Mig Welder

MIG Welder / Fabricator

This role focuses on fabricating and welding a wide variety of small to large sheet metal and structural steel products, including guards, chutes, covers, conveyors, tanks, frames, and flumes. You will work with materials ranging from 14-gauge through 1/4-inch carbon steel plate and stainless steel, using MIG welding processes, blueprint reading, and various fabrication tools to produce high-quality, finished parts.

Responsibilities

• Operate MIG welding machines to weld sheet metal and structural steel components, ensuring proper fusion of metals.
• Regulate welding current, voltage, gas flow, and pressures to achieve strong, consistent welds on carbon steel and stainless steel materials from 14-gauge through 1/4 inch.
• Select appropriate materials and metal gauge based on job specifications and engineering requirements.
• Work from engineering drawings, layouts, blueprints, sketches, samples, prototypes, and verbal instructions to meet general and detailed requirements.
• Read and interpret blueprints accurately to determine dimensions, weld symbols, and fabrication details.
• Fit and assemble parts prior to welding to ensure proper alignment, fit-up, and structural integrity.
• Use tape measures and other measuring tools to verify dimensions and tolerances throughout the fabrication process.
• Perform grinding operations to remove slag, burrs, and sharp edges using portable grinders or sanders, producing smooth, finished surfaces.
• Use various hand tools and power tools to complete and refine fabricated products.
• Inspect finished parts for quality, accuracy, and conformance to specifications, and clearly mark part numbers on completed components.
• Handle and move parts, assemblies, and raw materials using forklifts or overhead cranes in a safe and controlled manner.
• Maintain a clean, organized work area and follow safety procedures and guidelines at all times.
• Collaborate with team members and supervisors to meet production schedules and support continuous improvement in fabrication and welding processes.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience operating MIG welding machines in a fabrication or manufacturing environment.
• Ability to regulate welding current, voltage, gas flow, and pressures for proper metal fusion.
• Demonstrated proficiency welding carbon steel and stainless steel from 14-gauge through 1/4-inch thickness.
• Strong MIG welding skills, including set-up, operation, and basic troubleshooting of welding equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, layouts, and weld symbols.
• Competence using tape measures and other measuring tools to verify dimensions and ensure accuracy.
• Experience with fitting and assembling components prior to welding.
• Skill in grinding and finishing, including removal of slag, burrs, and sharp edges using portable grinders or sanders.
• Ability to use various hand tools and power tools safely and effectively.
• Capability to operate a forklift or overhead crane to move parts and materials, following safety protocols.
• Attention to detail and ability to inspect finished parts for quality and accuracy.
• Ability to follow verbal instructions and work independently as well as part of a team.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience fabricating a range of products such as guards, chutes, covers, conveyors, tanks, frames, and flumes.
• Experience working with both sheet metal and structural steel products.
• Comfort working with both carbon steel and stainless steel materials.
• Familiarity with production or job-shop environments where work comes from a variety of drawings, samples, and prototypes.
• Strong organizational skills for labeling and marking part numbers on finished parts.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including occasional Saturdays and extended shifts as needed.

Why Work Here?

Employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that supports both their financial and personal well-being, including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. A 401(k) plan with up to a 6% match, available after 60 days of employment, helps support long-term financial security. Paid vacation starts at 10 days, with an additional day added each year up to 25 days, providing increasing time for rest and balance. Employees also receive pro-rated PTO in the first year, including 3 days of paid time off plus 2 floating days, along with 8 paid holidays. The workplace culture values reliability, flexibility, and mutual support, offering a stable environment where skilled tradespeople can grow their careers and refine their craft.

Work Environment

This is a first-shift position with a typical schedule of 5:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., including a 30-minute lunch. Standard shifts are 8 hours, with the option to extend to 10 hours as needed. There is potential to work up to 8 hours on Saturdays when required, and some days may start at 6:00 a.m., so flexibility with start times and occasional weekend work is important. The facility is a well-lit building with significant character, originally built in 1906, featuring several windows that provide natural light. Temperatures inside the building may vary with the seasons and may range from hot to cold, as the environment is not always fully climate-controlled. During summer months, fans and open doors help improve airflow, and cold drinks and frozen treats are provided to help employees stay comfortable. The work area includes welding stations, fabrication equipment, grinders, and material handling equipment such as forklifts and overhead cranes, creating a hands-on, industrial setting suited for experienced welders and fabricate.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Rockford, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $25.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Rockford, IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 8, 2026.