Metal Fabricator

Are you a skilled metal fabricator who thrives on custom, one-off projects? Nimlok Chicago is currently seeking a motivated, self-starting professional to fill the Metal Fabricator position.

In this role, you will manage and run the day-to-day operations of our metal shop, fabricating customized aluminum and steel parts for our trade show exhibits using manual machining, milling, and welding processes. You will own the shop floor, working independently to keep production flowing on schedule.

Responsibilities

• Manage and run the day-to-day operations of the metal shop, working independently to keep production flowing on schedule.
• Process cut orders and fabricate customized parts from shop drawings, blueprints, and specifications to tight tolerances.
• Operate an end-mill machine, including performing setups, selecting tooling, and dialing in feeds and speeds for optimized, repeatable work.
• Operate the copy router, aluminum and steel saws, drill presses, table saw, band saw, sanders, hand drills, and air tools as required.
• Perform MIG and TIG welding on aluminum and steel; use the plasma cutter for steel cutting and shaping work.
• Read and interpret blueprints and shop drawings; use precision measuring tools (calipers, micrometers, squares) to verify dimensions and meet quality standards.
• Maintain metal shop inventory and proactively notify purchasing when raw materials, hardware, consumables, or tooling needs to be re-ordered.
• Manage time effectively to process orders within deadlines and communicate status to project managers and production teams.
• Assist warehouse staff with their duties as needed, including loading, unloading, and staging materials during peak show seasons.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe working environment, including routine cleaning, preventive maintenance, and consistent adherence to OSHA standards and required PPE.

Requirements

• 5 years of hands-on experience as a machinist or metal fabricator in a custom fabrication, job shop, or exhibit environment, with a proven ability to run a shop floor independently.
• Proficient operating manual metalworking equipment on aluminum and steel, including end mills, saws, drill presses, and routers.
• Skilled in MIG and TIG welding with clean, structurally sound welds; experienced with plasma cutting.
• Able to read and interpret blueprints, shop drawings, and specifications (including weld symbols and basic GD&T), with strong shop math skills and confident use of precision measuring tools such as calipers, micrometers, and squares.
• Strong attention to detail, time management, and communication skills, with the ability to coordinate effectively across project management, design, production, warehouse, and sales teams.
• Working knowledge of metal shop safety practices, OSHA standards, and required PPE.
• High school diploma or equivalent; vocational, apprenticeship, or NIMS-aligned training a plus.
• Physical ability to stand, bend, and use hands continuously throughout a shift, and to lift up to 50 lbs. regularly and 75 to 100 lbs. occasionally with assistance.