Rack & Tool Maker (Welder/Fabricator) - Experienced

Rack & Tool Maker | Welder/Fabricator | Custom Fabricator | Manufacturing Maintenance Technician Location: Nico Products - Minneapolis MN Shift: 6:00am-2:00pm | Monday-Friday | + Overtime as Scheduled Pay Range: $27.00 - $35.00/hour - MUST HAVE AWS CERTIFICATION Signing Bonus: $1,500.00 (New hires only. Current employees are not eligible.) (Employment/Staffing Agencies: Please do not contact us regarding this position. We hire directly.) Build the Tools That Keep Manufacturing Moving We're looking for an experienced Welder/Fabricator who enjoys designing, building, modifying, and repairing custom toolingnot performing the same welds all day. This position combines custom fabrication, rack and fixture design, welding, tool making, and industrial maintenance to support our manufacturing operation. Every rack, fixture, and tool you build directly impacts product quality, production efficiency, and our ability to manufacture parts used in the medical, aerospace, defense, and industrial manufacturing industries. If you enjoy solving problems, building custom solutions, and seeing your work make a difference every day, we'd like to meet you. Before You Apply Please apply only if the following describes you: You enjoy custom fabrication, troubleshooting, and building one-of-a-kind solutions. You can read blueprints, technical drawings, and work orders. You have dependable attendance and understand that production depends on employees showing up every day and on time. You enjoy improving existing equipment and designing better ways to accomplish work. You work safely and take pride in producing quality craftsmanship. You're comfortable working in an active manufacturing environment that includes heat, humidity, dust, noise, and moving equipment. You're looking for long-term employment with opportunities to grow. You understand that personal mobile devices are secured during working hours and may only be accessed during scheduled breaks in designated areas due to customer and security requirements. You are available to participate in an in-person interview in Minnesota. We do not conduct virtual interviews. If you currently live outside Minnesota, you should have definite relocation plans before applying. You'll have an opportunity to explain your plans in the application questions. Position Summary The Rack & Tool Maker is responsible for designing, fabricating, modifying, repairing, and maintaining custom racks, fixtures, jigs, tooling, and related production equipment used throughout our manufacturing operation. This position also partners with the Maintenance Department to help maintain manufacturing equipment and support production uptime. Essential Responsibilities Fabricate custom racks, fixtures, jigs, tooling, and production support equipment. Perform welding, cutting, grinding, drilling, fitting, and metal fabrication. Repair and modify existing tooling to support new production requirements. Read and interpret blueprints, work orders, sketches, and technical drawings. Collaborate with Production, Engineering, Maintenance, and Quality to improve tooling and manufacturing efficiency. Inspect completed fabrication to ensure quality, durability, and proper fit. Assist the Maintenance Department with equipment repairs and projects as assigned. Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area. Follow all company safety procedures, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO). Participate in continuous improvement initiatives. Perform other duties as assigned. What Makes Someone Successful Here The people who excel in this position are creative problem-solvers who enjoy building solutions rather than repeating the same work every day. Successful candidates typically: Take pride in quality craftsmanship. Think through fabrication challenges before beginning work. Read drawings and visualize finished products. Work independently while supporting the production team. Maintain excellent attention to detail. Stay organized and manage multiple projects. Communicate well with coworkers. Continuously look for ways to improve tooling and manufacturing efficiency. Qualifications Required Current American Welding Society (AWS) Certification. High School Diploma or GED. Minimum 2 years of fabrication, welding, tool making, rack fabrication, or related manufacturing experience. Ability to read blueprints, schematics, and technical drawings. Ability to read an analog clock and tape measure. Basic math and geometry skills. Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving ability. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English. Dependable attendance. Must be a U.S. citizen or otherwise authorized to work in the United States, as required for certain customer and government-related work. Preferred Certification in metal fabrication, machining, or tool making. Industrial maintenance experience. Experience with custom tooling, fixtures, and production support equipment. Experience using common fabrication equipment and hand tools. Comfortable using computers, tablets, and Microsoft Office. Benefits Offered Medical & Insurance Two medical plan options, including one with a $0/week employee-only premium Dental Insurance Vision Insurance Life Insurance Long-Term Disability Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) Pet Insurance Employer-paid NICE Healthcare & Virtual Care Financial Benefits Quarterly Profit Sharing Attendance Rewards 401(k) with Company Contribution Employee Referral Bonus Program Paid Time Off Paid Holidays Paid Time Off (PTO) Minnesota Earned Sick & Safe Time (ESST) Paid Work Anniversary Day Additional Benefits Company Uniforms Safety Boot Program Prescription Safety Glasses Legal Insurance Identity Theft Protection Ongoing Training Career Advancement Opportunities Why Join Nico Products? Most people have never heard of the metal finishing industry before joining usand that's okay. Our work supports industries where quality matters, including medical, aerospace, defense, and industrial manufacturing. Every custom rack, fixture, and tool built by this position helps ensure our customers receive quality products on time. Whether your goal is becoming a fabrication expert, Maintenance Technician, Lead, Supervisor, Manager, or moving into another department, we'll provide opportunities to continue growing. Application & Interview Process Upload your current resume and thoughtfully answer the application questions. Your responses help us better understand your communication skills, attention to detail, and overall fit for the position. Selected applicants will be contacted by text message and/or email to schedule an interview and communicate throughout the hiring process. Because many applicants don't answer calls from unfamiliar numbers and emails may be overlooked, text messaging is our preferred method of communication for faster updates and scheduling. Text messages are used only for hiring-related communication, and applicants may opt out at any time. As part of the interview process, applicants must successfully complete a basic math assessment (10-minute time limit) before moving