Fabricator

Fabricator

This role focuses on the fabrication and assembly of aircraft floats used to convert airplanes into seaplanes for passenger service, tourism, and fire-fighting operations worldwide. Depending on your experience, you will perform increasingly complex fabrication tasks, receive structured training, and have clear opportunities for advancement. This is a hands-on position with no welding involved, working on unique aviation products in a relaxed, family-oriented environment on a 1st-shift 4/10 schedule.

Responsibilities

• Perform simple fabrication and assembly of aircraft floats under the guidance of more experienced fabricators.
• Form materials to match blueprint specifications or sample parts by following detailed instructions.
• Operate equipment and use common hand tools to manufacture and assemble parts according to specifications.
• Inspect all parts for cleanliness and defects, ensuring quality standards are met.
• Keep the Production Supervisor informed of work status, workload, issues, and progress related to assigned tasks.
• Record time accurately in ERP software and sign off work orders for each process of assembly.
• Follow procedures that support compliance with FAA regulations and other applicable standards.
• For Senior Fabricator level: select appropriate raw materials and prefabricated parts to perform moderately complex fabrication and assembly of aircraft parts and assemblies.
• For Senior Fabricator level: verify that parts and assemblies conform to industry and company standards and provide feedback to less experienced workers.
• For Senior Fabricator level: interpret specifications, drawings, and sample parts to determine machine adjustments and material processing requirements.
• For Senior Fabricator level: identify and perform the processes needed for fabrication and assembly, ensuring proper sequence and technique.
• For Senior Fabricator level: inspect all parts and assemblies for cleanliness and conformity, and notify the Production Supervisor of any non-conformities for corrective action.
• For Senior Fabricator level: maintain traceability of materials and parts issued to jobs and return unused material through proper procedures.
• For Senior Fabricator level: follow engineering drawings and specifications to install, connect, or bond aircraft parts using adhesives, rivets, or threaded fasteners.
• For Senior Fabricator level: prepare and use jigs or fixtures to aid in locating, bonding, or drilling aircraft parts.

Essential Skills

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• For Senior Fabricator level: 1-year technical diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Prior experience in assembly and fabrication preferred.
• For Senior Fabricator level: minimum of three years of related experience in assembly and fabrication strongly preferred.
• Proficiency in working with hand tools and performing common metal shop tasks.
• Ability to use hand tools such as files, hammers, and snips, and power tools such as sanders, drills, riveters, and grinders.
• Ability to read and work from blueprints and follow detailed specifications.
• Basic fabrication skills including measuring, cutting, forming, and assembly.
• Ability to use a tape measure and perform accurate measurements using decimals and fractions.
• Ability to lift and move up to 10 pounds regularly, up to 25 pounds frequently, and up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Capability to stand, walk, and use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls for extended periods.
• Ability to reach with hands and arms and to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl as needed for fabrication tasks.
• Strong close vision to see small parts and detailed information, with peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Ability to understand, speak, and effectively communicate in English, including following oral and written instructions.
• Ability to understand and complete written or verbal instructions and manage problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.
• Ability to learn to safely and properly use the tools and equipment required for assigned parts and processes.
• Commitment to conforming to applicable FAA and other regulatory requirements in all aspects of the work.
• Ability to work as an effective and proactive team player, demonstrating flexibility and a positive, helpful approach when switching priorities.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Interest in the aviation industry and working on unique aircraft products.
• Comfort working in a metal fabrication environment using a variety of tools and equipment.
• Willingness to receive training and take on more complex tasks as skills develop.
• Ability to provide guidance and feedback to less experienced team members at the Senior Fabricator level.
• Strong attention to detail and quality, with a focus on cleanliness and conformity of parts and assemblies.
• Familiarity with ERP or similar software systems to record time and track work orders is beneficial.
• Ability to maintain material traceability and follow established procedures for handling and returning materials.

Why Work Here?

You will join a family-owned organization with a relaxed, supportive work environment and a strong focus on teamwork. The company offers a stable 1st-shift 4/10 schedule that supports work-life balance, along with meaningful cross-training that helps you build new skills across different fabrication processes. There is clear room for growth, with opportunities to advance into more complex work and Senior-level responsibilities as you gain experience. You will contribute to innovative aviation products that support passenger service, tourism, and fire-fighting operations around the world, giving your work a sense of purpose and impact.

Work Environment

The role is based in a clean, well-organized metal fabrication shop dedicated to building aircraft floats. The environment can become loud when machines or certain tools are in use, and you will regularly work with metal fabrication equipment, hand tools, and power tools such as sanders, drills, riveters, and grinders. The position follows a 1st-shift, 4/10 schedule, Monday through Thursday, from 6:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You will move around the plant area throughout the day, standing and walking for extended periods while performing hands-on fabrication and assembly tasks in a production setting.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of South Saint Paul, MN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $47000.00 - $64500.00/yr. Wipaire provides a comprehensive benefits package to our employees. Medical insurance with several plan options & vision coverage Dental insurance Life insurance benefit paid for by Wipaire Additional life insurance and supplemental insurance coverage Short term disability benefit paid for by Wipaire Long term disability insurance Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays Employee Assistance Program 401k plan with employer match Flexible Savings Account plan Education Reimbursement Paid Military Leave

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in South Saint Paul, MN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 13, 2026.