Industrial Pipefitting Mechanic (Journeylevel) - Tonawanda

Job Description

Job Description

Shape the heartbeat of manufacturing in Tonawanda

At General Motors, our Mechanical Journeylevel Pipefitters keep complex systems running smoothly. Picture a typical day: you start with a quick safety huddle, then move from diagnosing a high-speed CNC spindle coolant issue to laying out a new process piping run. By mid-shift, you’re interpreting a conveyor blueprint, fabricating a precision T-set, and rigging equipment for a controlled lift. You’ll operate with minimal supervision, exercising seasoned judgment to solve problems fast—and right.

• Follow established safety procedures in accordance with OSHA and GM standards.
• Maintain, dismantle, repair, and replace mechanical and hydraulic components (bearings, seals, details, carriers, etc.) across industrial assets: shafting, motors, generators, air compressors, engines, pumps, cylinders, gears, couplings, linkages, ball screws, high-speed CNC spindles, coolant systems/filters, and combustion equipment/valves.
• Lay out, assemble, fabricate, maintain, and repair industrial piping systems.
• Use hand and power tools to measure, cut, thread, groove, bend, solder, assemble, join, and install pipe, valves, and fittings.
• Read/interpret blueprints for conveyor systems, material handling, robots, and automation equipment.
• Operate mobile equipment such as forklifts, vertical lifts, and cranes; determine load requirements and rigging methods for safe lifts.
• Set up and run conventional and CNC machines (lathes, mills, grinders) to achieve precise dimensions and finishes.
• Fabricate punches, tools, steel rule tools, and T-sets to exact specifications.
• Plan fabrication sequences using blueprints, sketches, or models.
• Verify quality—dimensions, alignment, clearances—using calipers, gauge blocks, micrometers, and dial indicators to ensure defect-free parts.

• Hands-on familiarity with planned maintenance systems and predictive technologies.
• Exposure to industrial robotics, automation, and conveyance systems.

• Six (6) or more years in a Mechanical trade (millwright, pipefitter, toolmaker, machine repair) or a U.S. Department of Labor Certificate of Completion in one of those trades.
• Age 18+ and able to work flexible schedules (day/afternoon/night), including daily overtime, weekends, and holidays with short notice.
• Comfort with a unionized, team-oriented environment; current GM employees under a collective bargaining agreement should contact local HR/LR for placement options.

• Respond quickly to safety instructions, alarms, and signals.
• Stand and work for extended periods; navigate a busy industrial setting.
• Wear required personal protective equipment.
• Bend, twist, kneel, crouch, and reach; occasionally sit.
• Lift or carry up to 50 lbs. (department dependent).
• Drive mobile equipment as needed.

This role may be filled as a Journeyperson or Journeyperson In Training. The compensation ranges for a JIT include ($38.55 - $44.97) or the Journeyperson rate of $45.89. Certificates/credentials and interview scoring determine status and pay. GM UAW hourly employment offers competitive pay and benefits, plus an annual incentive payout for eligible employees. Relocation and travel expenses are the applicant’s responsibility.

Must be able to satisfactorily complete the General Motors hiring process requirements which includes comprehensive assessments, drug testing, and a background check

Eligible to work in the United States

GM DOES NOT PROVIDE IMMIGRATION-RELATED SPONSORSHIP FOR THIS ROLE. DO NOT APPLY FOR THIS ROLE IF YOU NEED OR WILL NEED GM IMMIGRATION SPONSORSHIP TO WORK OR TO REMAIN EMPLOYED AT GM (e.g., H-1B, TN, STEM OPT, etc.).

Please note – per the labor agreement between GM and the UAW, GM may share information and documentation relating to the credentials of applicants for this position (e.g., resumes, journeyperson cards, interview notes, certificates, etc.) with UAW personnel who have a need to know as part of their role on the UAW skilled trades team.