Structural Welder

Welder Structural Steel Fabrication

This role focuses on flux core MIG welding and structural steel fabrication for bridge components up to 1/2" thick. You will work directly from blueprints to complete full layouts and fabrication, using a variety of shop equipment in addition to welding. The position offers the opportunity to grow into a lead welder role for someone who demonstrates strong technical skills, initiative, and the ability to work independently.

Responsibilities

• Perform flux core MIG welding on structural steel bridge components up to 1/2" thick.
• Read and interpret blueprints to complete full layouts and associated fabrication tasks.
• Set up and execute structural welds, including vertical welding, to meet quality and safety standards.
• Operate overhead and jib cranes as needed to move and position materials safely.
• Use additional fabrication equipment such as band saws, drill presses, stud welders, and grinders to complete projects.
• Work throughout the shop rather than in a fixed weld bay, moving between stations to support bridge fabrication.
• Crawl under materials and weld in awkward or confined positions as required by the project.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area and follow all safety procedures and shop guidelines.
• Demonstrate the ability to work independently, determining what needs to be done without constant direction.
• Support and potentially lead other welders and fabricators over time, contributing to training and workflow coordination.
• Successfully complete required weld tests, including 3F, 4F, and 3G tests, to validate welding proficiency.

Essential Skills

• Strong structural welding experience with flux core MIG processes.
• Proficiency in flux core MIG welding, including wire feed and structural welding techniques.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints for structural steel fabrication and layout.
• Experience with vertical welding, including 3G vertical up welds.
• Ability to pass a 3G vertical up weld test on 7/8" plate with full penetration, verified by X-ray inspection.
• Ability to pass 3F and 4F weld tests within the first few days of employment.
• Ability to pass a 3G weld test within the first month of employment.
• Demonstrated potential to serve as a lead welder, including taking initiative and supporting others.
• Ability to work independently and determine priorities without constant supervision.
• Willingness to learn and adapt to different tasks and equipment.
• Physical ability to consistently lift up to 50 lbs, kneel, stoop, and crawl on a regular basis.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Blueprint reading experience specifically related to structural steel fabrication.
• Previous experience as a lead welder or in a lead capacity in a fabrication or welding environment.
• Experience using overhead and jib cranes in a fabrication shop.
• Hands-on experience with band saws, drill presses, stud welders, and grinders in a structural steel setting.
• Background in structural steel flux core welding for bridges or similar large-scale projects.

Why Work Here?

You join a structural fabrication shop where your skills directly impact high-profile projects and where strong performance can lead to expanded responsibilities and leadership opportunities. The environment rewards initiative, independence, and a willingness to learn, giving you room to grow your technical expertise and advance your career. In addition, you have the potential to earn a yearly bonus, recognizing your contribution to the shop's success.

Work Environment

You will work in a small structural fabrication shop that focuses on steel bridge components. The facility does not have air conditioning and can become warm and messy, reflecting a busy, hands-on production environment. You will use a range of equipment, including flux core MIG welding machines, overhead and jib cranes, band saws, drill presses, stud welders, and grinders. The role involves frequent movement around the shop, working under materials, and welding in awkward positions. Shifts include a first shift from 5:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and a second shift from 4:00 p.m. to 2:30 a.m., with two paid 15-minute breaks and a 30-minute unpaid lunch.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Shakopee, MN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $28.00 - $33.00/hr.

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 Shakopee, MN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 19, 2026.

About Aerotek

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies' construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.