Welder/Fabricating Mechanic

SCOPE

The Welder / Fabricator is responsible for fabricating, repairing, and maintaining stainless steel equipment, structural components, and production machinery used in making product. This role supports production by ensuring all fabrication work meets food safety standards, sanitary design requirements, and plant maintenance needs.  The Welder will weld, cut, and braze metal pieces and products by using flame-cutting and hand welding equipment.

PRINCIPLE ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Support without hesitation General Plant Safety, Food Safety, Food Defense Initiatives and Good Manufacturing Practices with an understanding that these are absolutes and are Priority #1.

• Plans details of work order procedures; gathers required tools and materials based on instructions and specifications provided for the job.
• Fabricate, weld, and assemble stainless steel components used in bakery production equipment, conveyors, racks, and support structures.
• Perform TIG, MIG, and stick welding on stainless steel, mild steel, and aluminum materials.
• Repair damaged bakery equipment, including mixers, conveyors, ovens, pans, racks, and piping using cutting, burning, and welding techniques and equipment.
• Monitors the welding, burning, and fitting process to ensure parts are not overheated or damaged by warping, distortion, expansion, or shrinkage.
• Modify existing equipment to improve production efficiency or meet operational requirements.
• Prepares, assembles, and tacks weld parts and surfaces to be welded.
• Interpret blueprints, schematics, and fabrication drawings to complete projects accurately.
• Ensure all fabricated equipment meets food safety and sanitary welding standards for food manufacturing.
• Grind, polish, and finish welds to maintain hygienic surfaces suitable for food production.
• Work closely with the maintenance and engineering teams to support plant projects and equipment upgrades.
• Maintain welding equipment, tools, and fabrication shop area.
• Follow OSHA safety regulations and food safety policies (GMPs).
• Assist with installation of new bakery equipment and production lines.
• Notifies supervisor when faulty equipment or defective materials are discovered.
• Completes mechanical work available when welding/fabricating responsibilities are not in need.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS

• Strong knowledge and experience in TIG welding as well as MIG welding.
• Thorough understanding of machines and tools used in welding including but not limited to designs, uses, maintenance and repair.
• Must have knowledge, experience and ability to weld steel, aluminum and stainless-steel using Arc, Tig, and Mig welding methods.
• Knowledge of metal cutting, grinding, and finishing
• Knowledge of fabrication layouts and measurements
• Basic understanding of design techniques, principles, and tools necessary for the precise production of technical plans, drawings, models and blueprints.
• Excellent ability to read and listen to assignments given in a variety of forms.
• Basic understanding of mathematics as it relates to welding assignments.
• Mechanical aptitude
• Ability to Problem-solve and troubleshoot equipment.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Completion of a formal apprenticeship in welding or metal fabrication.
• Minimum 2–5 years welding/fabrication experience, preferably in food manufacturing, bakery, or industrial environments.
• Experience with stainless steel sanitary welding strongly preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and blueprints.
• Knowledge of GMP, food safety, and sanitary design standards.
• Must be able to weld components that are vertical, flat, or overhead. 
• Must have enough manual dexterity and stability as required for precision work.
• Must be able to see details at close range.
• Must be able to traverse facilities and machinery by climbing, balancing, lifting, walking, stooping, and carrying materials.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs or more and work in production environments.
• May require working nights, weekends, or overtime depending on production needs.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Work requires periods of physical strain such as long periods of sitting, standing, bending, pushing, pulling and lifting overhead. Must be able to lift approximately 50 pounds over head.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Working around power equipment, slippery floors and dusty areas.  Very hot conditions in some areas during summer season.  Protective clothing such as uniform, gloves and slip resistant shoes are required.  Requires use of welding specific PPE including welding shields, gloves, and safety equipment.

Salary : $30 - $34