Manufacturing CPT Jobs in Illinois
Illinois is one of the Midwest's largest manufacturing hubs, home to companies like Caterpillar, Abbott Laboratories, and Illinois Tool Works that regularly bring on F-1 CPT students for engineering, operations, and supply chain roles. Chicago, Peoria, and Rockford anchor the state's manufacturing activity, giving CPT students access to internship opportunities across advanced manufacturing, medical devices, and industrial equipment.
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Get Access To All JobsCareer Area:
Students and Graduates
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.
Our Product Support and Logistics Division (PSLD) is one of the most innovative divisions within Caterpillar. In PSLD, as within all of Caterpillar, our priority is our customers and helping them build a better world. PSLD is responsible for the worldwide distribution of Cat aftermarket parts, integrated logistics, and global service to develop and support our global dealer network and customers.
The Student Trainee Program allows students the opportunity to work at Caterpillar while going to school. At Caterpillar, you will have global exposure and opportunities, deep employee and leadership development resources, and a compelling career path to make it possible to have the flexibility and excitement of a diverse career without needing to "start over" at a new company. Even while building deep expertise in one function, our employees can experience different career opportunities by moving between our many business units, locations, and product lines throughout their careers.
We are looking for a variety of dynamic, organized self-starters to join our Product Support & Logistics Division (PSLD) as a Global Dealer Learning Intern.
As Global Dealer Learning Intern, you will collaborate with a team of instructors to create learning content, prepare engines, gensets, and classrooms for technicians who attend classes at the Peoria Learning Center every week. While a significant part of this work will take place in the facility's labs, you will also spend considerable time at your desk attending meetings, working with diverse groups, and using Microsoft Office.
Additional Information:
- This role is located in Peoria, IL and does not offer relocation
- The schedule for this role is: 3 hours daily M-F between core hours of 7-11 am or 12-4 p.m.
- This role is 100% on-site with no opportunity for hybrid or remote schedules
What You Have (Required Qualifications):
- Incoming seniors attending HS (High School) within the Central Illinois area.
- Expected Graduation Date of May/June 2027
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0-4.0
- Must have reliable transportation to and from work
- Good time management
- Willing to learn and be flexible on the job
- Must have high school counselor support
- Safety & quality focused.
- Familiar with programs such as Microsoft, Excel, Outlook & PowerPoint. Able to follow documented procedures for standard work and perform work safely and without defects.
What Will Set You Apart (Preferred Qualifications):
- Good problem-solving skills, thinking through and diagnosing an issue, and offering potential solutions.
- Planning & organizational skills.
- Proficiency using Microsoft Office applications.
- Team-oriented and willing to adapt to change.
- Hands-on experience in auto/mechanics and a keen interest in mechanical and electrical engineering.
- Good communication skills and able to present work in a professional manner.
Physical Requirements (with or without reasonable accommodation):
- Ability to sit or stand for prolonged periods
- Ability to perform repetitive operations
- Ability to lift up to 35 lbs
What You Will Get:
This internship is perfect for those looking for diverse experiences. It offers opportunities to learn and apply technical skills, business practices, mechanical work, networking, and even some travel opportunities. The program aims to develop well-rounded individuals, providing skills that will be valuable throughout college and beyond.
Summary Pay Range:
$15.00 - $17.50
Intern Hourly Rate:
An intern's hourly rate is based on the major/degree being pursued and the number of completed academic hours achieved before the start of the internship.
Intern Benefits:
The total rewards package, beyond base salary, may include if eligible:
- Accrued Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Paid Holidays
- Paid Volunteer Day
- Housing Stipend
- Relocation Assistance
- Medical coverage
- Voluntary benefits
Posting Dates:
May 15, 2026 - May 29, 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.
Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.
Career Area:
Students and Graduates
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.
Our Product Support and Logistics Division (PSLD) is one of the most innovative divisions within Caterpillar. In PSLD, as within all of Caterpillar, our priority is our customers and helping them build a better world. PSLD is responsible for the worldwide distribution of Cat aftermarket parts, integrated logistics, and global service to develop and support our global dealer network and customers.
The Student Trainee Program allows students the opportunity to work at Caterpillar while going to school. At Caterpillar, you will have global exposure and opportunities, deep employee and leadership development resources, and a compelling career path to make it possible to have the flexibility and excitement of a diverse career without needing to "start over" at a new company. Even while building deep expertise in one function, our employees can experience different career opportunities by moving between our many business units, locations, and product lines throughout their careers.
We are looking for a variety of dynamic, organized self-starters to join our Product Support & Logistics Division (PSLD) as a Global Dealer Learning Intern.
As Global Dealer Learning Intern, you will collaborate with a team of instructors to create learning content, prepare engines, gensets, and classrooms for technicians who attend classes at the Peoria Learning Center every week. While a significant part of this work will take place in the facility's labs, you will also spend considerable time at your desk attending meetings, working with diverse groups, and using Microsoft Office.
Additional Information:
- This role is located in Peoria, IL and does not offer relocation
- The schedule for this role is: 3 hours daily M-F between core hours of 7-11 am or 12-4 p.m.
- This role is 100% on-site with no opportunity for hybrid or remote schedules
What You Have (Required Qualifications):
- Incoming seniors attending HS (High School) within the Central Illinois area.
- Expected Graduation Date of May/June 2027
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0-4.0
- Must have reliable transportation to and from work
- Good time management
- Willing to learn and be flexible on the job
- Must have high school counselor support
- Safety & quality focused.
- Familiar with programs such as Microsoft, Excel, Outlook & PowerPoint. Able to follow documented procedures for standard work and perform work safely and without defects.
What Will Set You Apart (Preferred Qualifications):
- Good problem-solving skills, thinking through and diagnosing an issue, and offering potential solutions.
- Planning & organizational skills.
- Proficiency using Microsoft Office applications.
- Team-oriented and willing to adapt to change.
- Hands-on experience in auto/mechanics and a keen interest in mechanical and electrical engineering.
- Good communication skills and able to present work in a professional manner.
Physical Requirements (with or without reasonable accommodation):
- Ability to sit or stand for prolonged periods
- Ability to perform repetitive operations
- Ability to lift up to 35 lbs
What You Will Get:
This internship is perfect for those looking for diverse experiences. It offers opportunities to learn and apply technical skills, business practices, mechanical work, networking, and even some travel opportunities. The program aims to develop well-rounded individuals, providing skills that will be valuable throughout college and beyond.
Summary Pay Range:
$15.00 - $17.50
Intern Hourly Rate:
An intern's hourly rate is based on the major/degree being pursued and the number of completed academic hours achieved before the start of the internship.
Intern Benefits:
The total rewards package, beyond base salary, may include if eligible:
- Accrued Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Paid Holidays
- Paid Volunteer Day
- Housing Stipend
- Relocation Assistance
- Medical coverage
- Voluntary benefits
Posting Dates:
May 15, 2026 - May 29, 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.
Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.
CPT Manufacturing Job Roles in Illinois
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Search Manufacturing Jobs in IllinoisManufacturing CPT Sponsorship Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
Which manufacturing companies in Illinois are known to sponsor F-1 CPT visas?
Large Illinois-based manufacturers including Caterpillar, Abbott Laboratories, Illinois Tool Works, Deere and Company (with significant Illinois operations), and Motorola Solutions have historically offered internship and co-op programs that accommodate F-1 CPT authorization. Mid-size manufacturers in the Chicago metro and Peoria areas also participate, though CPT sponsorship availability varies by semester, department, and whether the role meets your school's CPT requirements. Always confirm CPT eligibility with your DSO before accepting an offer.
Which cities in Illinois have the most manufacturing F-1 CPT sponsorship jobs?
Chicago and its suburbs, particularly the I-88 corridor through Downers Grove, Lisle, and Aurora, account for the largest share of manufacturing F-1 CPT opportunities in Illinois due to the concentration of corporate headquarters and research facilities. Peoria is a strong secondary market, anchored by Caterpillar's global headquarters. Rockford has a dense base of precision manufacturing and aerospace suppliers, and Decatur hosts major agribusiness and food processing operations.
What types of manufacturing roles typically qualify for F-1 CPT sponsorship in Illinois?
Roles that align directly with a student's field of study are the qualifying factor for CPT, not the job title itself. In Illinois manufacturing, that commonly includes industrial engineering, mechanical engineering, supply chain and operations management, quality assurance, process engineering, and manufacturing systems internships. Roles in R&D, product development, and automation engineering at companies like Illinois Tool Works or Abbott also tend to fit CPT requirements for engineering and applied science students.
How do I find manufacturing F-1 CPT sponsorship jobs in Illinois?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for international students and filters job listings by visa type, including F-1 CPT, and by industry, so you can search directly for manufacturing roles in Illinois without sorting through positions that don't accommodate CPT. Beyond Migrate Mate, your university's career center and on-campus recruiting events are worth attending, as Illinois schools like University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Northwestern have established relationships with major in-state manufacturers.
Are there any Illinois-specific considerations for F-1 CPT students pursuing manufacturing jobs?
Illinois does not impose state-level restrictions on F-1 CPT employment beyond federal DSO authorization requirements, but manufacturing roles in certain sectors, such as defense-adjacent suppliers or companies with export-controlled technology, may involve additional screening under federal export control regulations. Students from certain countries may face longer background check timelines. It's worth asking the employer early in the process whether the role involves export-controlled technology or security clearance prerequisites, and consulting your DSO before accepting.