years of industrial painting experience, including prime and finish coats
Previous paint experience in a manufacturing environment
Ability to determine proper sequence of operations and follow standard work instructions
Proven ability to apply coatings evenly using spray equipment or hand brushes
Experience operating shot blast equipment and positioning work manually or with jib/overhead cranes
Knowledge of safety, quality, and inspection requirements in a paint environment

Preferred Qualifications

Experience applying coatings on large components (frames, booms, cabs, etc.)
Strong attention to detail and adherence to quality standards
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Willingness to work overtime as needed to meet production demands
Experience cleaning and preparing parts using wire brushes, scrapers, solvents, and masking materials
Proficiency mixing paints and adjusting viscosity for proper application

Additional Information

Full‑time position, 40 hours/week
No relocation assistance available
Pre‑employment drug screen and medical evaluation required
Please check your email (including spam/junk folders) for application updates

Apply Today

Join 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 emp