Jean began her Caterpillar story over 30 years ago in Decatur as a UT Inspector on second shift, initially joining as a contract employee. What she expected to be a short-term résumé booster quickly became the start of a lifelong career spanning weld inspection, structures design, welding quality, and nondestructive testing (NDT) expertise. Within a year, she was hired full-time, bought a home, and settled into a path that would take her across the world. These are her top tips for growing your career in the welding industry:
Invest in Continuous Learning — Even When It’s Hard
Jean’s career is defined by ongoing education. After earning a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, she returned for an associate degree in NDT and later completed Caterpillar’s Six Sigma Green Belt and Black Belt programs. She also earned ASNT Level III certifications and a Certified Quality Auditor credential.
Some of this happened during incredibly busy seasons while traveling, supporting facilities, and even helping develop supplier networks.
For welders, inspectors, and technicians, this means:
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Pursuing formal certifications (CWI, ASNT Level II/III, etc.)
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Learning emerging technologies like automation, robotics, or advanced NDT methods
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Staying updated on standards and specifications
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Seeking out hands on training whenever possible
Continuous learning builds confidence, credibility, and opportunity.
Say Yes to Experiences — They Build Your Career Story
Jean didn’t follow a rigid plan. She embraced opportunities as they arose: training technicians in Mexico, supporting new suppliers, taking on field investigations, leading capital projects and eventually helping shape Caterpillar’s global weld quality and gap analysis programs.
Each experience expanded her skill set and made her the kind of technical professional people seek out.
For others in welding or NDT:
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Volunteer for shop trials or pilot programs
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Join improvement teams
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Try unfamiliar equipment or inspection methods
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Get involved in audits or quality reviews
Every experience becomes part of your toolkit.
Observe and Learn from Your Environment — Every Facility Has Something to Teach You
Jean’s global work exposed her to dozens of facilities and suppliers, where she learned the importance of being observant, open-minded and willing to learn from the teams and processes around you.
For welders, inspectors, and technicians, this could look like:
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Watching how experienced operators approach a difficult weld
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Learning from maintenance teams or quality specialists
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Asking “why” a process is set up the way it is
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Paying attention to common challenges or rework patterns
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Sharing tips with teammates and absorbing theirs in return
Why this matters:
Some of the most powerful career development comes from staying curious at the facility level: watching, listening and continually fine-tuning your craft.
Network—and Be Kind. People Move, and So Will You.
Jean emphasizes the importance of relationships. Over the years, she’s met countless colleagues who later became leaders, mentors, collaborators, or resources she could call for support. She notes that Caterpillar’s rotational culture means the people around you today may return in more senior roles later.
What this looks like in practice:
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Ask questions and learn from experienced welders
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Offer help when someone is learning something new
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Stay professional and supportive, especially with rotating employees
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Keep in touch with colleagues who move to other teams or facilities
Your network becomes one of your greatest career assets.
Share What You Learn and Lift Others Up
Jean has spent years training, mentoring and helping others in welding and NDT succeed. She encourages experienced professionals to invest in newcomers—documenting processes, sharing expertise, and building the next generation of technical talent.
That means:
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Taking time to teach
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Explaining “why,” not just “how”
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Encouraging those who are early in their careers
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Helping others avoid the struggles you’ve already solved
A Career Built on Curiosity, Courage and Care
Jean shows us what’s possible when you stay curious, take opportunities as they come, build relationships and continually grow your skills. Her journey is a roadmap for anyone in the welding space looking to build a meaningful, long-term career.
Jean’s story is proof that the path forward is filled with limitless possibilities. Find your next opportunity with us.
